Order in Worship: Tongues

Warm Up:

Have you studied a foreign language? Do you speak it fluently? What is the most difficult part of learning another language?

Exploring 1 Corinthians 14:1-25

Keep in mind that Paul’s emphasis in 1 Corinthians 12-14 is propriety and order in worship. Remember the conflicts that characterize the Corinthian church. What is the significance of the phrase, “Follow the way of love,” from chapter 14 regarding spiritual gifts? Do you think Paul is prioritizing love over seeking spiritual gifts? Why?

Discussions over the use of tongues in corporate worship often lead to divisions among believers, missing the purpose of this section of Paul’s letter. However, the interpretation of this section is the topic of much debate. Those from more charismatic backgrounds are accustomed to the public expression of the gift of tongues. Others believe tongues refer to foreign languages. According to verses 3-5, why does Paul say prophecy should take precedence over tongues? (Note: In this case, prophecy is not foretelling the future, but forth-telling the gospel for the edification of the body.)

In verses 6-12, Paul warns against using unintelligible, ecstatic language, which appeared to be an abusive practice of some within the worship services at Corinth. What was the negative effect of this practice? In their immaturity and worldliness (3:1-3) and with the context of this week’s passage, do you think the Corinthians may have been obsessed with the gift of tongues?

How does Paul illustrate in these verses that prophecy is preferable to tongues? Why does forth-telling the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit have such a great effect?

What principles do you find in this passage that are most beneficial for the church today? Should we be cautious of practices in public worship that draw attention to ourselves and confuse unbelievers in our midst?

Application:

How might you most effectively follow the “way of love” this week in the lives of others?

Think:

“When I was little, we used to play church. We’d get the chairs into rows, fight over who’d be preacher, vigorously lead the hymn singing, and generally have a great carnal time. The aggressive kids naturally wanted to be up front, directing or preaching. The quieter ones were content to sit and be entertained by the up-fronters. Occasionally we’d get mesmerized by a true sensationalistic crowd-swayer—like the girl who said, “Boo! I’m the Holy Ghost!”—but in general, if the up-fronters were pretty good, they could hold their audience for quite a while. If they weren’t so good, eventually the kids would drift off to play something else—like jump rope or jacks. Now that generation has grown up, but most of them haven’t changed too much. Every Sunday they still play church. They line up in rows for the entertainment. If it’s pretty good, their church may grow. If it’s not too hot, eventually they’ll drift off to play something else…”  - Anne Ortlund

Prayer:

List one or two prayer concerns to share with your group.