1 Corinthians 14:6-12

Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12 (NIV)
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

Title: Speaking with a purpose

Message: Spiritual gifts were given for a purpose. Prophesying and speaking in tongues are included in those and these we should use in promoting our church's mission. Speak with a purpose, that is, building up connections among church members and the welfare of the church as a whole.

Promise to Claim: God loves us so much that He gave each of us a manifestation of the Spirit not for our own good but for the good of everyone. The gift itself is the assurance of God's love.

Command to Obey: Use your spiritual gift to serve God and your fellows. Let us contribute to the growth and expansion of our church through our gifts.

Warning to Heed: God's Spirit is the fount of our spiritual gifts. Thus, we must use each of our gifts for its purpose. Misusing a gift could deceive and mislead others (Acts 8: 9-24).

Application: I discovered that I have a gift of speaking in tongues but I think I never used it in furthering God's message to people. I have spoken of His greatness and started a little of evangelizing after undergoing basic training; however, I ceased doing it after certain trials. Now, I realized that I need to go on in whatever way I can. Lord, guide me. Be with me every step of the way that I will be reminded to use my gift and serve You through it, in Jesus'name, amen.