Saturday 28 January 2012
The Apostle Paul says in 1Cor.14:4, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” And in the next verse, he says, “he who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.” The underlying reason why Paul said the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues is this: edification of the church is more important than edification of self. This is consistent with what Paul said in v.1 too – “follow the way of love”. In the preceding chapter, Paul had defined what love is and the futility of exercising many gifts without love. We must be careful never to place self-edification above church-edification. Some people do for they have been influenced by the secular philosophy of our day – “serve yourself first, seek your interest first”. When believers are not alert and prudent, we may unconsciously allow this diabolical mindset to influence our reading and application of “love your neighbor as you love yourself”. We end up focusing on loving ourselves, we become obsessed with it and not move on to loving our neighbors. As you begin your walk with God today, submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Choose to give priority to edifying your brothers and sisters-in-Christ over self-edification. Choose to love fellow believers over loving yourself. Choose their interests above your own. It is not that we cannot or should not edify ourselves or love ourselves, it is about emphasis and priority, it is about recognizing the heart of God to give rather than to receive, to bless rather than seeking to be blessed. It is about following God’s way of love – He first loved us. Enjoy Him, love Him, serve Him.
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” (1Cor.14:4)
Pastor Barnabas Chong
Email us at twc@cairnhillchurch.com
Today’s recommended video: I will build my church ……
I Will Build My Church
Lord, we stand in awe of You, the One who’s making all things new
And as our hearts to You are raised, build here Your holy church of praise
Lord, make us part of this, to see Your Kingdom come and exist as …
A church in victory, a light for all the world to see
Making a difference in this world
A church in unity, displaying love wholeheartedly
Bringing salvation to the world
Jesus, You have said, “I will build My church”
“I will build My church”
Jesus, You’re the Rock, come and build Your church
Come and build Your church
