SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Ephesians 4:7-16

“… I will pray with the spirit …”

EDIFICATION IS THE GOAL

In the earlier chapters, Paul taught the Corinthian Christians that they should seek to edify one another (1 Cor 10:23-24). He had also established that spiritual gifts were given for the growth of the church (1 Cor 12:7-11). Therefore, whatsoever we do, we must consider carefully how it will benefit the spiritual welfare of the brethren.

The same principle is applied in 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 by the Apostle Paul to argue for the superiority of prophesying over tongue-speaking. When a person speaks in an unknown tongue (i.e. a foreign language) which is not understood by the congregation, he is speaking to God because only God can understand what he is saying. The rest will be clueless concerning the message. Thus, unless there is someone to interpret the message, only the tongue-speaker will be edified. What use will that be?

On the other hand, a person who prophesies is one who serves as a spokesman of God to foretell and forthtell the will of God. When he speaks, he speaks directly to the congregation in the vernacular. As the people are able to understand the speech, they can be built up in the most holy faith by the preached Word of God.

“But whatever is done in the Church, ought to be for the common benefit. Away, then, with that misdirected ambition, which gives occasion for the advantage of the people generally being hindered! Besides, Paul speaks by way of concession: for when ambition makes use of such empty vauntings, there is inwardly no desire of doing good; but Paul does, in effect, order away from the common society of believers those men of mere show, who look only to themselves” (Calvin).

THOUGHT: Seek to edify!
PRAYER: Father, use me to be a channel of blessing to others.