Lessons for the Church from 1 Corinthians 14

With the biblical foundation we now have regarding the church and Spiritual gifts, we can look at what God tells the church to do with two gifts in particular, tongues and prophesy. There are three lessons or principles we can learn and apply to the church in our day.

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1.  In the church, the priority should be the Word of God and the ministry of the Word.

2. In the church, the ministry of the Word is what accomplishes God's purpose for the church; edification.

a. Edification of others and the church as a body is the God's purpose for the church assembled together.

b. For edification to take place, the Word must be understood.

Therefore, edification is not a feeling or an emotion.  Edification always engages the mind (understanding)

3. In the church, all things are to be done with decency and order.

a. This is seen in the instructions for how tongues and prophecy were to be exercised in the church

b. Those exercising the gifts had control over their gifts, otherwise they would not be able to obey God's instructions.