1 Corinthians 14:1-5
In 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 the Apostle Paul gives encouragement through a command of what a Christian should pursue in life; “love and spiritual gifts” (NKJV). He goes on to explain in 1 Corinthians 14:2-4, “2For 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. 3But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
Paul puts the emphasis on the gift being not simply for the individual and his/her relationship and growth thereof, but for the growth of the church as a whole. It is a strength in numbers that is more important as to speak in a tongue is a private connection to God for the individual, but to prophesy is biblical exhortation to lead the whole church body, and therefore more people benefit from this spiritual gift.
This is a command to pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1).
You may or may not believe in the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, but if you believe in the Bible as being the word of God and true throughout, as you should if you are a Christian, it teaches us that speaking in tongues is a true spiritual gift. But Paul also teaches us that speaking in tongues is a private language for the individual that is a mystery (1 Corinthians 14:2) and should only be spoken in public/the church if an interpreter can inform the congregation of what is being spoken (1 Corinthians 14:5) so that the congregation can learn from it.
To prophesy is to give wisdom and instruction to the church; the whole body of the church gains instruction and guidance through one who prophesies. Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 14:5, “5I 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.” But once again, the point of this teaching is not to debate over which spiritual gift is better than another but to, “1Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts” as the Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 14:1a.
Dear LORD,
As we learn about spiritual gifts, please give us insight, wisdom, and understanding as to the means for the gifts that You give us, that we would edify the whole church and draw closer to You through our relationship with our Savior Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.