UNLEASHING YOUR GREAT POTENTIALS

1 Corinthians 14

The context came from the letter of Paul to the Corinthians. Before in Corinth many people became
believers of Jesus Christ but they adopted the idea that physical things are bad so they wanted to free
the human spirit in their bodies. And in this letter Paul emphasizes things related to worship on how the
people there in Corinth be able to fully submit their selves in the work for the Lord. Paul here gives
advices on how the people will consistently embody the new life that God has given to the people of
Corinth.

As Christians we should know how to live truly as Christians build up not just in word but in Spirit. Many
Christians as of today know and believe the salvation that Jesus Christ has given to each of us but the
problem is that they lacking something that they dont know how would a Christian should live
continually to be used in the kingdom, to live accordingly in the Spirit so that it may worship and glorify
God.

In the 1 Corinthians chapter 14 it talks about Prophesy and Tongues and Orderly Worship. As Christians
we should submit also to the work in building up the kingdom as God commanded. We are not just
merely believers but also an advocate of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prophesy and tongues are two of the gifts came from the Spirit. Christians received gifts from the Spirit
from the start that they genuinely received Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Let me define
first what these two spiritual gift means.

1. Prophesy (vv.4) is a gift of edifying the church. Verse 3 says On the other hand, the one who
prophesies speaks to people for their up building and encouragement and consolation. They
are build up in sharing to the others what the Lord has revealed to them so it may encourage
others. God wanted that his people will desire the highest gift of prophesy (vv. 1).

2. Tongues or the speaking in tongues- it is another way of worshiping God but it is just exclusive
between the one who have this gift and God (v.2). It cant edify the church because others wont
understand it unless theres someone who can interpret (vv.9,16). Its building oneself to God.

The difference between the two is that (vv.4) The one who speaks in a tongue builds up
himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. But this two are the same as a way
of worship to the Lord.

The Lord wanted that his people will know the orderly way of worship. God gives this gifts for a purpose
that will bring encouragement and growth to the people (vv. 26).

1. Verse 27-28 says If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in
turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent
in church and speak to himself and to God.
God wanted not to bring confusion to the people as paul says in verse 33 For God is not a God
of confusion but of peace. Speaking in tongues will sounds strange to others especially to
unbelievers (vv.23).
2. Those who can prophesy let it be that the truth be shared to others in a harmonious way. Pauls
say in verse 29-32 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.30 If a
revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by
one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to
prophets.

By doing all of these we can show to others especially to unbelievers who really God is in our
lives. God desires that His people will be rooted and build up in Him. Bring souls in Christ and
guide them to grow and be mature as a true Christian.

Above all else this should be done fully for the glory of God. God not just merely gives this to us
as gift for us to have but a gift to be used to build oneself and others for the expansion of His
kingdom. Verse 37 says As If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should
acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. Let those gifts be
unleashed. Let it be done as an outflow of love of Christ for us. God gives this as our part or
function in the body of Christ as one as we united by His Spirit. Dont let it be hidden as you
dont recognize. Having these gifts is a big privilege. It is the power of God that dwells on us to
have these that make us able and empower us to be used for the work of His kingdom. These
makes us unique as a children of God.