The word translated “tongues” could also be translated
“languages.” What is speaking in tongues?
Carefully read Paul’s description of speaking in tongues in this
passage. Also read Acts 2:1-12.

What is prophecy?
Consider Paul’s description in this passage and read 2^nd
Peter 1:19-21 and Acts 11:27-30, 13:1-3, 21:7-14.

Are all spiritual gifts equal, or are some more important
than others?

Paul tells the Christians in Corinth to eagerly desire spiritual
gifts. How does this command apply to
you?

Journaling

Paul makes a distinction between a person’s spirit and
mind. What do these terms mean?

What does Paul criticize about the way the Christians in Corinth used the gift of
tongues? What is the underlying message we can derive from this?

What would Paul think about a Christian meeting that
powerfully stirred people’s emotions, but didn’t teach anything of substance?
How can we guard against this in church and our own lives?

What type of spiritual gifts did Paul encourage the
Christians in Corinth
to focus on?

Journaling

Does Paul value the gift of speaking in tongues?

Paul insists the Christians in Corinth stop thinking like children. What childish thoughts did they have?

What is the difference between thinking like a child and
thinking like an adult? Which type of
thinking best describes you?

Why does Paul say in verse 22 that tongues are a sign
for unbelievers, then in the following verses say that if the church meets and
everyone speaks in tongues an unbeliever will think they are crazy? Similarly, why does Paul say prophecy is not for unbelievers, then say that if the church meets and
everyone prophesies an unbeliever will realize God is among them?

Journaling

Was the prohibition on women speaking in the church limited
to Corinth, or
was it universal? What connection does Paul see between silence and submission?

If you are a women struggling deeply with this text,
know that you are not alone. 2000 years of Godly Christian women have struggled
and chewed on these verses. But like much of our faith, the texts secrets and
purpose cannot always be revealed immediately in simple, convenient bullet
points. The Bible does not just present a clear list of rules to unquestionably
be followed. Rather, it invites us to a lifelong struggle as we wrestle with
God and his purpose for our lives. In short, it is a relationship. I don’t pretend
to fully understand why the Bible talks of the role of females in this way.
What I do know is that God is big enough to handle our questions and
frustrations. He wants us to bring them before him like children before their
parents. He himself has struggled with these things as a human being. Isaiah
53:7 says of Christ, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his
mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter and as a sheep before her
shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Many of the questions and
objections I had (ones that I thought were unanswerable) I have now been given
peace about. I never thought God could satisfy me, but somehow, he has. Put
your frustrations, questions and burdens before him. Pray about it. Seek out Godly council at Church
regarding it. Allow him to bring you beyond the world’s broken framework, and
into the light of his eternal plans. Like children, we understand little, but
God is guiding us through the darkness.

Besides speaking in tongues and prophecy, what other
elements does Paul mention?

Spend some time trying to picture the ideal church service
Paul describes. What elements have you
experienced at your church? What
elements are different?

Journaling

In this section Paul gives specific instructions. What is the setting in which these
instructions apply?

What rules does Paul give for speaking in tongues?

What rules does he give for prophecy?

Think back over Paul’s discussion in the first part of this
chapter. Do you see how the rules he
gives are motivated by the principals he taught earlier?

Journaling

Chapter 14 is the last of a three chapter long section about
spiritual gifts. In chapter 12 Paul
discussed the purpose of spiritual gifts and emphasized the importance of every
gift. In chapter 13 Paul reminded the
church that love is more important than any of the spiritual gifts.