1 Corinthians 14: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Corinthians 14 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Believers are urged to pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy (vv. 1-5). Speaking in another language is for God, while prophecy builds up the assembly.

Key verse

“for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.”
1 Corinthians 14:33 (WEB)

Outline

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 Pursue Love and Prophecy
1 Corinthians 14:6–12 The Importance of Understanding
1 Corinthians 14:13–19 Praying and Singing with Understanding
1 Corinthians 14:20–25 Signs for Believers and Unbelievers
1 Corinthians 14:26–33 Orderly Worship Practices
1 Corinthians 14:34–38 Instructions Regarding Women and Prophecy
1 Corinthians 14:39–40 Desire Prophecy and Maintain Order

Discussion questions

In v5, why does Paul say that he prefers prophesying over speaking in other languages?
What does Paul mean by 'edifies' in v4?
In v22, Paul states that 'other languages are for a sign': what does this imply about their purpose?
In vv. 33-34, why does Paul instruct women to be silent during the assembly?
When have you prioritized a spiritual gift that built up others, like 'prophesying' (v6)?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Corinthians 14: 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Thessalonians 5, 1 Corinthians 12.

Before next time: read 1 Corinthians 15.