I Corinthians Study I Corinthians 14:1-40 The Use of Gifts

Rev. Johnny C. Smith,Pastor – Mount MoriahMissionary Baptist Church Paul related at the end of Chapter 12 that believers should “covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”  The more excellent way is by love!  In Chapter 13, Paul gave us an exposition on the grand subject of love!  Now as Chapter 14 opens in verse 1, Paul exhorts us to follow after love.  Then he exhorts us to desire spiritual gifts, but rather to prophesy.  We should be engaged in forthtelling the word of God.  What a blessing it is to share God’s word with others! In verse 2, we should note that the word “unknown” is in italics, which means that the word “unknown” is not in the original.  The bible does not mention “unknown tongues.”  The word is not in the original.  In an assembly, we should not speak in a language that is unknown unless somebody can do some interpreting.  In verse 3, Paul stressed the importance of the gift of prophecy, which is for edification, exhortation and comfort; however, when one is speaking in an unknown tongue, he or she is edifying themselves only.  Prophesying is the best...