“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?”
1 Corinthians 14:4-6 KJV
Paul’s revelation, “The one who speaks in tongues advances his own spiritual progress, while the one who prophesies builds up the Church. I would be delighted if you all spoke in tongues, but I desire even more that you impart prophetic revelation to others. Greater gain comes through the one who prophesies than the one who speaks in tongues, unless there is interpretation so that it builds up the entire Church. Dear friends, what good is it if I come to you always speaking in tongues? But if I come with a clear revelation from God, or with insight, or with a prophecy, or with a clear teaching, I can enrich you.” The One Who speaks through us when speaking in tongues, is the Holy Spirit Who empowers us in our human frailty and weakness. Many times we don’t know how to pray, or know the best things to ask for. But the Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words. The purpose of God through each individual is to build the Church. That’s why each believer must have the personal and intimate experience with our Lord to know how He is leading us. If we have the know-it-all attitude of condescension, we will be unfruitful. Every congregation needs to focus on: the revelation of God; the insights of truth; the prophecy; the teaching and building up. All these are necessary today for the Church to be built up and effective and the powerhouse that God wants it to be. Amen!
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