1 Corinthians 14: Will You Prophesy?
Verse of the Day: (V1) “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
1. Prophesy (V1-18)
V1 “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.”
Though God blessed Apostle Paul with many spiritual gifts, including the gift of speaking in many tongues or different languages, yet Paul affirmed that his best gift from God, beside charity or love, was prophesy or preaching of God’s word. The greatest joy for Paul was preaching God’s word and witnessing the miraculous salvation of precious souls repenting their sins, and receiving Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord.
V18 “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:”
2. Peace (V19-33)
V19 “Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.”
Though God bestowed Paul with the gift of many languages, yet he would rather speak only 5 words of a language that people would understand, than to speak 5,000 words of a language that confused them and no one understood it. In other words, Paul desired that his words must edify and encourage the people to know the God of peace, and make Him known to others. He would never desire to impress others with his gift of languages if they could never understand him. Indeed, God is the God of peace and not of confusion.
V33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
3. Prophet (V34-40)
V37 “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”
Paul declared that the real test of the true prophet or spiritual man was when he believed that Paul’s writings were inspired by the Holy Spirit and were God’s commandments. Indeed, Paul’s writings were profitable for doctrine, for reproof of the sins of man and for instruction in righteousness. Paul did not just write God’s word but he lived by God’s word and he did everything decently and in order, and for God’s glory, honour and praise.
V40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to prophesy that Jesus loves, forgives and saves!
