Prophecy over Tongues
The gift of “tongues” was an important gift found in the early church and necessary for advancing the gospel among different ethnic groups. Tongues in the New Testament has reference to foreign languages unknown or unlearned by the speaker. It would be as if I were able to speak French or German without any instruction or training. As important as this gift was, it had been misused in Corinth for the personal acclaim of those who were “gifted” with it. Paul found it necessary to correct this practice by instructing the Corinthian believers on the importance of prophesying, or declaring God’s word.
Paul had much to say about the misuse of tongues, but what he had to say about prophesying was more important. In comparing tongues with prophesy, he concluded “he that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifeth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church” (I Corinthians 14:4). Edify simply means to build. One of the fundamental purposes of the local church is to build up believers in their faith through the ministry of the word. The Corinthians, in their selfish ambition had lost sight of this and Paul rebuked them for their wrong priorities. “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12).
Many of the Corinthian believers were caught up with these “showy” gifts and became puffed up with pride. We are not immune to this behavior in our modern church today. Talented people and strong personalities often take center stage muting the ministry of God’s word. But it is the plain preaching and teaching of God’s word that strengthens the believer and forges his or her faith. As Paul noted to the Corinthians, “he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (I Corinthians 14:3). As a result, Paul concluded “Let all things be done unto edifying” (I Corinthians 14:26).
It is unfortunate that many, if not most, churches in our day have moved away from relying on the simple declaration of God’s word to save the lost and perfect the faith of the saints. Sermons are more like a motivational speech instead of “Thus saith the Lord.” It seems that preachers have moved more in this direction because the people in the pew are not interested in sound preaching. It is a vicious cycle – anemic preaching produces nominal Christians and nominal Christians are content with anemic preaching.
This cycle has left its practitioners destitute of a genuine relationship with God and barren of true spiritual power. Rather, they seek (as the Corinthians) the “showy” forms of worship. They consider worship as something to experience vicariously through a worship team. Worship becomes nothing more than an emotional experience. Unfortunately, they leave church much the way they came – no closer to God but feeling better about it!
What about the worship in your church? Remember this – “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) and “faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Is your worship word-centered? Does your church emphasize the preaching of God’s word?
Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.