The emphasis in worship is not on interesting and impressive spiritual gifts that might divide, but rather on lovingly using spiritual gifts to explain God's Word so that everyone understands and unites. Historical note: Before the New Testament books were completed, God revealed instructions through speaking in tongues, paired with prophesying (= explaining the tongues-speaking). Later, tongues were replaced by the completed Bible. Apostles preaching without a completed New Testament were replaced by pastors preaching with a completed New Testament. There is no longer a need for either apostles or tongues, because we have the completed Bible and The Spirit. 1. Build the church! tongues were less valuable, because the understanding was for one person, not the whole church. (v.1-9) 2. Don't distract. tongues, like all gifts, must be used as God intended. Tongues must be paired with the explaining, for the understanding of all. (v.10-19) 3. Worship God together. Tongues were a temporary sign confirming to any visiting unbelievers that God was present. Nowadays hearing God's Word clearly proclaimed is what brings an awareness of God's holy presence, a conviction of sin, a call to faith, an upbuilding of faith, a unifying of the church, and the worshipping of God! (v.20-25) What is the role of tongues in the history of redemption? A blessing/ judgment at Babel/Pentecost? Gen.11:1-9, Acts 2:4-11 When did people did not listen to God through tongues? Is.28:21 What did Paul mean about building the church? Ephesians 2:19-22
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The Rev. Benjamin J. Snodgrass has been Pastor at Falls Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, since October, 2004. He graduated from Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and previously served at Grace Fellowship OPC in the Germantown area of...
