Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit and Order in Worship (Check here often, slow process)

[Paradise Haven]

Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14 (Check here often, slow process)​

1 Corinthians 14:1, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy,"

Underscores the paramount importance of love (charity) as the guiding principle for all spiritual pursuits. This verse is an encouragement for believers to prioritize love in their interactions and ministry, ensuring that their desire for spiritual gifts is motivated by a genuine concern for others' edification and well-being. The emphasis on prophecy is seen as an endorsement of its role in building up the church, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is speaking forth God’s word to provide insight and edification to the congregation. Thus, this verse is a call to balance the pursuit of spiritual gifts with a foundational commitment to love, using these gifts, especially prophecy, to strengthen and nurture the church community.

1 Corinthians 14:2, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries,"

Highlights the profound and personal nature of speaking in tongues as a form of communication with God. Speaking in tongues is a vital manifestation of the Holy Spirit, signifying a direct and intimate dialogue between the believer and God. This practice is seen as a deeply spiritual experience where the individual utters divine mysteries that transcend human understanding. It underscores the idea that speaking in tongues is not primarily for public edification unless interpreted, but rather for personal edification and spiritual connection with God. This aligns with the emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where speaking in tongues serves as the initial evidence of this experience,(Acts 2:1-4) reinforcing a personal and spiritual communion with the divine.

1 Corinthians 14:3, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort,"

Highlights the vital role of prophecy in the life of the church. In this context, prophecy is understood as a divine utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit, which serves three key functions: edification, exhortation, and comfort. Edification refers to building up the faith and spiritual maturity of the congregation, helping believers grow in their understanding and relationship with God. Exhortation involves encouraging and urging individuals to pursue righteous living and remain steadfast in their faith, providing motivation and guidance. Comfort denotes offering solace and reassurance, particularly in times of trial and distress, reminding believers of God's presence and promises. Prophecy is a powerful tool for ministering to the spiritual needs of the church, promoting unity, spiritual growth, and emotional support. This perspective underscores the belief that spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, are meant to be exercised in love for the benefit and strengthening of the entire church body.

1 Corinthians 14:4, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church,"

Highlights the different roles and impacts of speaking in tongues and prophesying within the Christian community. Speaking in tongues, a significant practice in worship, is seen as a personal edification experience, where the individual is spiritually uplifted and strengthened by direct communion with God. This private benefit, however, contrasts with the broader, communal benefit of prophecy. Prophesying is considered a higher gift in the context of public worship because it communicates God's message in an understandable language, thereby edifying, exhorting, and comforting the entire congregation. This verse is emphasizing the need for balance between personal spiritual growth and the edification of the church body. While speaking in tongues is highly valued for personal spiritual development, prophecy is especially esteemed for its capacity to build up the church, reinforcing the communal and interdependent nature of Christian life and worship.


These are spiritual gifts, can they be counterfeited and how would one really know if they are really authentic ?

Speaking in tongues is regarded as a genuine spiritual gift and the initial physical evidence of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, the possibility of counterfeits is acknowledged. To discern the authenticity of speaking in tongues, several criteria are emphasized. Firstly, the context in which the gift is manifested is considered crucial; authentic speaking in tongues should occur within a sincere, worshipful, and orderly environment as described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14. Secondly, the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, should be evident in the life of the individual speaking in tongues, demonstrating a genuine transformation and alignment with God’s will. Thirdly, the guidance and confirmation from church leaders and the community of believers play a vital role in discerning authenticity, as they can provide spiritual oversight and discernment. I believe that through prayer, scriptural alignment, and the witness of the Holy Spirit within the church, believers can distinguish true manifestations of speaking in tongues from counterfeits, ensuring that this spiritual gift is used for the edification of the church and the glory of God.

 

[ARBITER01]

"The emphasis on prophecy is seen as an endorsement of its role in building up the church, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy, in this context, is not merely foretelling future events but speaking forth God’s word to provide insight and edification to the congregation. "

The gift of prophesying does not provide prediction. It is not a revelation gift.

