![]()
The way of love speaks sense. If there is a choice of desire – we should choose what benefits others. Prophecy is greater than tongues, as a spiritual gift, because it enables us to love more effectively. Prophecy is a combination of forthtelling and foretelling. Those who pore over God’s word see the signs of the times and portents for the future. Ancient wisdom speaks to modern dilemmas. With most of our moral failings, it is not that we never knew, it is that we have forgotten. This leaves us with a need for prophets and visionaries. If the truth is revealed to us in an alien tongue, no-one is brought back from the abyss. If the truth is revealed to us by a clear-talking prophet, we have no-one to blame if we choose not to respond to the tough words of love.
1 Corinthians 14: 1-5
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.[b] 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[c] but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues,[d] unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Questions
- What way is to define our lives?
- What pursuit grows from the way of love?
- How would you summarize the relative value tongues compared with prophecy?
- How can someone who knows history well be useful in predicting the future?
- How can someone who knows the Bible well guard and guide others in the church?
Going Deeper
Observation
- To whom does a person speaking in a tongue speak?
- What does a tongue-speaker utter?
- What three things does prophecy bring?
- What would Paul rather have people do than speak in tongues?
- What is the exception to Paul’s preference for prophecy?
Interpretation
- Does speaking in tongues have a recognizable syntax or grammar structure?
- If the Corinthians learn scripture, will prophesy and tongues diminish?
- Is it possible to use a God-given gift selfishly?
- If we all need each other, how can one person’s gift be greater than another?
- What was the Corinthians’ order of service if multiple people could prophesy?
Application
- Many martial arts end in -do, for example Judo. The suffix means way. For example, Judo is the gentle way. What do martial arts teach us about following a way?
- Bushido is a broader way of life. It is like chivalry as a code for living. What would be the essential rules of conduct for someone whose life is dictated by love?
- Gandalf is a popular image of a prophet. He can see the future because of his wisdom. He speaks te truth to those around him because of his study. Which heroes from film or literature remind you of a prophet?
- Are there courses that you could take on-line or in class that would increase your growth as a modern prophet? Does your church offer classes that will take you deeper? http://www.chapel.org/adults/women/ ( I will be teaching the men’s group at The Chapel in October) http://www.moody.edu/distancelearning/
- How can you grow as a prophet?