Bible Study 1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Building Up the Body: The Right Use of Spiritual Gifts

Theme: Spiritual gifts are meant to edify the church, not to elevate the individual.

Introduction

Tonight is a fun text because it is something as Southern Baptist has challenged us time and again as we come across texts in this nature.

Raise of hands. How many of you have been involved in a the Charismatic or Pentecostal Genre of Worship? I have.

You met my cousin that preached here about two months ago. His mother raised that family in a Pentecostal church. When I first came to Montgomery after my parents divorce, my aunt would keep us in the summer over a couple of summers. She would carry us to church on occasion to their church. For a young man that was reared Baptist, the worship style was quite different and to be honest, intimidating for someone not used to that style of worship.

You notice that I did not step around or avoid the text due to our Baptist roots. There have been some of you that ask periodically about speaking in tongues in your time of Bible study. And the truth is that you will come across the subject from time to time.

Let’s look into this text and see what we can learn about speaking in tongues and see what the Word of God states as we address this topic.

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 NKJV

1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

1 Corinthians 12:7–11 NKJV

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

To study a text like this, the first question we must ask in solid Bible study is why did Paul address such a subject? What is the background of actions happening in the church for Paul to address this matter?

1. The Corinthian Church’s Setting and Struggles

Corinth’s Cultural Climate:

Corinth was a cosmopolitan city—a hub of trade, ideas, and religious diversity.

It was known for rhetorical showmanship, public speakers who prized eloquence and spectacle.

Spiritual elitism and performance were prized qualities, and unfortunately, this culture leaked into the church.

2. Evidence of Abuses and Immaturity in 1 Corinthians

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in response to multiple reports of division, disorder, and spiritual immaturity in the church (see 1 Cor. 1:11; 5:1; 7:1). A few relevant problems stand out:

A. Spiritual Pride and Division Over Leaders

1 Cor. 1:12 – “I follow Paul… I follow Apollos… I follow Cephas…”

They were splitting into factions, boasting in their favorite preachers or teachers.

This shows a tendency to value personality and delivery style over substance.

B. Abuses of the Lord’s Supper and Corporate Worship

1 Cor. 11 – The wealthy shamed the poor during communion; they weren’t waiting on each other.

Worship was becoming disorderly and self-centered.

C. Misuse of Spiritual Gifts

1 Cor. 12–14 directly addresses this.

Some were flaunting showier gifts—like tongues—as evidence of being more spiritual or Spirit-filled.

This created confusion and a hierarchy of gifts, contrary to Paul’s teaching that all gifts are given by the Spirit “for the common good” (12:7).

3. Why Paul Specifically Addresses Tongues vs. Prophecy

Disorder in Worship

Tongues were likely being used without interpretation, making worship chaotic or unintelligible.

Paul’s concern: worship should edify the whole church, not just the individual (14:4, 12, 26).

👤 Self-Centered Spirituality

Some were likely using tongues to draw attention to themselves, a continuation of the pride and competitiveness mentioned earlier.

Paul corrects this by emphasizing love (chapter 13) and order (chapter 14).

Building Up the Church is the Priority

Tongues without interpretation isolate people. Prophecy, being intelligible, encourages and strengthens the body (14:3–5).

Paul isn't anti-tongues—he even says, “I thank God I speak in tongues more than all of you” (14:18)—but he cares more about mutual edification.

The Pursuit of Love in Edifying the Church (vv. 1-5)

Notice in these first five verses that number of times the word “edification, edify” is stated.

4 x

You will remember from our last time together in Chapter 13, the love chapter that we are to love and build each other up. Our aim is to edify and build up each other in love.

1 Corinthians 13:8 “8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.”

A. LOve Remains the Highest Aim

Rooted in chapter 13—gifts without love are empty (13:1–3)

Love seeks the good of others, not the spotlight for self

Building each other up in love for Christ and our love for each other is the overarching theme Paul is conveying in Chapter 14.

B. Prophecy is preferred because it edifies the church

Tongues (uninterpreted) edify the speaker (v. 4)

Prophecy speaks to people for strengthening, encouragement, and comfort (v. 3)

Application: In public worship, prioritize what helps others grow in Christ.

He offers prioritization in verse 1, look with me:

1 Corinthians 14:1 “1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.”

1 Corinthians 14:3–4 NKJV

3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.

Paul contrasts tongues which is not understandable unless one has an interpreter with prophecy, which communicates clearly and builds up the church.

Prophecy is valued in these verses because it is understood and benefits the body corporately. This stands in contrast to uninterpreted tongues , which do not build up unless they are interpreted.

1 Corinthians 14:33 “33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

1 Corinthians 14:40 “40 Let all things be done decently and in order.”

The question could be asked, why do we as Southern Baptist veer from the encouragement of such a practice? In other words, why are our churches cautious or non-participatory when it comes to speaking in tongues. For this very reason. Communication in worship should be understandable and edifying to all.

The “speaking in tongues” is mentioned 21-23 times. Namely in Mark, Acts, 1 Corinthians.

Paul’s point in not to denigrate tongues all together, but to prioritize clarity and corporate edification in gathered worship.

Paul goes to great lengths to remind that when the gifts operate in love, the well being of the whole church is the primary concern.

