Category: Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 14:5 (NKJV) 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

Paul is speaking to the Corinthians. He is explaining how important it is to 1.) Speak in tongues and 2.) Prophesy.

These two spiritual gifts are very important and should be functioning in our lives as believers.

However, in a public setting, Paul emphasize that prophecy is preferred over tongues if tongues in a public setting cannot be interpreted at the time of speaking them.

And here’s the reason why.

When speaking in tongues, we are speaking to God in the spirit. We speak mysteries in the spirit. No man can understand what we are saying without it being interpreted.

1 Corinthians 14:2 (NKJV) 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.

Tongues in a public setting depends on the companion gift of interpretation if it is to be interpreted/understood. Praying in tongues is mostly used for personal and private self-edification and praise to God.

Prophecy, on the other hand, is intended to bring edification, exhortation and comfort to men in a large setting and even on a personal level.

We must pursue love and desire both spiritual gifts to be functioning in our lives on a regular basis, in the church, and on a personal level, with love as our primary pursuit.

1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV) 1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

Praise be to God. Let us move in the gifts of the Spirit!

Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie

Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443

401-439-3780

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