A Trumpet with an Uncertain Sound 1 Corinthians 14:8

Paul the apostle continued to share with the church members in Corinth about “spiritual gifts”, and he declared, “he that prophesies speaks unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort”, and in chapter fourteen and verse seven of First Corinthians, Paul shares with the Corinthian church members about, “even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp”, where we read:

For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

The verse begins, “For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, ...”. Paul began with the word, “for” or “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “if the trumpet” or “also in case the instrument used to make sound with quavering or reverberation” “gives” which refers to “grants, bestows, supplies, furnishes and delivers” “an uncertain” or “not manifest, indistinct and obscure” “sound” which means “tones”. Paul referred to the “distinct” “sound” a “trumpet” makes when alerting troops.

The verse continues, “... who shall prepare himself to the battle?” Paul continued with the word, “who” which means “which person” “shall prepare” or “will make ready” “himself” which means “the selfsame one” “to the battle” or “toward war, dispute, strife and quarrel”? According to Paul, if the “trumpet” doesn't make a distinctive “sound”, there would be no soldier alerted to go to war.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see him employ yet another example of the importance of the “vocal spiritual gifts” being used properly in the church. Jesus Christ desires for these “gifts of the Holy Spirit” to be used to “edify” the church members, and if they are misused, it is like a “trumpet” that doesn't give a distinct “sound”. As Paul continues to provide his instruction for these “vocal spiritual gifts”, let us allow the Lord Jesus to teach us what He has in mind for His church.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “he that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.