Prophecy

A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible 4395. προφητεύω

4395. προφητεύω prŏphētĕuō, prof-ate-yoo´-o; from 4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office:—prophesy.

Biblically, prophecy is not limited to predicting the future. In fact, that’s only one aspect, and not the primary focus in most New Testament settings. Especially in this chapter, prophecy is:

Speaking truth from God,

In a way that is understood, and

That brings edification, exhortation, and encouragement to the church (v. 3).

Many Southern Baptist scholars (e.g., D.A. Carson, Tom Schreiner) interpret New Testament prophecy as a kind of Spirit-empowered proclamation, often aligning it with teaching or exhortation, though distinct from formal preaching or apostolic authority.

So, prophecy can include:

Teaching or explaining God’s Word in a Spirit-led, timely way

Calling people to faithfulness or repentance

Encouragement or challenge that aligns with Scripture

And yes, sometimes revealing what is to come—but not always

In the local church context, what Paul likely has in mind is not someone foretelling the distant future but rather someone speaking a timely word that builds up the church and aligns with Scripture.

The Limitation of Uninterpreted Tongues (vv. 6-12)

1 Corinthians 14:6 “6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?”

A. Unclear communication is unfruitful

Paul compares uninterpreted tongues to instruments with no melody (vv. 7–8)

Michael is a band director. Let’s assume as Michael leads that his trumpet player plays off key or does not come in at the right time or blares out when everyone else is silent, how does it enhance the central song message the band is conveying?

V. 8-the trumpet was an instrument to prepare for battle. There was a certain series of tones that would incline the army to get read to march or to attack, etc. We know that when someone dies they play taps at the funeral. Let’s assume the trumpeteer plays a different song in any of those examples, it sends a mixed message.

Words must be understood to be meaningful (v. 9)

1 Corinthians 14:9 “9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.”

If the Lord asks us to practice that with each other, should we not practice that with the Lord? Have you heard someone when they pray say “thee’s and thou’s?” We speak to God just as we would ordinarily talk.

B. The goal of gifts is the edification of the body

Language must connect to build up others (vv. 10–12)

Speaking into the air helps no one—clarity is essential

Application: Gifts are not about spiritual display but spiritual benefit to others.

The Right Attitude in Using Spiritual Gifts (vv. 13–19)

A. Seek interpretation when speaking in tongues

A tongue-speaker should pray for the ability to interpret (v. 13)

Both the mind and the spirit must be engaged in worship (vv. 14–15)

Verse 15 – Worship must be both spiritual and intelligible

“I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also…”

“Pray with my spirit”

Refers to Spirit-empowered or Spirit-led prayer—possibly in tongues or in an intense, inward communion with God.

Paul doesn’t condemn this; he affirms the value of heartfelt, Spirit-filled worship.

“Pray with my mind also”

Paul insists that prayer should not only be emotional or spiritual—it must also be intelligible and thoughtful.

He wants both passion and understanding—not just emotional experience but meaningful communication with God.

"Sing with my spirit... sing with my mind also"

Same idea applied to praise and worship through music: don’t just sing from emotional overflow; sing in a way that your mind and others can grasp.

Spirit + mind = wholehearted worship that edifies the soul and informs the heart.

Big idea: Paul isn’t anti-Spirit; he’s pro-understanding. Worship must be more than emotional—it must be intelligible and participatory.

Verse 16 – Corporate worship requires shared understanding

“Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit…”

“Give thanks with your spirit”

Paul again references praying or praising in a way that might be meaningful to the individual, possibly through tongues.

The individual might feel close to God—but it leaves others out.

“How can anyone in the position of an outsider say ‘Amen’…?”

“Outsider” can mean:

Someone not gifted with interpretation,

Or possibly even a visitor or unbeliever in the worship gathering.

If what’s said is unintelligible, they can’t affirm it with an “Amen” (which means “So be it” or “Yes, I agree”).

In Jewish and early Christian worship, saying “Amen” was a corporate affirmation—a sign that the body agreed with what was spoken.

Big idea: If others can’t understand, they can’t participate. And if they can’t participate, it ceases to be corporate worship—it becomes individual expression in a communal space.

B. Value others’ understanding above personal experience

Public worship is for mutual edification (vv. 16–17)

Paul’s example: he spoke in tongues privately, but valued clarity in church gatherings (v. 18–19)

1 Samuel 1:13–15 NKJV

13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” 15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

Paul highlights that while speaking in tongues may bring personal joy, it does not benefit others, especially enquirers who cannot comprehend the message. He acknowledges his own use of tongues but stresses that when the church gathers, intelligible communication is paramount. The focus should be on instructing others rather than showcasing spiritual gifts. The underlying theology suggests that spiritual experiences should not be self-justifying; true spiritual maturity is demonstrated through concern for the edification of others. Paul underscores the necessity of understanding and instruction in the church, advocating for a balance between form and content. Ultimately, he prioritizes prophecy and teaching as means to convey truth, which is essential for the church's growth and flourishing.

Romans 8:26–27 “26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

Psalm 34:18 “18 The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 38:9 “9 Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You.”

📝 Application: Spiritual maturity is shown in choosing what blesses the many over what satisfies the self.