Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 190

"The spirits of the prophets..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 14:32

THE MAKE-UP OF THE HUMAN BEING

The human being is essentially made up of two parts. The external part is often called “the flesh”. The internal part is sometimes called “the soul” or “the spirit”. These terms are often used interchangeably. (Genesis 1:27; 2:7) These two texts describe how man was made in God’s image. Man was made alive when God breathed into man “the breath of life”.

THE SPIRITS OF THE PROPHETS

It was a common mistake to think that the prophets (and those who speak in tongues) spoke without being in control of themselves. Paul sought to dismiss this erroneous thought.

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.”
1 Corinthians 14:32

1. “Ecstatic speaking”

a) This phrase was often used to describe people.
i) Who appear to be out of control of himself.
ii) An external force is exerted upon them.
b) Two groups of people were placed under this category.
i) Those who speak in tongues.
ii) Those who were prophets.

2. “And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets”

a) Paul made this very clear.
b) There is no excuse for being “out of control”.
c) The prophets must master their own spirits!

HOW MAY WE BETTER UNDERSTAND “OUR SPIRIT”

The flesh is easily understood. The flesh is a reference to the physical human body. The spirit within is less easily understood. The spirit of man is best understood with reference to two things:

1. The heart

a) It feels.
b) It can also reason.

2. The mind

a) It is the faculty that perceives.
b) It is the mind that comprehends things.

3. Closely related to the spirit of man

a) The heart and the mind are the instruments by which we comprehend how the spirit works.
b) The spirit (including the heart and mind) are under the control of the individual.