1 CORINTHIANS 14 (SECOND READING)
1 CORINTHIANS 14 (SECOND READING)
CAC In chapter 12 we were seeing how the body was formed, and we saw that the members were viewed as [p. 97] vessels in which the manifestation of the Spirit takes place. If this is to work in a practical sense we can all see that the animating power of the body must be the divine nature. So chapter 13 comes in to show that the gifts only serve their purpose as they are moved by love.
Chapters 12 and 13 do not contemplate the saints as being together at all. We are members of the body of Christ at all times, and all the members are to function properly at all times. There are no differences in chapters 12 and 13 between brothers and sisters; all are on one footing; all are vessels for the manifestation of the Spirit and for the operation of the divine nature. It is not what is for God, but rather what is for the mutual benefit of the members of the body. As members of the body of Christ we are set together permanently for mutual benefit and comfort and to co-operate as vessels of the Spirit. Whether we have ever seen each other does not matter in the least. I think it is a full time occupation in chapters 12 and 13; we are never off duty! There are no off-times when I can say I am not of the body of Christ. We have to see things as they are presented in Scripture and if two persons are in the light of it they can walk in the light of it and, in measure, in the power of it. They will benefit each other and there would be manifestations of the Spirit. Manifestations of the Spirit are not limited to occasions when we are together. If in visiting we bring spiritual comfort and help to a sick person they are spiritual manifestations.
Chapter 14 has to do with the saints as together, and now the action is limited to the men. When together we look for the saints to act intelligently; we do not look for the leading of the Spirit when together — there is no such thing in Scripture.
Ques What are spiritual manifestations?
CAC You are to covet to have them. The activities [p. 98] of the members are their own responsibility, acting, of course, in the Spirit and subject to the Lord. “And spirits of prophets are subject to prophets” (verse 32). Verse 30 is a matter of revelation; that is, some brother is inspired of God to make a revelation so the first is to be silent because another has a communication direct from God. We do not get revelations now. We have to remember that in the apostles’ days all the Scriptures were not written. The chapter makes it very clear that the gift of tongues was too much in evidence: it was distinctly miraculous; in itself it did not possess any power of edification. If there was no interpreter, the speaker must be silent. But there is a selection of gifts and Paul presses upon us that we should make a selection of what we desire. In speaking, a man must be satisfied he is giving the mind of God, speaking as the oracles of God. “Love is not emulous”, 1 Corinthians 13: 4. That is, we are not to desire to be somebody else. But here you may be emulous: you are set at perfect liberty to get spiritual manifestations — to get something for yourself.
Tongues have evidently ceased in the public history of the church; they did not continue long after the apostles’ day. Since their day we have never known tongues in connection with the truth; they always appear to be connected with error in doctrine.
In verse 3 we get something like a definition of prophecy. That is to be coveted, to edify the assembly, to build up the assembly in the knowledge of divine Persons. In this chapter they are not together for the service of God; it is not the assembly as convened by the Supper. This character of meeting has been in abeyance for many years but there is nothing to hinder us from having it. A word would not be given at the Supper with the thought of prophecy or teaching or instruction, but a word would be given that would stimulate the service of God; it [p. 99] would not be so much for the benefit of the saints. This chapter is for the benefit of the saints, not for the service of God. It is a meeting which gives very great scope for a variety of ministry. A word after the Supper must be suited to the occasion and is therefore limited; but on this occasion there is no limitation; there is room for a great variety of ministry. The word after the Supper should be in line with the object — praise Christward or Godward.
“He that prophesies speaks to men” (verse 3). Prophecy is the utterance of a man who has a word from God for His people. A prophetic meeting has conditions under review, meeting every condition of soul present, even that of an unconverted man. I have seen such an one literally fall on his face on the floor.
Every brother should take up this exercise. Scripture does not contemplate a silent brother. It is open to every man to tell the Lord he earnestly desires to contribute something that will edify the assembly. It is want of exercise with us. I settle down to thinking God will never use me. Well, if I think that, He will not!
All ministry now must be according to Scripture.
Scripture is a wonderful treasure-house; but a prophet has to do with God, so he comes from God with a word suited to His people. Every form of ministry in this chapter can be found in Scripture and we come into the good of it as we come under the power of it. There is much for encouragement, and comfort, and edification; that is the advantage of such a meeting as this.
Rem “The spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus”, Revelation 19: 10.
CAC That is the summing up of all prophecy. It is all comprised under that head. It all centres in that Person, we might say that kind of Man. Every feature found in Scripture that is pleasing to God is found in Jesus.
All speaking when the saints are together should be intelligible. That is an important principle. “I will pray .. with the understanding; ... I will sing also with the understanding” (verse 15).
Rem There is nothing in christianity that is not to be understood.
CAC Quite so. A brother speaking intelligently would take account of the capacity of his hearers, whether new-born babes in Christ, or mature believers.
In a mixed company it is important that there should be a bit for the smallest babe. We have not only affections that need to be ministered to, but minds, capacity for understanding, and they need to be ministered to. Instruction is a great matter. Some of us know very little yet; we need instructing. The Lord refers to the prudent servant who knows how to give the measure of corn in season.
Well, this power of edification should be found in every company of saints, and there should be much prayer about it and an earnest seeking to have part in it. The Lord would have us all contributing to the edification of the assembly.