Eagerly desiring spiritual gifts is a command. But why? What is the intent of spiritual gifts? Are they for ourselves so that we feel like because of them, we have special connection to God that others don’t? Or that it affirms us before God? Not at all.
A spiritual gift has greater purpose—they are to to edify others.
In this section, Paul will look at two spiritual gifts–Tongues and prophecy.
“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up” (1 Cor 14:1-5).
It’s important that this begins with “pursue love,” because that is going to be Paul’s tone here with the gifts. Because the greatest gifts are those that come from the place of love and are for the building up of the body of Christ.
1) Tongue speakers
Tongue speaking is praying in an unknown heavenly language. There are at least two types of tongue speaking in 1 Cor 14.
The first kind of tongue speaking is a language of prayer. It says this kind of tongue-speaking edifies the spirit as one prays in the unknown language to God.
Then there is the tongue speaking that is for the corporate setting. It is a word given in an unknown language in which the Lord will also provide an interpreter.
Paul says that while the first one is great and he wishes everyone could pray in tongues and experience the edification that happens in the spirit, the greater gift is the corporate gift. The reason is because it edifies the body of believers.
Both are good, but one brings edification to oneself and the other brings edification to the body of Christ.
2) Prophecy
One thing people miss about prophecy is that oftentimes it is perceived as gloom and doom and futuristic. In reality, New Testament prophecy is bringing to the people a Word of God for their “strengthening, encouragement, and comfort” (v. 3). When people bring something completely opposite, then this needs to be evaluated appropriately.
Yes, there are times where God brings correction and rebuke. But if it is continuously in this spirit, it may not be of the Lord.
The prophetic gift is about bringing a Word from God that empowers, builds up, and strengthens people. It is a greater gift than tongues for this reason, because it’s goal is to edify the church.
Central to all this is about thinking about others and using whatever gift is given to strengthen others. It is why we are to “pursue love.” In the context of church, it isn’t just “what do I get out of it,” but also “what do I have to offer others”?
Now this can be a challenge in today’s church. In Paul’s setting, this was a house church or small group gatherings. Being able to share gifts was much easier than in auditorium Christianity where one is rarely invited to speak, share a testimony, or really even engage in the body. The only way to do these kinds of things is in small groups.
It is why it is important to be able to keep connection with others in smaller numbers and not just in the greater, corporate gathering. It is also reason why there are limitations when people claim to be “digital disciples” and do not have in-person engagement. We are made to walk together in these things in real life relationships.
Bottom line: We belong to one another and our job is strengthen one another with the gifts that God gives us.