Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 14:26-31

1 Corinthians 14:26-31   What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three-should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.  Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.  And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.      Paul went on to talk about the second principle in exercising spiritual gifts, which is to be orderly.  Under the power of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts are manifested in an orderly manner.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, two - or at the most three - should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret.  If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.  When one is praying by himself, he is free to speak in tongue, as Paul said in verse 28, because it is between him and God.  This is the order to be observed for tongues.   When having a prophetic meeting, again, two or three prophets should speak and the others should weigh carefully what is said.  This is because a prophet's words may not be complete.  Even if the prophet is accurate 99 times in the past, it does not mean that he will be correct the 100th time.  May the Lord help us to discern prophecies that are spoken to us. May we not be unduly influenced by other people's advice or discouraged by their criticisms or get too excited about the prophecies, but seek to validate what the prophecies say.  You need to have God's Word to validate the prophecy, and you need spiritual elders to help you discern.  On the other hand, prophecies can be progressive. They do not necessarily refer to God's promise for you right now. Remember God promised Abram a son when he was 75 years old. However the promised son only came when he was 100 years old. It took 25 years before the prophecy was fulfilled. Prophecies are progressive. It is not that God does not keep His promise, but He waits for the right timing. Lastly, prophecies are conditional.  God's blessings are conditional. We need to have willing and submissive hearts in order for the prophecies to be fulfilled in our lives. Once you submit, God's promises will come to pass.  Hence in the area of spiritual gifts, we need to be orderly, not chaotic. Paul clearly laid out these principles for us so that we may come with a submissive attitude to receive.        Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, we offer up thanksgiving and praise to you once again.  May your Holy Spirit come and whether we speak in tongues or prophesy, may we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May we submit to the order of the Holy Spirit as we exercise our spiritual gifts so that your heart may be satisfied. We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!        Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!