In 1 Corinthian 14:20-25 the apostle Paul continues his inspired lecture on the priority, purpose, and procedure for speaking in tongues. This passage is an especially important section of Scripture, because in it, Paul gives a clear picture of what the gift of tongues was designed to do—it’s purpose—and therefore, by implication, what it’s not intended for. And what is that purpose? It's certainly not so that hyper religious people can show off on Sunday mornings and hijack the church service (as was the issue in Corinth). In truth, the purpose of tongue-talking was to be a sign. And, generally speaking, it was a sign of communication. But what exactly does this sign gift communicate and to whom does it communicate? To those questions, and more, Paul gives the answers.
36 - Tongues & Prophecy in the Church (Part 2)
1 Corinthians 14:20-25
January 30, 2022 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Corinthians 14:20–25
01 - Introduction: Pitfalls Of An Imperfect Church
January 31, 2021 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
The one theme that drives everything Paul writes in 1 CORINTHIANS is the gospel. One way to define the gospel is that Jesus lived, died, and rose again for sinners and that, through Jesus Christ, God saves those who come to Him in repentance and faith. That's the gospel. That's the good news. And it permeates the entire letter. Christ crucified. Christ risen. Sinners forgiven. The gospel solves every issue Paul addresses in 1 CORINTHIANS.
02 - The Sainthood Of Believers
February 7, 2021 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann
As Christians, we are no longer condemned by God as sinners but are declared holy by God as saints. And since our new nature in Christ is holy, Scripture teaches, our living should be also be holy. That Paul referred to the carnal believers at Corinth as saints gives us hope (since they were anything but saintly in their conduct). It tells us that the title saint has nothing whatsoever to do with one’s spiritual maturity or deeds. Paul called them saints because that’s who the Corinthians were (as well as all believers) by calling and position.
03 - A Church Divided
February 14, 2021 • Pastor Ronald H. Gann • 1 Corinthians 1:10–17
The apostle Paul longed to see the practical outworking of Christian unity and spiritual oneness in the Corinthian church--a church plagued by division and dissention. Short of the salvation of all men, unity among the saints was his chief desire for all churches in all ages. We are to be of the same opinion with regards to the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, our standards as a local church, and our principles for Christian living. Short of that, petty fights and various disagreements are bound to occur from time-to-time, even among those with whom we are most united.