This lesson is part of a 4 sermon series, The Miraculous Spiritual Gifts:

1. Part One: Enumeration
2. Part Two: Duration #1
3. Part Three: Duration #2
4. Part Four: Regulation

PM Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 14.

Brent T. Willey

THE MIRACULOUS SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Part Four: Regulation

Introduction:

1. Read 1 Corinthians 14.1-40 to get the overall feel of the text.
2. The Corinthians were to “desire spiritual gifts” (v.1).
3. The context of this statement is often overlooked…

THE CONTEXT OF 1 CORINTHIANS 14

1. Verse 1: “Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”
   1. Date of letter – ca. 55 AD. The heart of the apostolic age.
   2. Why were they needed? (Vs. 2-5)
2. Severe division demanded vital teaching regarding these gifts.
   1. Divisions, factions & immaturity (1 Cor. 1.10-13; 3.1-4)
   2. Diverse gifts, but “one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12.1-11, 28-31)
   3. Proper motive of love (1 Cor. 13.1-2)

REQUIRED REGULATIONS OF THE SPECIAL GIFTS

1. The comparison of “tongues” & “prophecy” in the assemble church. (Vs. 4, 12, 19, 23, 26-28, 34-35, 40)
   1. Edification (Vs. 3, 4, 5, 12, 17, 26)
   2. Order (Vs. 33, 40)
2. The contrast of Tongues & Prophecy:
   1. “Desire…” v. 1 “But especially…”
   2. Speaks to God vs. 2-3 Speaks to men
   3. Self-edification v. 4 Edifies the church
   4. Good v. 5 Greater!
   5. Indiscernible vs. 6-19 Understandable
   6. Sign: Unbelievers vs. 20-35 Sign: Believers
   7. 2-3 Interpreters vs. 26-33 2-3 Prophets
   8. Women – silent vs. 34-35 Women – silent

Conclusion: They were “the commandments of the Lord” (v. 37-38).