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1 Corinthians 14:3
Verse
Context
Prophecy and Tongues
2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But he that prophesieth - The person who has the gift of teaching is much more useful to the Church than he is who has only the gift of tongues, because he speaks to the profit of men: viz. to their edification, by the Scriptures he expounds; to their exhortation, by what he teaches; and to their comfort, by his revelation. - Whitby. I must here refer to my sermon on this text, intitled, "The Christian Prophet and his Work," in which I have endeavored to consider the whole of this subject at large.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--on the other hand. edification--of which the two principal species given are "exhortation" to remove sluggishness, "comfort" or consolation to remove sadness [BENGEL]. Omit "to."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that prophesieth,.... Preaches, prays, or sings, in a language understood by the common people: speaketh unto men to edification; to the building of them up in Christ, and on their most holy faith, so that they grow up as an holy temple to the Lord: and exhortation; to the more vigorous exercise of grace, and the more cheerful and fervent discharge of duty: and comfort; of distressed minds, either through the temptations of Satan, or divine desertions, or inward corruptions, or outward afflictions; for all which ends and purposes the Scriptures are written, and gifts are bestowed on men to explain them; and which ends are answered when God gives a blessing to the word; but can never be expected, if delivered in a language not understood. This bears hard upon the Papists performing any part of divine worship in a language unintelligible to the common people.
1 Corinthians 14:3
Prophecy and Tongues
2For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.3But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.4The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Holy Spirit as Our Helper
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:28:28Holy SpiritMAT 1:21MAT 3:11MRK 1:8LUK 3:16JHN 1:33ACT 1:51CO 14:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of questioning and testing the teachings we encounter. He encourages listeners to examine whether the teachings align with God's word and the spirit of Christ. The speaker also highlights the danger of being slaves to prejudice and choosing to remain in a self-made prison rather than embracing the revelation of God's word. He addresses the controversy over different terminologies used to describe the experience of becoming a child of God, emphasizing that the key is to love and obey Jesus. The sermon concludes with a warning about the downward spiral that occurs when people reject the truth of God and pursue false experiences in the name of the Holy Spirit.
Serving in the Newness of the Spirit
By Zac Poonen1.9K29:55New CovenantMAT 8:10JHN 4:231CO 14:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of counting the cost before making a decision to serve God. He uses the example of Abraham, who was willing to sacrifice his only son to show his devotion to God. The preacher highlights that true worship is not just about singing songs, but about surrendering our lives completely to God. He encourages the listeners to recognize their calling to be kings and rulers in life, overcoming sin and worldly desires. The sermon also emphasizes the need to rule over earthly things, such as money, and to let them serve us rather than controlling our lives.
A Trained People
By Robert B. Thompson1.8K1:18:00PSA 105:111CO 14:3HEB 4:12REV 11:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of studying the two witnesses in the book of Revelation to understand what God wants in his church and what constitutes true revival. The preacher emphasizes the need for personal transformation and growth in the word of God, highlighting that there should be a continual process of change in the lives of believers. The preacher also emphasizes that God works with a handful of people, often starting with just one person, to bring about great changes. The sermon also highlights the key verse of Revelation 10:9, which is seen as crucial to understanding the message of the two witnesses. Additionally, the preacher discusses the shift from the gospel of the kingdom to the gospel of heaven and emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel of the kingdom to the whole world.
Ezekiel: His Call and Commission
By Stephen Kaung1.6K1:15:29EzekielEZK 1:1EZK 3:17EZK 33:8MAT 6:331CO 14:3REV 4:6REV 21:23In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn begins by setting the context of the book of Ezekiel, stating that it was written during the fifth year of King Jehoi-Ching's captivity. He describes how Ezekiel, a priest, received a vision from Jehovah by the river Chiba. The vision includes a stormy wind, fire, and four living creatures with the likeness of a man, each having four faces and four wings. These creatures also had straight feet like a cow's foot and sparkled like burnished brass. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the symbolism in Ezekiel's vision and encourages further study of the book.
Church Life Revisited- 1 Corinthians 13
By Ron Bailey1.4K21:161CO 8:11CO 10:231CO 14:31CO 14:121CO 14:171CO 14:261CO 14:291CO 14:34This sermon focuses on Paul's criteria for what is useful in the church, emphasizing the importance of edification and building up the covenant community. Paul's key question throughout Corinthians is whether actions edify and contribute to the growth of the church. Various Bible verses from 1 Corinthians are highlighted to illustrate the emphasis on edification, orderly conduct in spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy, and the role of women in doctrinal teaching within the church.
Doing God's Will as in Heaven (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:03:08PRO 22:6ACT 2:171CO 14:3GAL 5:16GAL 5:18EPH 6:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of not just being filled with the Holy Spirit, but also being led by the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need to walk in the Spirit, seek peace in our homes, and train our children to live for God and share His word with others. The message encourages parents to prioritize spiritual growth and faith in their children's upbringing, focusing on prophesying and serving God in everyday life.
