What is the difference between edifying oneself and edifying the church in this verse? The Verse in Focus “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:4) Edifying Oneself: What It Looks Like • Speaking in tongues is directed “to God; indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit” (14:2). • The speaker’s spirit is “praying” (14:14) and “singing” (14:15), producing personal refreshment, encouragement, and strengthening. • Comparable passages: – Jude 20: “But you, beloved, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…” – Psalm 103:1: “Bless the Lord, O my soul…”—an inner, private worship that nourishes the individual believer. • Key point: the benefit is real and God-given, yet it stops with the individual unless interpreted (14:5, 13). Edifying the Church: What It Looks Like • Prophecy is intelligible speech that “speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement, and comfort” (14:3). • The gathered body receives understanding; minds are engaged (14:19). • The whole assembly is “built up” (14:26) as gifts work “for the common good” (12:7). • Related passages: – Ephesians 4:11-12, 16: leaders equip saints “for building up the body of Christ… so that the body grows and builds itself up in love.” – Romans 14:19: pursue “mutual edification.” Why the Distinction Matters • Love seeks the good of others first (13:1-7); public worship must reflect that priority. • Uninterpreted tongues leave listeners “outsiders” (14:11) and risk disorder (14:23). • Prophecy—or any intelligible gift—makes unbelievers accountable (14:24-25) and believers mature (14:20). Guidelines for Practice Today • Value private prayer in the Spirit; it deepens personal fellowship with God (14:18). • In corporate settings, aim for clarity: interpret tongues or choose speech all can understand (14:13, 27-28). • Evaluate every contribution: “Let all things be done for edification” (14:26). • Remember the goal: a spiritually healthy congregation that displays Christ to the world (Ephesians 4:13; Matthew 5:16). Summary Edifying oneself through tongues is a God-given means of personal strengthening. Edifying the church through prophecy—or any clear, intelligible ministry—extends that benefit to the whole body. Paul champions both, yet insists love for others makes corporate edification the higher aim whenever believers gather. |
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