Follow the way of Love AND eagerly desire spiritual gifts, 1Cor 14:1
Paul has just given a wonderful exposition on Love to the Corinthian Church, in 1Cor 13, but he adds an ‘AND’, eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. In 1Cor 12 he told them that the gifts should operate in unity, as one body. The gifts represent the power of God flowing in the body and when real power comes it must be properly channelled to be effective. Power outside the proper channels can do more harm than good, it needs to flow in Love and promote unity.
Paul encouraged them to ‘eagerly’ desire the gifts(plural), but especially the gift of prophecy. Why was prophecy so important?
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1Cor 14:3,4
Paul spends some time distinguishing between the gifts of tongues and prophecy, but prophetic words given in a meeting are to build up the whole body. Speaking in tongues is between an individual believer and God and Paul says it’s a way of building ourselves up in the Spirit. Surrendering our tongues to the Holy Spirit gives freedom to our spirit and removes the control from our minds.
I would like everyone of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. 1Cor 14:4,5
My take on these verses is that tongues with interpretation does the same thing as prophecy, it edifies those hearing it, because they understand the interpretation. Prophecy is a wonderful gift and it’s worth highlighting that the Kings of Judah and Israel had their own personal prophets, people who were skilled in hearing from the Lord. I have been greatly blessed in my own life with revelatory prophetic words and strongly recommend believers to seek it out for themselves. Personal Prophecy is about guidance in finding and fulfilling our calling.
Paul makes several other noteworthy statements in these verses;
For if I pray in a tongue my spirit prays… 1Cor 14:14. I have heard a prophet to the nations saying he prays in tongues for 1-2 hours daily and telling young people to pray in tongues before going to bed. Opens their spirits to God’s Spirit as they sleep.
Praising God with your spirit… 1Cor 14:16 Singing and worshipping in the Spirit.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 1Cor 14:18. Paul the apostle was blessed by the gift of tongues, so should we be.
May God bless and keep you today.