1 Corinthians 14:31-36
Today we are reading 1 Corinthians 14.
As we read, these verses stood out to me:
1 Corinthians 14:31-36 - For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. 34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?
Please, take some time to Share Your Thoughts With Us as they relate to this passage.
You can share anything that is on your heart but, if you don't know where to start, try reading these verses and answering one or more of the following "Honest Questions"
Honest Questions
1. Would you classify yourself as a person who eagerly desires spiritual gifts? If so, please, tell us a little bit about your desire and a little bit about your reservations, if you have any.
2. Have you ever asked God to give you the gift of tongues, interpretation of tongues, or prophecy? If so, do you mind telling us about your experience?
3. Have you been taught to think of the gift of tongues as a gift where people are given a supernatural ability to speak a human language they never knew before? If so, how do those thoughts reconcile with Paul's warning about using this gift in a way where the hearers of the tongue don't understand?
4. How could a person speaking a language they don't understand benefit the speaker if done privately or silently but bring confusion to the church if done publically?
5. This chapter gives some very practical instruction regarding the order of a church service. Have you ever been part of a service where everyone "a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation" or where "a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, so the first speaker stops since everyone can prophesy in turn and everyone may be instructed and encouraged?" What was that like?
6. How many obvious differences do you see between the regular order of service in churches you have attended and the way Paul is describing an orderly church service in this passage? Is that a problem? An inevitability? Something to celebrate? Why do you feel that way?
7. Of all the things mentioned in this chapter, which one would make you feel most uncomfortable if practiced regularly in your church? Would you feel equally uncomfortable if any part of this chapter was never practiced in your church?
8. I chose to highlight 1 Corinthians 14:31-36 because I am perplexed about Paul's apparent understanding of the role women play in the church. I do not think we should ignore the parts of scripture we don't understand. I don't even like what I hear when I read a lot of what Paul says. Here is my question. How do you respond when you see an obvious discrepancy between God's word and your belief system or religious practice? Are you willing to apply the same exacting standard to your own practice of religion as you do to the expressions of faith you disagree with?
9. What is was your favorite verse in 1 Corinthians 14 and why?
10. Do you have any specific questions or prayer requests after reading 1 Corinthians 14?
We use our Basic Bible Reading plan to guide the discussions in this group.
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