How to Preach God's Word
By Zac Poonen1.3K41:20ECC 12:9MAT 13:52JHN 3:16ACT 2:17ROM 12:61CO 14:31TI 2:122PE 1:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of sharing God's Word without being influenced by cultural norms or denominational traditions. It highlights the empowerment of all believers, regardless of age, gender, or social status, to prophesy and speak God's truth in everyday speech for edification, exhortation, and consolation. The key points include being filled with the Holy Spirit, studying and arranging God's word, sharing in an interesting and practical manner, and loving people to spur them to action.
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Church - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.0K1:14:26PRO 29:25MAT 10:7JHN 3:30ACT 20:29ROM 12:61CO 14:31CO 14:29This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church, focusing on prophecy, discernment, and sensitivity in conscience. It warns against seeking significance, honor from men, and security in others rather than in Christ. The goal is to glorify Christ, be transformed, and have a deep connection with Him.
The Truth About Prophecy - New Testament - Part 3
By Zac Poonen9751:00:30JER 23:16MAT 7:15ACT 11:271CO 14:32PE 2:1REV 19:10REV 22:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning true prophets from false prophets in both the Old and New Testaments. It highlights the characteristics of true prophets, such as edification, exhortation, and consolation, while warning against deceptive practices like directive prophecy and seeking personal gain. The message stresses the need to focus on Jesus, be faithful with money, guard the tongue, and maintain purity in thoughts and actions to avoid deception and false teachings.
(Clip) What Is a Prophetic Word? Are They for Today?
By Shane Idleman85410:461CO 12:71CO 14:31CO 14:291CO 14:311CO 14:39EPH 4:111TH 5:201JN 4:1This sermon discusses the role of prophetic words in the church, emphasizing the importance of genuine messages from God that edify, encourage, and align with Scripture. It explores the cautious yet open approach to receiving prophetic words, highlighting instances where God used individuals to speak into others' lives for healing and guidance. The sermon encourages a healthy balance of discernment and openness to the Holy Spirit's leading in prophetic ministry within the church.
An Immovable Life
By Zac Poonen66759:36LUK 15:7LUK 15:20ROM 8:6ROM 8:111CO 13:91CO 14:31CO 15:58EPH 1:18PHP 3:10COL 3:15JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of keeping God in our presence at all times, responding to the voice of conscience, seeking humility, and choosing the way of the cross. It encourages believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God, to be unmovable in faith, and to trust in God's grace and wisdom in all situations. The speaker urges listeners to prioritize knowing Jesus intimately, to pursue peace as a guide for God's will, and to be quick to settle conflicts and humble themselves. The message highlights the transformative power of dying to self and experiencing the resurrection life in Christ.
Needed, a Second Reformation
By Zac Poonen46951:19DEU 28:11CO 14:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord for the appropriate message for a specific time, drawing parallels between Old Testament prophets and the need for modern-day prophecy in churches. It highlights the call to repentance that was common to all prophets and addresses the prevalent issue of idolatry. The speaker discusses the need for a reformation in the church to combat false teachings related to money, healing, and prosperity, emphasizing the spiritual blessings in the New Testament. The sermon also stresses the importance of forgiveness, the dangers of being busy, and the need to listen to God's voice amidst distractions.
Ministry in the Spirit - 5. the Gift of Tongues and Prayer Language
By Michael Flowers45433:22Tongues1CO 13:81CO 14:11CO 14:31CO 14:121CO 14:221CO 14:26In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of exercising spiritual gifts in the context of the corporate gathering. They emphasize the need for order and understanding in the manifestation of these gifts. The speaker acknowledges that their interpretation and theology are not foolproof, but they draw from their experiences in the charismatic renewal movement and teaching on this topic globally. They also mention the concept of seeing things dimly in the present, but having faith in what will be fully known when Jesus returns.
The New-Testament Church
By Zac Poonen0MAT 18:20MAT 28:19JHN 13:35ACT 14:231CO 14:3TIT 1:51PE 2:9Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of seeking a New Testament church that aligns closely with God's Word, even if it means leaving a current church for spiritual growth. A true church should not be bound by denominational labels but gathered in the Name of Jesus Christ, with the promise of His presence. Believers should be wary of cultistic groups that prioritize human leaders over the authority of the Bible, as true freedom is found in God's Word. In God's church, all believers are priests, and leadership should be in the hands of elders, not a special class of pastors. The focus of a New Testament church should be on preaching God's Word, making disciples, and fostering mutual love among members.
Iv. the Unveiled Prophecy Sign
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 12:9JOL 2:28AMO 3:7MAT 24:29ACT 1:71CO 14:3EPH 3:51TH 5:202PE 1:19REV 1:3Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of understanding prophecy, especially in relation to 'the time of the end' and 'The day of the Lord' as mentioned in Daniel and Matthew. He highlights the increasing unveiling of prophecy in modern times, contrasting the past neglect with the current surge in interest through conventions, conferences, and literature. Chafer urges the audience not to dismiss those studying prophecy as fanatics, but to recognize the significance of comprehending God's plan through prophecy, which serves as a foundation for missions.
