Episode 588: 1 Corinthians 14 Part 2 The Lifeless Instrument

Paul mentions some musical instruments when he is talking about speaking in tongues and prophesying to the church at Corinth. This church is seeking spiritual gifts with such passion but they have left out love, in particular, Agape love, or unconditional love. They are more concerned about the spiritual gift they have and whose is better! Paul is making a point that, when one speaks in tongues, they are talking it God and only God can understand it, therefore, the people who hear them gets nothing from it. If they would seek to prophesy instead, they will speak out loud, in a language that all can understand, and the entire body would benefit from what God says through that individual! He uses the flute, trumpet, and harp to clarify his point. He says they are dead; they are useless without someone blowing breath through them or plucking the strings. God wants to use us like these instruments, but He wants us to edify one another with the gift, or gifts, He has given us...not be selfish with them!