1 Corinthians 14 – Brandon Hatmaker “Other People”
Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
With Chapter 14 you have two choices, either jump in with both feet and write a thesis, or pick a thought and keep it simple. Today, I choose a simple reminder that saturates every level of our faith.
“But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort…So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:3,12
If we were honest with ourselves, most of us would have to admit that we not only exercise mostly but also desire gifts that show evidence of our faith. We want people to see and know that we are growing in faith. That’s natural. But it doesn’t make it right for that to be our priority. Even in the exercising of our gifts, we can become selfish. We have to keep our focus on others. Paul is reminding us to be aware of this temptation while clearly redirecting the Corinthian church’s selfish pursuits.
How should we excel?
In gifts that build up the body.
How should we use our gifts?
To strengthen, encourage, and comfort.
How should we endure?
Through the encouragement of the scriptures.
And in the same way… Towards what should we spur one another on?
Towards love and good deeds.
Lather, rinse, and repeat.
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Nice opening lines. It brought a chuckle to my face, thanks. You are so right. There is a boat load of stuff in this chapter. The thing that hit me was how we can take a gift, like speaking in tongues, and twist it to bring the spotlight on ourselves. I think it just flows from the last chapter that it is not about us. It is and HAS TO BE about God.
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