The God Who Lives in US The Spirit’s Empowering Graces pt. 2 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 When our PURSUIT is love, and our PASSION is His Presence, God’s graces are most POWERFUL. 1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV) Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. Why is prophecy greater than other gifts for the church? Prophecy benefits those who hear, not just the one who speaks. 1 Corinthians 14: 2 (ESV) 2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 14: 4-5 (ESV) 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. We need to focus less on the things that are only for our benefit and excel in the things that benefit others. 1 Corinthians 14: 6 (ESV) 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 1 Corinthians 14: 12 (ESV) 12 So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. 1 Corinthians 14: 3 (ESV) 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. Prophecy builds up others. Col 1:28–29(ESV) 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Prophecy encourages others. 1 Corinthians 14: 3 (ESV) Prophecy comforts others. 1 Corinthians 14: 3 (ESV) Prophecy benefits others through instruction. 1 Corinthians 14: 6 (ESV) 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 1 Corinthians 14: 19 (ESV) 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. Prophecy brings conviction. 1 Corinthians 14: 24-25 (ESV) 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV) 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. When your PURSUIT is love, and your PASSION is His Presence, God’s graces are most POWERFUL. Next Steps: 1. Empty yourself of selfish pursuits 2. Be filled with the Holy Spirit 3. Build others up