How should believers prioritize prophecy and tongues in their spiritual practices? Key Passage in Focus “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers, but for believers.” (1 Corinthians 14:22) Why Tongues? Sign for Unbelievers • Acts 2:4–11 shows tongues drawing astonished crowds who heard “the wonders of God” in their own languages—clear evidence to outsiders that God was at work. • Mark 16:17 lists tongues among signs accompanying gospel proclamation. • 1 Corinthians 14:21 points to Isaiah 28:11–12: God would speak to obstinate Israel “through foreign lips,” underscoring tongues as attention-getting judgment and mercy. • Therefore, tongues serve an evangelistic, confirmatory role. In gathered worship they need interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27–28) so that the unbeliever understands the message and is pointed to Christ, not merely to the phenomenon. Why Prophecy? Edification for Believers • 1 Corinthians 14:3: “But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.” • 1 Corinthians 14:4: Tongues edify the speaker; prophecy edifies the church. • 1 Corinthians 14:5: Paul values tongues yet “would rather have you prophesy.” • Prophecy brings direct, intelligible truth that strengthens discipleship, steers the congregation, and glorifies Christ (Revelation 19:10). Practical Priorities for Today 1. Seek intelligible upbuilding first. – Aim that every gathering leaves believers strengthened (Hebrews 10:24–25). 2. Welcome tongues, but submit them to biblical safeguards. – Interpretation required (1 Corinthians 14:27–28). – No more than two or three speakers, in turn. 3. Cultivate prophecy—or any Spirit-given, Scripture-tested utterance that builds up. – “Earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy” (1 Corinthians 14:1). – Test all words against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). 4. Keep love supreme. – Without love, tongues and prophecy are “a noisy gong” (1 Corinthians 13:1). 5. Guard order and clarity. – “Everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner” (1 Corinthians 14:40). Disorder discredits the message to outsiders and confuses believers. Balancing Zeal and Order • Zeal: “Be eager to prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:39). Expect the Spirit to move. • Order: “Do not forbid speaking in tongues” (14:39) but keep the biblical parameters. • The goal: Christ exalted, saints edified, sinners convinced (14:24–25). Summary Points • Tongues—God’s sign to unbelievers—should never dominate believers’ gatherings without interpretation. • Prophecy—clear, edifying speech rooted in Scripture—deserves priority because it directly builds up the church. • Both gifts function best when exercised in love, tested by Scripture, and ordered for maximum clarity and impact. |
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