 

[Paradise Haven]

I have a question,..... why have you taken it upon yourself to teach about the gifts in a forum section of people who operate in them already? Do you think that we are somehow deficient in their understanding?

Sorry didn't mean any disrespect it is meant for those who come to this section wanting to know about the gifts. I know the Title of the forum, but never expected that everyone that comes to this section would either knows about or be Filled with the Holy Ghost. Is there a better section to post it in?

 

[ARBITER01]

Sorry didn't mean any disrespect it is meant for those who come to this section wanting to know about the gifts. I know the Title of the forum, but never expected that everyone that comes to this section would either knows about or be Filled with the Holy Ghost. Is there a better section to post it in?

I had removed this post and pasted over it with another, but this was my original thought.

On second thought, I think you should go ahead and post your material here, but your audience does have some experience in them.

 

[Paradise Haven]

"The emphasis on prophecy is seen as an endorsement of its role in building up the church, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy, in this context, is not merely foretelling future events but speaking forth God’s word to provide insight and edification to the congregation. "

The gift of prophesying does not provide prediction. It is not a revelation gift.

Let me pose a scenario:

God knows that a couple of mercenaries are going to lock up and burn a Church full of people in such a way there is no escape. Which Gift would God use to warn them? Notice also I said "is not merely" indicating prophetic revelation and speaking forth God's truth, guidance, and moral instruction for the present. Tends to almost always be the latter.

 

[Paradise Haven]

1 Corinthians 14:5, "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts in terms of their benefit to the church. Speaking in tongues is a valued gift that signifies the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. However, prophecy is considered greater because it directly communicates God’s message to the congregation in an understandable way, thereby providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction. Tongues can represent the personal and intimate communication with God, reflecting the believer’s deep connection with the divine. Prophecy, on the other hand, symbolizes the outward and communal aspect of God’s revelation, fostering unity and growth within the church body. The emphasis on interpretation underscores the necessity for clarity and edification in corporate worship, ensuring that all gifts contribute to the strengthening of the church. Through this passage, Paul advocates for the use of spiritual gifts that build up the entire community, promoting both personal and collective spiritual growth.

1 Corinthians 14:6, "Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?"

Paul is emphasizing the importance of intelligibility and edification in the church. Speaking in tongues, while a spiritual gift, does not benefit the congregation if the message is not understood. Paul stresses that communication within the church should be clear and edifying, whether through revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or doctrine, so that the whole body can be built up and encouraged. This passage highlights the necessity of meaningful and understandable communication within the Christian community. It underscores the value of spiritual gifts that contribute to the collective growth and understanding of the church, rather than those that serve only to edify the individual. Paul’s message encourages believers to prioritize the spiritual edification of the community, ensuring that all forms of communication and teaching serve to deepen the faith, knowledge, and unity of the body of Christ.

 

[ARBITER01]

Let me pose a scenario:

God knows that a couple of mercenaries are going to lock up and burn a Church full of people in such a way there is no escape. Which Gift would God use to warn them?

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge deals with current and past facts, word of wisdom deals with predictive/future events. It was the very gift used by GOD in the OT prophets that wrote scripture.

The gift of prophesying has a limitation of Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort in scripture, hence it is not a revelation gift and is not used that way by GOD.

 

[Paradise Haven]

Word of wisdom

Word of knowledge deals with current and past facts, word of wisdom deals with predictive/future events. It was the very gift used by GOD in the OT prophets that wrote scripture.

The gift of prophesying has a limitation of Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort in scripture, hence it is not a revelation gift and is not used that way by GOD.

Thank you so much for the correction and explanation. Most of the time people just want to say your wrong but never explain why or provide scripture. I have corrected my mistake in interpretation. God be Praised.

