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1 Corinthians 14:1-5


Paul writes “pursue love.”  Love is the foundation of all we do in the Kingdom of God. 

The heart touched by God responds naturally

Earnestly desire spiritual gifts. We all have one.

He puts a priority on them. 
Love is the greatest attribute of the believer.
Prophecy is the greatest gift we can have. 

This chapter now becomes about how love should be driven to build others up.

Again, there has been a high priority on tongues

1 Corinthians 14:2-3 - Paul is talking about the prayer language that flows from the Spirit of God through us

However, prophecy speaks to people
Prophecy is God-inspired speech that builds up, encourages, and comforts others.

This is the highest gift
Paul envisions a church full of people speaking God-inspired words to each other. 

So then, why tongues?  

1 Corinthians 14:4a - The person who has this gift prays by the leading of the Spirit; that prayer flows from our spirit. 

As this happens there is a touch of God that moves in the life of the person praying.

He finds himself encouraged, strengthened, empowered for the task, emboldened, joyful, and peace-filled


1 Corinthians 14:4b - While the individual is edified with the gift of tongues, prophecy is of better use to the church as a whole.

A person who prophesies builds up others
A church filled with people using this gift will be a happy, confident church.  


1 Corinthians 14:5 - There is a place in the church for tongues, but there is a requirement.

It is not simply a prayer language; it is a prophetic proclamation that someone can interpret. 

Tongues are good for us, and the Spirit wants us all to have this gift. 

Prophecy is good to build others up, and we should all be seeking to have this gift.





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