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1 Pursue [agape] love, and passionately desire spiritual [gifts], but mostly that you may prophesy.
- AGAPE - DIVINE LOVE
- AGAPE - DIVINE LOVE
2 For the one that speaks in an [unknown] tongue is not speaking to men, but to God: for no one understands [him]; but in the spirit, he is speaking mysteries.
3 But the one that prophesies speaks to men and women [leading to] building up, encouragement, and motivation.
4 He that speaks in an [unknown] tongue builds up himself; but he that prophesies builds up the church.
5 I want you all to speak with tongues, but I would prefer it if you prophesied: for the one that prophesies is greater than the one that speaks with tongues, unless they interpret, that the church might be built up.
Tongues are for every believer - no exceptions. It is the will of God that we speak in tongues. But we should then also seek to prophesy, because that is better.
6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what benefit will I be to you, unless I speak to you either through revelation, or through knowledge, or through prophesying, or through teaching?
Tongues can be used to communicate revelations from God or principles and truths. It can be used in conjunction with both Prophetic and Teaching ministries.
- TEACHING OFFICE - TONGUES
- TEACHING OFFICE - TONGUES
7 And even lifeless things making sounds, like a pipe or harp, unless they give distinct notes, how will it be known what is being piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
9 So in the same way, unless you utter by the tongue words that can be easily understood, will anyone know what you are saying? for you will [just] be speaking into the air.
10 There are, of course, so many different types of sounds in the world, and none of them [is] without meaning.
11 Therefore if I do not know the [dynamic power] meaning of the sound, I will be a foreigner to him that speaks, and he that speaks [will be] a foreigner to me.
12 Even so, since you are earnestly desiring spiritual [gifts], seek to excel in that which leads to the building up of the church.
13 Therefore let he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue pray that he might [be able to] interpret.
14 For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit is praying, but my mind [nous] is unfruitful.
15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the mind [nous] also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the mind [nous] also.
16 Otherwise when you are blessing with the spirit, how will he that occupies the place of the uninformed say Amen at your giving of thanks, seeing he does not understand what you are saying?
17 For you truly are giving thanks well, but the other is not built up.
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than all of you:
We should speak in tongues frequently. Paul boasted that he did it more than anyone.
19 Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind [nous], that I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.
- TEACHING OFFICE
- TEACHING OFFICE
20 Brethren, do not be immature in [your] thinking: Rather be childish concerning evil, but in understanding be mature.
21 In the law it is written, With [people of] other tongues and other lips I will speak to these people; and yet in spite of that they will not hear me, says the Lord.
22 Therefore tongues are for an indication, not to those that believe, but to those that do not believe: but prophesying [is] not for those that do not believe, but for those who do believe.
23 If therefore the whole church is gathered together in one place, and everyone speaks with tongues, and there comes in [those that are] uninformed, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad?
24 But if everyone prophesies, and there comes in one that does not believe, or [that is] uninformed, he is convicted by everyone, he is judged by everyone:
25 And so the secrets of his heart are made visible; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and declare that God is really in you.
26 What is the conclusion then, brothers and sisters? When you come together, every one of you has a song, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for the purpose of building up.
27 If any person speaks in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] through two, or at the most [through] three [utterances], and in turn; and let one [person] interpret.
28 But if there is no interpreter, let him remain silent in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other [prophets] judge.
30 If [any thing] is revealed to another [prophet] that is sitting out, let the first [prophet] be quiet.
31 For you may all prophesy one by one, [so] that everyone may learn, and everyone may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
34 Let your married women be quiet in the church meetings: for they are not allowed to speak; but have been placed in a position of submission, as the law also says.
35 And if they want to learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is dishonorable for wives to talk in church.
36 What? did the word of God originate with you? or did it come to you only?
37 If any person considers himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
39 Therefore, brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking with tongues.
Every believer should desire to prophesy, but you start with speaking in tongues and then move on to prophecy.
- PROPHECY
- PROPHECY
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.