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"That the church may receive edification."

Text: 1 Corinthians 14:5

THE FOCUS IS THE CHURCH

Paul had a very clearly developed doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology). The Church was the Body of Christ and due regard must be given to it!

“I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied;
for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues,
unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.”
1 Corinthians 14:5

1. “I wish”

a) It is not wrong to speak about wishing.

b) Paul wrote about his wishes.

2. Two wishes

a) That all spoke with tongues.

b) That all prophesied.

3. What is a wish?

a) It may or may not materialise.

b) It is up to God to grant a gift.

4. If there was a wish that could be granted

a) Paul’s wish was that God give the gift of prophecy.

b) This was a “greater gift”.

c) The person who prophesied has a “greater ministry”.

5. The one who speaks with tongues

a) He would need to interpret what he says in the special language God has given him.

b) If he does not interpret then what he says does not edify the church.

6. That the Church may receive edification

a) The focus of God’s gifts was never the recipient.

b) It was always the church.

c) God’s design was for the church to be edified.

i) So that it may be more encouraged.

ii) So that it may be stronger.

iii) So that it may be more enlightened.

iv) So that it may reflect the glory of God better.