1Corinthians 14:6-25 UNDERSTANDING BY THE CHURCH Passing on the truth of God is very important. Paul made it plain that, as an apostle to whom had been given foundational truths, he had to speak so people could understand. A revelation from God is of no value if people don't know what is said. The same is true of telling personal experiences in the Christian life if people cannot relate to them in some way. In teaching things not heard before or that haven't been understood, and in reviewing doctrine that has been previously taught, those who speak must be understood by the people who listen. Otherwise, it is only sounds with no real hearing.
The illustrations used of musical instruments, a battlefield horn to give signals, and a conversation between people were how Paul, under the Spirit's guidance, pointed out what was wrong among those people in Corinth. Discordant sounds of words without understanding are negative rather than positive. Discordant music is much worse than no music at all. If a person can't play music right, don't play. The same is true of the bugler in a battle. Clear tones give clear messages. The right notes played on the battle horn mean the difference between life and death to the hearers. When one is having a conversation with another person, he or she needs to know what is being said; otherwise, the conversation is frustrating and usually does more harm than good.
Paul confronted those who were using the gift of tongues for their own self-centered purpose and - they thought - self-development. He was not speaking about heavenly languages either, because he wrote of the "many kinds of voices in the world." For anything spoken to be applied, it must first be understood. The spirit and soul of a person are both needed to intelligently pray, speak, and sing with understanding. The person who speaks must understand what he is saying himself before it can be beneficial to other people. When we understand something first ourselves, we can pass it on to other believers in the assembly for their understanding. The use of tongues was always, and still is, for the purpose of communicating truth with understanding to all who hear what is being said. The main purpose of tongues was for the benefit of God's people when those who spoke a different language had something to pass on from God. Unbelievers who listened to an unknown language without interpretation would think the people were crazy for wasting their time listening to someone they could not understand. Tongues were not a gift to be used for evangelism as a sign of God's power. They were a sign to Jews of God's judgment.
In the local assembly, the saints of God are built up as the teaching of the Word of God edifies them and helps them grow and become strong in faith and grace. It is important that what is said be understood if it is to be of any benefit to those attending the meeting. The real purpose of gifts is not for private use and personal benefit, but that the whole assembly can understand God's Word and God's will, and grow in the Lord. Yes, I can understand; it is much plainer to me now. Not only do I know what is meant, but also what, why, and how. Languages are divisive, it's true, but to those in the family of God, We have a uniting fellowship that's based on God's written Word.
If one from a different country is a brother with a message to pass on, He is able to communicate through an interpreter if one is here to be found. But if no one knows his language, then it is not right for him to speak. Edifying the saints is the reason the church comes together to meet.
If one who is not saved observes the order and wants to hear all that is said That person can grasp the truth more easily by what is spoken than by what is read. The one who is unlearned can be convinced when listening, he understands, This is God's truth to me; God is the same in every land.
"Gracious Father, there are those coming out to hear Thy Word each night. Give Thy servant the right words and the right understanding, that with the right attitude and plain speech I can speak Thy Word faithfully and plainly. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."