In Paul’s list of nine spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), two top the rest on the controversy scale. We’re good with words of wisdom, knowledge, and discerning of spirits. Faith, healing, and miracles are welcomed. However, prophecy and tongues (which include interpretation) are the key sticking points when folks disagree about spiritual gifts. Yet Paul uses Chapter 14 to explore and establish guardrails around those two gifts. He concludes, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things must be done properly and in an orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:39–40, NASB 2020)
To repeat something I wrote earlier in this series, the gifts God gives us are to build up others, not to make us feel anointed or special in some way. Much of the controversy concerning these two gifts comes from their misuse and abuse. But when used in an orderly fashion and given by the Holy Spirit through humble hearts, they can be a great blessing that builds up the body of Christ.
Prophecy is speaking God’s word to God’s people. It sometimes reveals hidden things, often encourages, and occasionally looks forward to what may be. And it always aligns with the revealed Word of God, the Bible, but never supplants or replaces God’s revealed Word. It can also be misused by claiming or intimating “God says” when God didn’t say. That is why Paul instructs us to evaluate what was said according to His Word. (1 Corinthians 14:29).
Tongues are supernaturally speaking in a language unknown to the speaker. When joined by an interpreter, it is equivalent to prophecy. Paul explains, “For the one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people, but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2, NASB 2020) It can be a sign for unbelievers (Acts 2) but also be offputting for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:23).
While this section, chapters 12-14, deals with the public use of spiritual gifts, there is a hint of personal use in 1 Corinthians 14:14, such as praying in a tongue or praying with your spirit. I have experienced this when I don’t know how to pray. That spiritual prayer often leads to an understanding of how to pray. To God be the glory.
If all this is foreign and spooky or contrary to your beliefs that the gifts have ceased, that’s okay; I choose not to divide over such things. I hope that is your attitude as well. Paul’s goal was to build up the church. Fighting over stuff like this is the opposite of that.
So, how do we discern these gifts when offered? Do they glorify God and not the person? Are they in line with the Gospel and the Word of God? Are they given in an orderly fashion at the appropriate time? Do they build up, encourage, and/or comfort the hearers? Do they confirm what God has already put in your heart?
Like any tool, these gifts have a dangerous side. Chainsaws are great for removing tree limbs, but they could also sever an arm. Hammers are great for driving nails, but they can also smash thumbs. The gifts of the Spirit are also like practical tools that, when misused, cause grave damage. Especially beware and avoid those who would use the gifts to manipulate and control people for personal gain of power, money, or sex. They follow the way of Balaam. Jesus, speaking to the church at Pergamum in Revelation, says, “But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. So repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Revelation 2:14–16, CSB)
We also need to recognize that sometimes the word given is accurate but not yet confirmed. Someone may prophesy a ministry, anointing, or way forward over someone or a group, but that doesn’t mean they are instantly that person or ministry. It’s more like setting a destination in the GPS than a declaration of now. In that case, put it on the shelf and let God lead you to the destination.
Paul’s concern was that the gifts were used in an orderly way, from an attitude and purpose of love for building up one another in Christ. “But everything is to be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40, CSB) May we have that same attitude and desire.
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