Devotional Messages

The Edification of the Church

Yesterday's reading from 1 Corinthians focussed on love, and proclaimed it to be greater than faith and hope (v.13). Paul continues along with this thought in today's reading from 1 Corinthians, focussing on the use of gifts for the encouragement and building up of others. While spiritual gifts were discussed previously by Paul (see ch.12), he now focusses on the gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy, within the church.

To speak in tongues (in the biblical sense) is to speak a language that the believer previously didn't know - frequently this language is said to be a spiritual 'babble' rather than an actual language, although there are references (as we have seen today) to people being able to translate; and certainly, the language was perfectly understood by God and used to praise Him. To prophesy as is meant in today's readings, is not to predict (as it is often assumed), but is much like our preaching today except that prophesying was not a well-prepared sermon; it was uttering divinely inspired words through the Spirit without previous preparation.

We can surmise that the Corinthians were placing the gift of speaking in tongues over and above the gift of prophecy in their church, as Paul devotes the vast majority of this chapter to arguing against their belief - "He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues" (v.5). Notice that he does so, however, making it clear that speaking in tongues is still a valuable gift (vv.5, 18, et al.), stating and restating throughout the chapter that prophecy is the greater as it is better for the building up of the church - "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church" (v.4).

Paul makes the point that musical instruments that play only the one note are useless (v.7), as is a trumpet that is sounded without a clear call, leaving soldiers unsure whether to attack or retreat (v.8). He later remarks at his own speaking in tongues but states that he would prefer to speak "five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue" (v.19). Again, he does not deny the value of speaking in tongues (vv.5, 18, et al.) but is trying to teach this one point to the Corinthians: it is more important to be useful than to be dazzling.

This all-important notion of using gifts for the benefit of the Church is not to be limited to the dispute between those who favour speaking in tongues over prophesying - God gives us gifts to serve the Church and to encourage others, as well as to grow closer to Him. Too often only one or two of those purposes are met in any one believer's use of their gifts. How can you use what God has given you to serve the Chruch? To encourage those around you? To grow closer to Him? You are part of the body of Christ (See 1 Cor. 12), make sure you fulfill your purpose in God's Church as He desires. Are you a trumpet sounding an unclear call?

Pray now, considering all that God has given you and seek His guidance and wisdom on how to best use your gifts in this world. If you feel you lack gifts, pray that God would make clear to you where you can serve Him, and pray for empowerment to do so.