The "B" in Blessing

We are "blessed" to be a "blessing". You've heard the phrase, but in truth it is more than just something you might read in Reader's Digest. Our role as blesser is solidly biblical! 1 Corinthians 14 details eight aspects of being a "Blessing". Let's begin with the first of eight: "B". Whoever would be a blessing to the church would be first and foremost a "B"-UILDER!

"Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts . . . " (v1). Both of these verbs in the Greek text are imperatives meaning that this is more than just a suggestion--it is a command! You must pursue (continually hunt) love! At the same time, you must desire earnestly (strive for) spiritual gifts! Love is pursued by hunting for God. "We love because He first loved us". "The fruit of the Spirit is love . . ." Paul devotes a whole chapter (13) to defining the sacrificial aspects of love that can only be developed through an intimate relationship with the Father. We are clearly to be pursuing spiritual gifts with the same energy that we are devoting to pursuing love. Both are important! What is the purpose of love?--to build up the Body of Christ! What is the purpose of giftings?--to build up the Body of Christ!

Verses 2-5 compares and contrasts the gift of prophecy with the gift of tongues. The purpose of the comparison is to elevate prophesy as a superior gift. In the process of comparison the primary purpose of the gifts is made clear for us. The point is not to diminish or put down tongues but rather to elevate prophecy. In other words, prophecy is much easier gift to build up the Body with.

5 Biblical Statements on the Gift of Tongues:

1. "For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God" (v2). Tongues is inferior because only God understands the message. Men do not understand and the church is not edified as well as if the message is clearly understood by everyone in the assembly. Note that the tongue in which he is referring cannot be the foreign languages of Pentecost. Those pentecostal tongues were certainly spoken to men for their edification.
2. "...in his spirit he speaks mysteries" (v2). Compare this with Romans 8:26-28. Again, tongues is inferior in the assembly because it's mysterious--not easily understood.
3. "One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself" (v4). It's not a bad thing to "edify yourself"--it's just not helpful to the gathered church. There is a certain amount of "self-edification" in all of the gifts.
4. "I wish you all spoke in tongues" (v5). Now here is where we have to remind ourselves about the inspiration of the Scriptures. This is not Paul's opinion! This is not even Paul's voice--it is the "God-breathed" Word. God says, "I wish you all spoke in tongues!". Tongues is not bad--it's a gift and God gives good gifts! Though tongues is inferior to prophecy--it is still a gift of God. Let us never dismiss what God desires to place in us as bad or unneccessary. Let us trust that God knows what he is doing. As a side, let me also declare that God has not chosen to gift me with tongues but I do know several wonderful godly people who possess the gift.
5. "Greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying" (v5). The point is to speak something that will build up the church. In the assembly--use the gift of tongues quietly in your heart. If God gives you the interpretation--then share that with the Body that they may be built up!

8 Biblical Statements on the Gift of Prophecy:

1. "...desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially tht you may prophesy" (v1). Strive to speak for God. Desire to be his ambassador!
2. "But one who prophesies speaks to men" (v3). Prophecy is superior gift because it allows for the clear communication of God's thoughts and desires to the church.
3. "...for edification" (v3). It builds up the church. Note that it's not truly prophetic if it tears down.
4. "...and exhortation" (v3). It encourages the church. Note that it's not truly prophetic if it discourages.
5. "and consolation" (v3). The idea is to comfort and motivate. It's not truly prophetic if it pushes people away. God's word is always redemptive in nature!
6. "...one who prophesies edifies the church" (v4). It's all about building up!
7. "Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy" (v5). Again, God's desire is that we would all be His spokesmen. According to the Authoritative Word, God wants you to be a prophetic voice.
8. "Greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues" (v5). If I offered you a brand new tv set, would you choose a small portable black and white or would you choose the plasma big-screen? Ask God to give you a prophetic voice that you might build up the Body of Christ.

Whatever your gift--use it to build of the Body of Christ! Build with your singing! Build with your serving! Build with your giving! Build with your speaking! Whatever you do--BUILD!