1 Corinthians·Chapter 14

How to Apply

This week, think about how you can contribute to your community—your family, friends, or workplace. Maybe you can share a song that you love, tell a story that inspires, or offer support to someone who’s struggling. Make it a point to actively participate in conversations where you can uplift others. Keep an eye out for moments where you can encourage someone, whether through a compliment or simply listening to them. Every little effort counts!

Chapter Context

In this chapter, Paul is addressing some chaos happening in the church at Corinth. People were speaking over each other, trying to show off their spiritual gifts, but it was creating confusion instead of connection. This verse hits at a pivotal moment when Paul refocuses the community. He reminds them that every contribution should have one goal: building each other up. It’s like hitting the reset button on a party that got out of hand and reminding everyone why they’re there—to support and uplift one another. After this, Paul dives deeper into how to use these gifts in a way that fosters harmony and understanding.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• what - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• then - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• brothers - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• when - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• come - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• together - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• each - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• one - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• has - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• hymn - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

How can you use your unique gifts and experiences to uplift someone in your life this week?

Related Verses

• Ephesians 4:29 - This verse encourages you to use your words to build others up, just like Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians.
• Romans 12:4-5 - Here, Paul talks about how we’re all part of one body, which connects to the idea of contributing to a community.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - This verse reminds you to encourage and build each other up, showing that this message is a recurring theme in Paul's letters.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in 1 Corinthians 14:26. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Verses

1 Corinthians 14:1, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:19, 1 Corinthians 14:20, 1 Corinthians 14:26

Historical Context

This chapter is part of a broader discourse in Paul's letter addressing various issues faced by the Corinthian church, a community characterized by its diversity and the influence of surrounding culture. The church was grappling with misunderstandings about spiritual gifts, particularly the phenomenon of speaking in tongues, which was prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. Paul’s instructions aim to correct misuses of these gifts and to promote a more unified and edifying worship experience. His emphasis on prophecy over tongues reflects a priority for communal growth and understanding over individual spiritual expression.