Miraculous gifts served the purpose of authenticating the divine message, for these signs followed the preaching of the truth. Now that we have God’s completed revelation, we do not need signs because the Word of God authenticates itself. The prior chapter showed us that apart from love, the gifts are useless. This chapter says that our desire should be to be a blessing to our brethren and also to give the gospel to a lost world. It is evident that the Corinthians thought highly of anyone who spoke in a tongue, even if no one was edified by what was said. The Apostle Paul uses the illustration of a musical instrument. The player must use a tune that is recognized, otherwise the people will be uncertain as to the message conveyed. When you pray, do others understand what you are saying? If not, how can they say “amen” to your prayer? Keep in mind that when praying or singing, you should do so with the spirit and with the understanding so that others can be edified. And it is not so much the quantity of words that we use but the quality. It is better to use five words that are understood than 10,000 words that are not. All these instructions will be acknowledged by any spiritual person to be nothing less than the commandments of the Lord.
1. He who prophesies speaks for what three purposes? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___
2. What will happen if a warning trumpet gives an uncertain sound? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___
3. Whether we speak or sing, we should do so with __________ and with __________. 1 Corinthians 14:___
4. What is better than 10,000 words that are not understood? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___
5. If a person is spiritual, what will they acknowledge that the writings of the Apostle Paul are? __________ 1 Corinthians 14:___