 

[ARBITER01]

1 Corinthians 14:5, "I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying."

Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual gifts in terms of their benefit to the church. Speaking in tongues is a valued gift that signifies the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. However, prophecy is considered greater because it directly communicates God’s message to the congregation in an understandable way, thereby providing guidance, encouragement, and instruction. Tongues can represent the personal and intimate communication with God, reflecting the believer’s deep connection with the divine. Prophecy, on the other hand, symbolizes the outward and communal aspect of God’s revelation, fostering unity and growth within the church body. The emphasis on interpretation underscores the necessity for clarity and edification in corporate worship, ensuring that all gifts contribute to the strengthening of the church. Through this passage, Paul advocates for the use of spiritual gifts that build up the entire community, promoting both personal and collective spiritual growth.

I have a question for you.

Have you or do you currently attend a church that operates the vocal gifts on at least a semi regular basis?

 

[ARBITER01]

Thank you so much for the correction and explanation. Most of the time people just want to say your wrong but never explain why or provide scripture. I have corrected my mistake in interpretation. God be Praised.

The Holy Spirit example of this is seen over in Acts 21,....

Act 21:9 Now this man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Act 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Act 21:11 And coming to us, and taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Why didn't GOD just use the virtuous daughters to predict the outcome to Paul? Because the gift of prophesying does not operate that way, and it took a prophet with the revelation gift of the word of wisdom operating as part of his ministry to do it.

The word of wisdom is the harder gift to identify in scripture a lot of times, but here is an example of it's operation.

 

[Paradise Haven]

I have a question for you.

Have you or do you currently attend a church that operates the vocal gifts on at least a semi regular basis?

I haven't found the right church at the present moment, which is challenging given the world we live in today. However, I was once part of a vibrant Pentecostal Church where the presence of the Holy Spirit was profoundly felt. The church frequently experienced speaking in tongues and interpretations, and I am deeply grateful for the many years I spent there. Despite moving around constantly and not actively seeking a new church home, my spiritual practices still continue. I speak in tongues, sing in tongues, and occasionally during intercessory prayer, I find myself speaking in multiple languages. There was one memorable instance where I spoke in a Native American language, despite not knowing what I was saying, obviously. These experiences reminded me of the extraordinary ways in which God works through us. God is good, and His Spirit continues to move powerfully in the world.

 

[Paradise Haven]

The Holy Spirit example of this is seen over in Acts 21,....

Act 21:9 Now this man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Act 21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
Act 21:11 And coming to us, and taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

Why didn't GOD just use the virtuous daughters to predict the outcome to Paul? Because the gift of prophesying does not operate that way, and it took a prophet with the revelation gift of the word of wisdom operating as part of his ministry to do it.

The word of wisdom is the harder gift to identify in scripture a lot of times, but here is an example of it's operation.

Thank you for the example here maybe a few more:

Acts 11:27-28, "And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar."
Acts 27:21-26, "But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island."
Entire Book of Revelation, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John."

 

[ARBITER01]

I haven't found the right church at the present moment, which is challenging given the world we live in today. However, I was once part of a vibrant Pentecostal Church where the presence of the Holy Spirit was profoundly felt. The church frequently experienced speaking in tongues and interpretations, and I am deeply grateful for the many years I spent there. Despite moving around constantly and not actively seeking a new church home, my spiritual practices still continue. I speak in tongues, sing in tongues, and occasionally during intercessory prayer, I find myself speaking in multiple languages. There was one memorable instance where I spoke in a Native American language, despite not knowing what I was saying, obviously. These experiences reminded me of the extraordinary ways in which God works through us. God is good, and His Spirit continues to move powerfully in the world.

The reason I asked was that the gifts are best learned by The Holy Spirit in that sort of environment. I attend an AOG Pentecostal church that has been very active in the gifts, active to the point of 3 tongues messages and 3 interpretation each Sunday for a while. This was around 2010 but The Holy Spirit has since scaled back His operation, most likely due to the body becoming more fleshly lately.

In such an environment, activities of The Holy Spirit with the gifts are understood better in scripture. For instance,....

