Seek to Edify the Church
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:1-12 (NASB)
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For 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. 3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? 7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8 For if the [c]bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning. 11 If then I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be to the one who speaks a barbarian, and the one who speaks will be a barbarian to me. 12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.
SUMMARY
Paul is talking about spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues and prophecy in today’s passage. He says we should desire the spiritual gift of prophecy because it can give encouraging and comforting message to people. He is comparing prophecy with the speaking in tongue and he says it is more desirable to have prophecy than speaking in tongue. The gift of prophecy can be beneficial to church because it can edify the church through the message of Revelation given by God.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Paul says we should pursue LOVE and seek earnestly the spiritual gifts. Even though I do not have gifts of speaking in tongue or prophecy, I think God gave me the gifts of evangelism and healing. Through miraculous physical healing I received from God, I began to learn about Jesus on a very personal level and could not stop sharing my story to others. Also, God encouraged me to pray for my friend who was having an acute back pain a couple years ago. When I heard about his pain, I just wanted to lay my hand over his back and pray for him. After dinner, I encouraged other people to gather and pray for him. Two months later, he contacted me and told me his back is completely healed. He said he knows for sure it’s God who healed him through the prayers that night. I could not believe he was really healed, and it encouraged me to pray more for others with faith and trust that God will listen.
APPLICATION
I want to strengthen my spiritual gifts by confidently sharing my faith to everyone around me and praying more for others whenever I have a chance.
PRAYER
Father God, I thank you for giving me a special testimony to share with others. I pray that your holy spirit would encourage me more to share clearly and effectively communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, please give me the patience I need while waiting for my lost friends and family to open their hearts to you. Help me to not easily get disappointed or give up praying for them. As an apostle of Jesus, I pray that I would never forget to seek love to edify the church and the kingdom of God. Also, help us be joyful in your hope and be patient during this stressful time. As we are forced to stay home and scattered from the church, I pray that we would be the seed that continuously seek You and spread the gospel to our neighbors and coworkers.
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