고린도전서 Chapter 14

Translation: ESV

1

Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

Key Message

First pursue love, and upon that foundation earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy that builds up the community.

▸After teaching love in chapter 13, chapter 14 moves to the practical use of gifts.

After teaching love in chapter 13, chapter 14 moves to the practical use of gifts. 'Pursue love' comes first, and 'earnestly desire the spiritual gifts' follows. In particular, earnestly desire prophecy. Love and gifts are not in opposition; rather, love becomes the motivation and purpose for the use of gifts.

Related Verses

But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
3

On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

Key Message

The purpose of prophecy is to build up the community, encourage, and console. Benefit to the community is the standard for evaluating gifts.

▸The reason prophecy is superior to tongues is clear.

12

So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church.

Key Message

The purpose for desiring gifts must be to build up the church. Gifts are given for the community.

▸The motivation for desiring gifts must be clear.

19

Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Key Message

In public worship, intelligible words are better than many unintelligible ones. Communicability is an important standard for worship.

▸The contrast in numbers is striking.

26

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Key Message

All elements of worship may be diverse, but they must have a single purpose: building up the community.

▸A glimpse of the diversity of early church worship appears here.

33

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,

Key Message

The order of worship reflects God's character of peace. Disorder is not from God; peace is God's very nature.

▸This is the theological basis for order in worship.

40

But all things should be done decently and in order.

Key Message

Christian worship must be conducted with decency and in order, and this reflects God's character.

▸This is the conclusion of chapter 14 and the golden rule of Christian worship.