Paul’s focus in this chapter is very pastoral. How does he walk a tightrope between correcting the church in its overemphasis on speaking in tongues, yet not diminishing this practice that admittedly does bring personal benefit to the believer? Here’s the approach Paul takes with the Corinthians: in order to demonstrate the blessings and limitations of speaking in tongues, he contrasts it with the ability to prophesy. In doing so he also gives clear instruction regarding the use of tongues in church.
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1 Cor: Living By Love
Much has been said and written on this 13th Chapter of 1 Corinthians. It’s the love chapter, often recited at weddings. It is generally regarded as being one of the most beautiful passages in all of literature. But I think it truly comes alive when we read it in the context of God’s entire message to the Corinthian church. Remember our series title for the entire book of Corinthians? Living by Love in a Lustful World. It can be argued that this is the climactic passage in the entire book, the sum total of all that the Holy Spirit through Paul wants the Corinthians to embrace, the proper summary of all that it means to live the Christian life is this messed-up, selfish, lust-driven world. Let’s look at this most excellent way of love.
We recognized that there are going to be times in your execution of your ministry in building up the church that you run up against ministry needs that are beyond your ability to meet even if you are serving in the strength that God supplies. In those times, the Holy Spirit manifests himself in a supernatural manner so that the ministry can be met even through weak people like us, so that He receives all of the glory. In these times we stand back and say, “wow!” because it is evident to all that God had done an amazing work. That’s what this list in 1 Corinthians 11 is all about. These are “wow” manifestations – the Holy Spirit showing up in a way that everyone can see to meet a ministry need that couldn’t be otherwise met. Notice three important things:
Whatever the issue, whether it is me giving up my right to be paid a salary as pastor, you giving up your right to eat meat, her giving up her right to listen to her music loudly before quiet time in the dorm, him giving up his right to drink alcohol because he is working with youth and doesn’t want to send mixed messages, we are free – not compelled, but free – to give up our rights in order to win people to Christ. You see, when you give up one right, there has got to be something that you value more than that right. You give up rights for something greater.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes you meet people who call themselves Christian, or you visit a particular church and people acts so differently or teach differently that other churches you have been a part of?
- Why do some Christians preach against drinking alcohol of any kind, even a glass of wine at dinner, while other Christians actually drink wine during their worship services?
- Why do some Christians look down upon dancing and showy expressions of emotion, while other churches employ dance teams and light shows in their church?