What role do prophecies play for believers according to 1 Corinthians 14:22? Setting the Scene Paul is addressing disorderly worship in Corinth. He contrasts two miraculous gifts—tongues and prophecy—to show how each should function in gathered worship. Key Verse (1 Corinthians 14:22) “Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.” What Prophecy Is • Spirit-empowered message in the common language • Communicates God’s mind and heart (14:3) • Brings up-to-the-moment application of Scripture’s timeless truth The Role for Believers Prophecy serves those already in Christ by: • Building up (edification) – strengthens faith muscles (14:3) • Encouraging – pours courage into weary hearts (Acts 15:32) • Consoling – applies divine comfort to real pain (Isaiah 40:1-2) • Clarifying – exposes hidden motives, leading to repentance (14:24-25) • Directing – gives timely instruction aligned with Scripture (Acts 13:1-3) Contrast with Tongues • Tongues function as an evangelistic sign to outsiders (14:22; Acts 2:6-12) • Prophecy functions as an in-house gift, intelligible and immediately useful Why Prophecy Matters Today • Keeps congregations anchored in the living voice of God (Hebrews 3:7) • Guards against error when evaluated by Scripture and other mature believers (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; 1 John 4:1) • Catalyzes spiritual growth, gifting every member a role in mutual ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16) Related Scriptures • Joel 2:28 / Acts 2:17 – promise of Spirit-filled sons and daughters prophesying • Numbers 11:29 – Moses’ longing that all God’s people would prophesy • Revelation 19:10 – “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” Practicing Prophecy in the Church • Seek the gift with love as the motive (14:1) • Share in orderly turns (14:29-31) • Submit each word to biblical truth; Scripture remains the final authority • Expect fruit—strengthened faith, clearer vision of Christ, deeper unity When believers gather, prophecy is God’s gracious way of speaking a fresh, comprehensible word that edifies, encourages, and comforts His people, ensuring the body of Christ grows up into maturity. |
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