Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 14:13–19
God did give certain people the gift of tongues, which was the ability to pray, sing, bless, and give thanks to the Lord in this special language. God had Paul share what a great value it was to him to have the gift of tongues for his own devotional life before the Lord. However, God also had Paul share that when he gathered with other Christians, he was more concerned about giving others a blessing through proclaiming God’s truth and not with himself receiving a blessing—that is why God had Paul write in 1 Corinthians 14:13–19, “Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying? 17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified. 18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.” Christians gather to build each other up in the Lord through His Word.
Challenge & Application
What are some ways that you are built up in your walk with Christ through worship services and community group?
How has God used you to edify and build up other Christians through sharing His Word with them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!