Monday, March 29, 2010

Corporate prophesy, personal tongues

Corporate prophesy, personal tongues

S -1 Corinthians 14:1-3,23-26 (NASB)

Prophecy a Superior Gift

1Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
2For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.

3But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.

...

23Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?

24But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;

25the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.

26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation Let all things be done for edification.

O - Not only have I been commanded to grow the gift of prophesy, recently I have experienced a revival of using the gift of tongues. Both are powerful gifts, and both are to be fully applied in my life and in the Church; however, Paul's exhortation here gives us important detail on how they are to operate inside the church. The gift of tongues is for personal edification of the individual speaking them, in building an intimate relationship with God and the Holy Spirit, tongues communicates on a spiritual level. The truth those is tongues without an interpreter of tongues can be a stumbling block for those not living in the spirit yet, and therefore needs to be avoided. The gift of prophesy however is a more powerful corporate gift, to be used to edify and direct the church, as well as draw those who are seeking God closer to the revelation of who He is in their life.



A - The application for me is recognize the power of the Holy Spirit is in me, and can be tapped into by gift of tongues, but that is to be used quietly and aside for my own edification, not to intimidate or influence those around me. The gift of prophesy is to be used whenever possible, in corporate settings, amongst believers, and even unbelievers. The message should be delivered plainly as prompted and directed by the spirit.

P - Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your love and your guidance, through your word and through your spirit. I pray Lord that you would continue to edify and exhort me through your word, and your spirit in me, through the gifts of tongues and prophesy. I earnestly seek you best through these gifts, and pray for continued equipping in growing in these gifts for your glory. I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

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