Prophesy

Summary:Paul urges the believers to pursue love above all, but also to desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. He explains why: When a person speaks in tongues, he speaks mysteries to God, and people around him gain no understanding, because no one can interpret what is being said. Tongues may edify the individual, but they leave the church without benefit. Prophecy, however, is different. The one who prophesies speaks words that strengthen, encourage, and comfort the believers. Prophecy builds up the whole congregation. Paul makes it clear that he is not dismissing tongues—he says he wishes they all spoke in tongues—but he emphasizes that prophecy is greater, because it edifies the church. Tongues only rise to that same value when someone can interpret them, so that the entire body of believers is strengthened. Teaching:Tongues are words an individual speaks to God. It is my spirit speaking to God, and at the same time God helps my spirit so that I speak what God desires. Therefore, tongues are a unique and special language—one that God enables a person to speak. When a believer devotes themselves to prayer, God grants the gift of tongues. Prophecy is a spiritual gift of the Holy Spirit that edifies the church and builds it up. Human words have limits when we try to exhort or comfort others. The content of prophecy always calls people to come to Jesus, and when they come to Him, the comfort, encouragement, and solutions He provides—that is prophecy. Prophecy builds up faith. To build faith, it must be grounded in the Word of the Lord; and by faithfully delivering that Word to others, their faith is strengthened. Through tongues, a person may draw closer to God; but prophecy is receiving God’s Word and delivering it as it is, fully receiving God’s love and conveying it to others. Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Nov 12, 20251 Corinthian 14:1-5