1Co 14:5 Now I would have you all speak with tongues, but rather that ye should prophesy: and greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

During that time in 2010, a tongues message by The Holy Spirit provided a tangible edification to our human spirit, and the following interpretation for that message also provided the same sort of tangible edification.

This is where scripture translations can be unclear in some ways by scholars. The teaching/experience of those events places the operation of corporate speaking in tongues with interpretations as greater than the gift of prophesying. Hence that word I bolded should really be "unless" giving the slight understanding that tongues with interpretation in the assembly provides more edification than the simple gift of prophesying.

Also, with so many messages and interpretations each Sunday, the corporate gifts provided a noticeable inspiration throughout the week, hence why they are called "inspiration gifts" by the Saints of old. That is really their corporate purpose in the body of Christ. During that time the amount of revelation and teaching to me from The Holy Spirit was off the charts. I wrote so many things and read my bible so much throughout each week, it was amazing. My prayer life and closeness to GOD was just to die for.

I wanted to know if you were attempting to glean your understanding only from scripture, or if you had some actual experience with them.

 

[ARBITER01]

There was one memorable instance where I spoke in a Native American language, despite not knowing what I was saying, obviously. These experiences reminded me of the extraordinary ways in which God works through us. God is good, and His Spirit continues to move powerfully in the world.

When you spoke in that human language, was that the gift of tongues?

 

[Paradise Haven]

active in the gifts, active to the point of 3 tongues messages and 3 interpretation each Sunday for a while.

That is an impressive demonstration of the Spirit at work. According to 1 Corinthians 14:27, the maximum number of people. I recall a time in our church when three individuals delivered messages in tongues, and then a fourth person attempted to give another message. However, our pastor, who was deeply sensitive to the leading of the Spirit and committed to upholding the Word of God, gently instructed the fourth person to sit down because they were out of order. Shortly after, the interpretation came, bringing clarity and edification to the congregation. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of spiritual discernment and adherence to biblical principles. It showed me that a truly great church is one where the leadership is both attuned to the Spirit’s guidance and dedicated to following the scriptural mandate.

 

[Paradise Haven]

When you spoke in that human language, was that the gift of tongues?

Yes I believe, speaking in a human language unknown to the speaker can indeed be an example of the gift of tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes various spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, including different kinds of tongues. This gift can manifest as speaking in languages that the speaker has not learned, which can serve as a sign for unbelievers or as a means of edifying the church when interpreted. My experience of speaking in a Native American language, despite not understanding it myself, I believe aligns with the biblical description of the gift of tongues.

 

[ARBITER01]

Yes I believe, speaking in a human language unknown to the speaker can indeed be an example of the gift of tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes various spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit, including different kinds of tongues. This gift can manifest as speaking in languages that the speaker has not learned, which can serve as a sign for unbelievers or as a means of edifying the church when interpreted. My experience of speaking in a Native American language, despite not understanding it myself, I believe aligns with the biblical description of the gift of tongues.

I'll get back to you on this tomorrow.

 

[Maria Billingsley]

Exposition on 1 Corinthians 14 (Check here often, slow process)​

1 Corinthians 14:1, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy,"

Underscores the paramount importance of love (charity) as the guiding principle for all spiritual pursuits. This verse is an encouragement for believers to prioritize love in their interactions and ministry, ensuring that their desire for spiritual gifts is motivated by a genuine concern for others' edification and well-being. The emphasis on prophecy is seen as an endorsement of its role in building up the church, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy is speaking forth God’s word to provide insight and edification to the congregation. Thus, this verse is a call to balance the pursuit of spiritual gifts with a foundational commitment to love, using these gifts, especially prophecy, to strengthen and nurture the church community.

1 Corinthians 14:2, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries,"

Highlights the profound and personal nature of speaking in tongues as a form of communication with God. Speaking in tongues is a vital manifestation of the Holy Spirit, signifying a direct and intimate dialogue between the believer and God. This practice is seen as a deeply spiritual experience where the individual utters divine mysteries that transcend human understanding. It underscores the idea that speaking in tongues is not primarily for public edification unless interpreted, but rather for personal edification and spiritual connection with God. This aligns with the emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where speaking in tongues serves as the initial evidence of this experience,(Acts 2:1-4) reinforcing a personal and spiritual communion with the divine.

