5 Great Truths — Week Four

Week 6 | 1 Corinthians 14  

Eagerly Desire Spiritual Gifts 

CONTEXT: 

• Problem: The chapter in the Bible 

• Principle: Misuse, no use, 

1 CORINTHIANS 14:1-5 

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.  

PAUL’S PRIORITIES IN PRACTICING THE GIFTS 

1.     is critical 

“So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.”  (v. 9) 

2.   Always serve  

“So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?”  (v. 23) 

3.    is the bottom line 

“… When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.”  (v. 26) 

GREAT TRUTH: