Why Would Tongues Cease, Prophecies Fail?

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

"Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, THEY WILL FAIL; whether there are tongues, THEY WILL CEASE; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect (complete, as in Jesus coming to His temple in His fullness) has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man (completed in development), I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, DIMLY, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."


An instructor requires that you study a particular textbook chapter with a test scheduled for the next class meeting. You arrive at the next meeting and say, "Teacher, I know the chapter in part." Do you think the teacher would commend your actions? Most assuredly you would receive the grade that corresponds to the percentage that you knew. Tongues cease because the PART that many Christians KNOW does not include a willingness for the revelation of the subject. The subject is hardly discussed and, more rarely, tongues spoken which denies the unbeliever another "sign" that God is. This new testament teaching is not a PART of their theology. During my chiropractic education, I received training in manual manipulative therapy. I received no training in the administration of pharmaceutical treatment. Therefore, my practice did not include pharmaceutical treatment. See what I mean? Pharmaceutical medications are still being dispensed, but not by me.


"Concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant," (1 Corinthians 12:1) Ignorant, from the root word ignore, can mean unaware, or, REFRAINING from noticing or recognizing.


What about failed prophecies? Another spiritual gift that "edifies". As tongues edify (or build up) the individual believer, prophecy "edifies the church". Prophecy can fail if it is born out of unfruitful understanding or a "puffed up or parading" mindset but also if the individual receiving the prophetic is willing to ignore what God has actually said. Working out this kingdom in PART makes us PARTLY fruitful. COMPLETE in Him is His desire for us!

So. How do we escape the childish, partly informed, dimly lit testimony that produces the ceasing and failing of edifying spiritual gifts? We allow the Lord to continue on in the completion of His temple in which to dwell. We read His word and meditate on the that word He has "spoken" to us. In those things are life to those who find them! God's love in us causes us to keep His word, not change or ignore it. God's love in us would not dare say something to a brother that could mislead him/her. His love NEVER fails!