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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 177

"Pray that he may interpret."

Text: 1 Corinthians 14:13

WISDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

It is wonderful to be blessed with spiritual gifts. But these gifts must be exercised with wisdom and responsibility for them to be effective in bringing about edification to the church.

“Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue
pray that he may interpret.”
1 Corinthians 14:13

1. “Therefore”

a) This is an inferential particle.
b) It was included to reinforce the idea that all gifts should be used discriminately, with much wisdom and responsibility.

2. “Let him who speaks in a tongue”

a) The individual may indeed be blessed with the gift of being able to speak in a foreign language.
b) This was the first century and this gift was especially given by the Lord.
c) The individual may feel that he has a special word of encouragement to share with the church.
i) He may then give that message from the Lord in the special language given to him.
ii) Those who hear him will recognise that a special gift from God was being exercised.

3. “Let him… pray that he may interpret”

a) The individual must have the wisdom and responsibility to make this prayer to the Lord.
b) That he will be able to interpret what he has said in a foreign language.
c) The word that is important “interpret”.
i) This is not simple translation.
ii) That may not be difficult in itself (for the speaker must understand the language he uses).
iii) The challenge is to “interpret”.
d) He must attempt the following:
i) He must bring out the significance of what he has uttered in a foreign language.
ii) He must be able to explain why this word needed to be given in a foreign tongue.
iii) He must be able to edify the church through his interpretation of the word given.
iv) The congregation would then be edified through his interpretation.

WHERE THERE IS A LACK OF WISDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY

A number of problems could emerge and would affect the church adversely. Two are highlighted:

1. There could be confusion and suspicion about what was being said by the individual speaking in a tongue.

2. People might have negative opinions as to why this individual was allowed to display his gift and no one is benefitted as a result.