How does 1 Corinthians 14:6 emphasize the importance of intelligible communication in church? Seeing the Point of the Passage “Now brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I convey to you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?” (1 Corinthians 14:6) Breaking Down Paul’s Thought Flow • “If I come to you” – ministry is relational; it’s about one believer serving another. • “Speaking in tongues” – an unintelligible language to the listeners unless interpreted (14:2, 14). • “What good will I be to you” – the love-driven aim of edification (14:5, 12) governs every gift. • “Unless I convey” – content, not mere experience, is what builds up. • “Revelation… knowledge… prophecy… teaching” – four different vehicles for clear, understandable truth. Why Intelligible Speech Matters • Faith is sparked by comprehensible words: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). • Even the Old Testament modeled clarity: “They read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining and giving insight so the people could understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8). • Paul’s own summary: “Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying?” (1 Corinthians 14:9). • The gospel itself rests on plain proclamation: “We have renounced secret and shameful ways… by manifestation of the truth we commend ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:2). • Love seeks the neighbor’s good (1 Corinthians 13:1-2); unclear speech helps no one. Four Ways Clear Communication Builds the Church 1. Revelation – making God’s mysteries known (Ephesians 3:3-5). 2. Knowledge – grounding believers in doctrine (Colossians 1:9-10). 3. Prophecy – speaking God-given insight that comforts, encourages, and strengthens (1 Corinthians 14:3). 4. Teaching – orderly explanation that equips for obedience (Matthew 28:20). Practical Steps for Today • Prepare messages with the listener in mind—avoid jargon, explain terms. • When reading Scripture publicly, add brief context so the passage lands. • If a spiritual gift operates, ensure an interpretation follows (14:13, 27-28). • Encourage Bible literacy; small groups that unpack meaning reflect Paul’s heart in 14:6. • Test every ministry moment by this simple question: “Is what I’m saying helping others grasp God’s truth?” Bottom Line In 1 Corinthians 14:6, Paul ties spiritual effectiveness directly to intelligible communication. God’s truth, clearly spoken, is what turns gatherings from mere noise into life-giving moments of growth. |
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