QT 4/16/2025 1 Cor 14:16–25, The word of God gives supernatural change

1 Corinthians 14:16–25 (ESV) —

16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. 18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 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.

20 Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. 21 In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. 23 If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.

 

NOTE: Paul seems to contradict himself at the end, but I think what he is saying in verses 22-25, is that the existence of signs communicates a new and amazing thing is happening to an outsider or unbeliever, but it is the message (prophecy), in an understood language, which will convict them of sin and cause them to repent. In that case or in all cases, speaking the word of truth (prophesy) is useful for all, believers and unbelievers.

 

I think Paul is making his point quite well -- choose teaching over tongues. The Corinthians have elevated the supernatural signs instead of relying on the truth of God's word. Teaching sounds boring, but it is as much supernatural as tongues or miracles if you stop to look. The word of God transforms lives, restores relationships, and provides a peace that surpasses understanding. I attended a discipleship celebration a few days ago, and without a doubt, the supernatural nature of God was on display: lives were changes; relationships with loved ones restored; and God had come alive in their hearts.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I experiencing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, or am I just going through the motions of church?
2. Am I looking for supernatural events or am I looking for the real God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your word and the tremendous power it has in people's lives. It continues to change and renew me. I know that it has power because I have seen its power work. I pray for others to know and experience the power of the word of God and a relationship with you. There is nothing in life that can compare. The evil one steals the true joy and replaces it with garbage that does not last, but you give peace and joy that cannot be taken away.