Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 

I am not going to specifically address speaking in tongues in this daily devotion.  It is not as much as a practical concern to the readers of a Reformed Doctrine blog as a more general concern about the importance of preaching and teaching without the specific comparison to speaking in tongues.

 

I am also not going to specifically address the importance of preaching beyond this fleeting reference in this paragraph.  Much has been written about preaching as being one of the two “means of grace” in addition to the sacraments.  Here is one example of such a writing.  It is a sermon titled “The Means of Grace” by Rev. Herman Hoeksema of the Protestant Reformed Churches in 1936 – Click here: The Means of Grace   Rev. Hoeksema quotes The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 25, Question 65:  “Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith only, whence doth this faith proceed?  Answer:  From the Holy Ghost, who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it by the use of the sacraments.” 

 

Today’s Scripture is directed more generally to teaching than specifically to preaching.  The prophesy within today’s Scripture seems to be less formal, and more general, than just preaching.  “… I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.”  1 Corinthians 14:19.  In addition, today’s Scripture seems applicable to a greater range of people than just ministers.  There is not the use of words like “minister”, “pastor”, “preacher”, “elder”, or “preaching”, but rather there is use of more general words like “one”,”you”, “speaks”, “teaching” and “instructs”. 

 

So, after all this introduction, let’s get to it.  Today’s Scripture points to the importance of prophesy.  “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.”  But, today’s Scripture does not limit such edification, exhortation, and consolation to a sermon or even a Sunday School class.  As stated above, “… I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.”  1 Corinthians 14:19.

 

Most of us can do it.  We can edify, exhort, and console others.  Yes, there are spiritual gifts to preach and teach.  But, first of all, today’s Scripture exhorts us to “… desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”  1 Corinthians 14:1.  Secondly, even if we don’t have a spiritual gift to do so, it does not mean that we should not edify, exhort, and console others at all.  

 

We may not have speaking in tongues preoccupy us, but we may have a more general reluctance to teach others.  Too many people in church act like silent pious statues.  They don’t want to admit their shortcomings.  They don’t want to admit their troubles.  They don’t want to say anything that could imply that they have any problems or even that they had any problems, which provide the basis for their teaching.

 

However, our shortcomings and troubles are often the best teaching tools, because they produce empathy and practical experience.  We can sincerely feel the empathy with others, because like those others, we were in that situation before.  We have practically learned how God’s Word has been fulfilled in our lives.  It does not necessarily mean that we should teach on every subject.  But, we can follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.  We will know the time when we should at least say those “five words” that could edify, exhort, and console. 

 

And, let us not just use our common sense to edify, exhort, and console.  But, rather, let God’s word richly dwell within us, so our words come from that fountain of pure living water! 

 

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”  Colossians 3:16