I Corinthians 14:1-19
Paul encouraged Christians follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.
But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for heir strengthening, encouragement and comfort.
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
Paul would like every one of us to speak in tongues, but he would rather to have us prophecy.
I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind;I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.
Why?
Eagerly desire spiritual gifts: the gift of prophecy, to edify the church. Speak a tongue is good, but prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening and comfort.
Prophecy: Highly valued in the early church, this was the gift of speaking directly from God into a situation, It might be predictive or encouraging. Prophecy differs from scripture, though both come from God. Prophecy is for the particular situation, where scripture has universal validity.
Spiritual gifts are not designed for personal gratification but for building up the Christian community.
No one can even be a Christian without receiving the gracious gift, the charisma, of the Holy Spirit!
How?
Do I eagerly desire Spiritual gifts? Yes, pray to the Lord.
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