There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:10-12

The Apostle Paul makes a profound statement here “You are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel to the edifying of the Church” As we talked about previously , we should seek to obtain our spiritual gifts from God. Those who deny spiritual gifts altogether are basically denying God. These are gifts God wants to share with us, why wouldn’t we want to be obedient and receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit?

But then we go back to what is the purpose of these spiritual gifts? I believe its been concluded spiritual gifts are for evangelism and to edify the Church. We should be seeking to edify our brothers and sisters with our spiritual gifts. This is one of the main reasons we need to assemble or fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. If we don’t gather as a Church, how can we edify our brothers and sisters?

As Jesus said “We will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) How we use our spiritual gifts shows our heart condition. Are we using our spiritual gifts to edify the Church and share the gospel? Or are we trying to use our spiritual gifts to promote ourselves and build up our egos?

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 1 Corinthians 14:13-15

Notice what the Apostle Paul teaches here “pray that he may interpret” If you’re speaking in tongues for the Church, we need to make sure it’s edifying for the Church. If you speak in tongues and nobody has any idea what you’re saying, you are not edifying anyone except yourself.

For those who do have the gift of speaking in tongues, you have a responsibility to know when to share with the body of Christ. If there is nobody that has the gift of interpretation, then you should remain silent. Part of this would be knowing who your brothers and sisters are that you are worshiping with, it’s very awesome to see how the body of Christ compliments each other when we share our spiritual gifts with one another

In all things, we must remain in the will of God, led by the Holy Spirit, obedient to The Lord and edifying to the Church, Amen!