1 Corinthians 14:3, "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort,"

Highlights the vital role of prophecy in the life of the church. In this context, prophecy is understood as a divine utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit, which serves three key functions: edification, exhortation, and comfort. Edification refers to building up the faith and spiritual maturity of the congregation, helping believers grow in their understanding and relationship with God. Exhortation involves encouraging and urging individuals to pursue righteous living and remain steadfast in their faith, providing motivation and guidance. Comfort denotes offering solace and reassurance, particularly in times of trial and distress, reminding believers of God's presence and promises. Prophecy is a powerful tool for ministering to the spiritual needs of the church, promoting unity, spiritual growth, and emotional support. This perspective underscores the belief that spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, are meant to be exercised in love for the benefit and strengthening of the entire church body.

1 Corinthians 14:4, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church,"

Highlights the different roles and impacts of speaking in tongues and prophesying within the Christian community. Speaking in tongues, a significant practice in worship, is seen as a personal edification experience, where the individual is spiritually uplifted and strengthened by direct communion with God. This private benefit, however, contrasts with the broader, communal benefit of prophecy. Prophesying is considered a higher gift in the context of public worship because it communicates God's message in an understandable language, thereby edifying, exhorting, and comforting the entire congregation. This verse is emphasizing the need for balance between personal spiritual growth and the edification of the church body. While speaking in tongues is highly valued for personal spiritual development, prophecy is especially esteemed for its capacity to build up the church, reinforcing the communal and interdependent nature of Christian life and worship.


These are spiritual gifts, can they be counterfeited and how would one really know if they are really authentic ?

Speaking in tongues is regarded as a genuine spiritual gift and the initial physical evidence of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, the possibility of counterfeits is acknowledged. To discern the authenticity of speaking in tongues, several criteria are emphasized. Firstly, the context in which the gift is manifested is considered crucial; authentic speaking in tongues should occur within a sincere, worshipful, and orderly environment as described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14. Secondly, the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, should be evident in the life of the individual speaking in tongues, demonstrating a genuine transformation and alignment with God’s will. Thirdly, the guidance and confirmation from church leaders and the community of believers play a vital role in discerning authenticity, as they can provide spiritual oversight and discernment. I believe that through prayer, scriptural alignment, and the witness of the Holy Spirit within the church, believers can distinguish true manifestations of speaking in tongues from counterfeits, ensuring that this spiritual gift is used for the edification of the church and the glory of God.

You missed this when discerning authenticity, per Paul:
“If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpt.

 

[ARBITER01]

My experience of speaking in a Native American language, despite not understanding it myself, I believe aligns with the biblical description of the gift of tongues.

This particular aspect of scripture is one of the hardest for people to discipline themselves to. I think the way it was written in Acts 2 throws people off very easy.

Anyways,.....

1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but by The Spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Praying or speaking in tongues is not an understandable language to us. These sections of scripture are also applicable to Acts 2, there was not a change from Acts 2 to Corinthians.

I certainly believe you when you said you spoke in that language, but I disagree over what gift was involved. If it was a human language, then it was not the gift of tongues.

 

[Paradise Haven]

This particular aspect of scripture is one of the hardest for people to discipline themselves to. I think the way it was written in Acts 2 throws people off very easy.

Anyways,.....

1Co 14:2 For he that speaketh in a tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth; but by The Spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1Co 14:13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
1Co 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Praying or speaking in tongues is not an understandable language to us. These sections of scripture are also applicable to Acts 2, there was not a change from Acts 2 to Corinthians.

I certainly believe you when you said you spoke in that language, but I disagree over what gift was involved. If it was a human language, then it was not the gift of tongues.

I 100% agree with you that Acts 2 and Corinthians. I am not sure I understand what you are saying here in bold orange.