True Prophets
By Gary R. Kane0LUK 1:14ACT 2:17ACT 3:241CO 12:101CO 14:3Gary R. Kane preaches on the role of prophets in the church, highlighting their importance in speaking under the direct impulse of the Holy Spirit to guide and purify the spiritual life of the church. Drawing from the Old Testament prophets, the New Testament prophets were empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring God's message to His people, encouraging faithfulness, predicting the future, and exposing sin. The prophet's character is marked by a zeal for church purity, sensitivity to evil, discernment of false teachings, dependence on the Word of God, and a concern for the spiritual success of God's kingdom.
Knows No Gender
By Seth Rees0GEN 2:24JOL 2:28LUK 1:41ACT 1:14ACT 2:4ACT 2:17ACT 18:26ROM 16:11CO 14:3GAL 3:28Seth Rees preaches about the equality of women and men in the Pentecostal Church, emphasizing how women were equally honored and empowered by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He highlights the importance of women prophesying and ministering alongside men when filled with the Spirit. Rees discusses the historical degradation of women due to sin but points out how the grace of God elevates and empowers women, comparing them to a second Eve at Pentecost. He praises the piety and ministry of holy women throughout history, nurturing revivals and impacting the world with their love and service. Rees challenges any prejudice or resistance against women in ministry, stating that a church filled with the Holy Ghost will embrace and support women preachers.
Is the Prophetic Movement Failing God??
By Andrew Strom0ISA 58:1JER 1:10AMO 3:71CO 14:3REV 3:19Andrew Strom delivers a powerful message on the failure of the modern prophetic movement, highlighting how many prophets have compromised with the status quo, failed to bring uncomfortable truths, and become supporters of lukewarmness. He emphasizes the urgent need for prophets to rebuke, chasten, and call for repentance in a time when the church is at risk of being rejected by God. Strom challenges the current prophetic movement to return to its radical mandate of bringing massive change and shaking the church with uncompromising messages.
The Spirit in the Church
By Dougan Clark0JHN 4:241CO 12:41CO 14:31CO 14:26GAL 3:28EPH 4:3EPH 4:11HEB 4:141PE 2:51JN 1:3Dougan Clark preaches about the importance of Christ exercising His headship over the visible Church through the Holy Spirit, guiding both the service and worship of God's people. He emphasizes the individual believers receiving various gifts from the Holy Spirit for the benefit of the body and the invisible yet real presence of Christ in every assembly of true worshippers. Clark discusses the transition from the Levitical priesthood to the priesthood of all believers under the Gospel dispensation, highlighting the need for true worship to be spiritual and directed by Christ, the Great High Priest.
Lighthouses of Faith
By A.B. Simpson0Faith in AdversityHeroes of FaithJDG 4:14JDG 6:34PSA 51:7ISA 40:31MRK 11:24ROM 8:281CO 14:32CO 12:9PHP 4:13HEB 11:32A.B. Simpson emphasizes the role of faith as a guiding light during dark times, using examples from the Old Testament such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, and Samuel. Each figure exemplifies different aspects of faith, from Gideon's strength in weakness to David's ability to wait for God's timing. Simpson illustrates that true faith often emerges in adversity and is not reliant on human strength or circumstances. He encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to act in faith, as demonstrated by these biblical heroes. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a faith that listens to God and speaks His truth to the world.
1 Corinthians 14
By John Nelson Darby0Order in WorshipSpiritual GiftsACT 2:41CO 13:11CO 14:31CO 14:151CO 14:231CO 14:301CO 14:321CO 14:34John Nelson Darby discusses 1 Corinthians 14, emphasizing the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy. He highlights that while tongues were a sign for the nations, they were being misused by the Corinthians, who valued them for their own sake rather than for edification. Darby explains that prophecy serves to build up the church through understanding and comfort, contrasting it with the unintelligibility of tongues. He stresses the importance of order in worship and the moral responsibility of believers to exercise their gifts in a way that honors God and edifies others. Ultimately, he points to love as the guiding principle in the exercise of spiritual gifts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But he that prophesieth - The person who has the gift of teaching is much more useful to the Church than he is who has only the gift of tongues, because he speaks to the profit of men: viz. to their edification, by the Scriptures he expounds; to their exhortation, by what he teaches; and to their comfort, by his revelation. - Whitby. I must here refer to my sermon on this text, intitled, "The Christian Prophet and his Work," in which I have endeavored to consider the whole of this subject at large.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--on the other hand. edification--of which the two principal species given are "exhortation" to remove sluggishness, "comfort" or consolation to remove sadness [BENGEL]. Omit "to."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But he that prophesieth,.... Preaches, prays, or sings, in a language understood by the common people: speaketh unto men to edification; to the building of them up in Christ, and on their most holy faith, so that they grow up as an holy temple to the Lord: and exhortation; to the more vigorous exercise of grace, and the more cheerful and fervent discharge of duty: and comfort; of distressed minds, either through the temptations of Satan, or divine desertions, or inward corruptions, or outward afflictions; for all which ends and purposes the Scriptures are written, and gifts are bestowed on men to explain them; and which ends are answered when God gives a blessing to the word; but can never be expected, if delivered in a language not understood. This bears hard upon the Papists performing any part of divine worship in a language unintelligible to the common people.