24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
14:24
But
The “but” shows a contrast between tongues speakers and those who expound the Bible.
if all prophesy,
“Prophesy” here is to publicly proclaim the Word of God. The word “all” does not convey the idea of all proclaiming at one time, but one-by-one (14:31).
and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in,
An “unbeliever” is a non-Christian. The “uninformed” is an untaught Christian.
he is convinced by all,
Expositing the Word has the effect of convincing and convicting non-Christians or uninformed Christians of their state before God. The words “convinced” and “convicted” carry the ideas of conviction and judgment respectively. “Convinced” refers to influence on the conscience. Unbelievers become convinced that God’s Word is true by reason and perception.
he is convicted by all.
The word “convicted” means to bring to light, to expose, conviction of truth and means to undergo judgment, to call to account. Expositors bring home the truth of the Word of God to those without Christ. The idea is a judicial hearing (2:15; 4:3f).
14:25
And thus
Exposition has a positive effect on unbelievers.
the secrets of his heart are revealed;
Exposition of the Word of God makes the unbeliever fall into a perception that he is under God’s judgment. God discloses truth by His Word.
and so, falling down on his face,
Falling down on one’s face to the ground is an act of worship. This is an act of contrition or unworthiness.
he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
Having worshiped God, the unbeliever gives a “report” that God is “truly among you.” The word “report” (declare) carries the idea of confession with speech. This unbeliever reports that God is “truly” or certainly among the Corinthian congregation. The idea is that prophecy is genuine or authentic. God always draws authentic worship.
PRINCIPLE:
The purpose of the church is to convince those without Christ to come to Him.
APPLICATION:
Some churches today are mutual admiration societies where puncture-proof saints gather every Sunday to meet each other’s need. Their concern is to be amused and entertained. They want to enjoy Christianity rather than work at it. They do not want to reach the unreachable and untouchables. People are going to hell in their living rooms and no Christian cares. As long as we are going to heaven and having a nice time, that is all that counts.
