I have been in many church services all over the world and not understood anything that has been said, neither the songs, the exhortations to worship nor the prayers and shouts of praise to God. I’ve stood there trying to engage, having my own time of worship but not aware of anything that is happening around me.
“Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. “Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:6-12
I use my encounters of world church services as an illustration to what Paul is meaning. It’s not meant to be a criticism and I quite enjoy listening to foreign languages trying to spot the odd Hallelujah and Amen!
Paul is not against tongue speaking, he speaks in tongues more than all of them (v18). But having spoken so freely about love he is against the self-indulgent use of the spoken gifts that are not understood by those in that service. His thoughts are for the unbelievers and for the whole church. Everyone must understand what is going on otherwise what is the point of them being there?
A worshipper can be having a great time; they can be enjoying themselves; the church can be pleased that the service displayed spiritual gifts but if there was no explanation, no understanding by all of the people gathered, then what’s the point? There isn’t one.
The church service needs to edify all and needs to call everyone to battle.
Love means no one is left out. That’s the point!
Missions Paul 