In a recent post, we looked at the nine spiritual gifts Paul mentioned in the twelfth chapter of 1st Corinthians just prior to his identifying the 16 attributes of Love in the next chapter. Following the Chapter of Love, Paul admonishes us to pursue the following:
14:1 Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.
14:2 For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit.
14:3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation.
Paul starts this chapter with the command “Pursue Love”. Does it get any plainer than that!
Prophesying is speaking GOD given revelation under the direction of the Holy Spirit to people. The ultimate purpose of the Divine revelation is to reconcile man back to Our Heavenly Father. It is lawful and Love based. All of the corporate gifts of the Body of Christ act in unity and do not conflict with each other. Praying in an Unknown Tongue does not build up others and thus should not be a public based prayer except where it is used as a “gift” to those gathered with an interpretation for all to receive its blessing. “Tongues” and interpretation conforms to the Law of the Double Witness. and often occurs as a confirmation or affirmation to those gathered in attendance.
Paul prayed in “Tongues” (I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you) but explained the necessity of order when among other brethren. Consider this, when you pray in “Tongues” it is a perfect prayer without your soul interfering. The Holy Spirit knows what is needed and communicates it through your agreement. Then, as Paul recommends, ask for the interpretation of that “Perfect” prayer. Doesn’t this allow you to pray about something when you are not sure of what to pray? Doesn’t this open up the universe of intercessory prayer and allow you to be a conduit to the Most High God?
In the Pentecostal era, “Tongues” was abused just as it was in the Church at Corinth. This is why Paul provided guidance in the understanding of praying in “Tongues” that there be no confusion of this or the nine spiritual gifts mentioned in the twelfth chapter. Let everything be done in order and maturity. When the spiritual gifts operate in Love, the Kingdom is brought forth. Denying a spiritual gift to operate is simply due to a lack of understanding. Judging a person who does not speak in “Tongues” is also a sign of immaturity and lack of understanding. Be thankful for the gifts but moreover be thankful for the Gift Giver.
Strengthening, encouragement, and consolation should be our goal to minister to our fellow man. As we speak the words in Love that we hear from Our Heavenly Father, we can expect them to be fruitful in the lives of those who listen. Love will remove blindness and deafness among the people and the corporate result will be the expansion of the Kingdom on earth.