Be Eager to Prophesy

Scripture:

I Corinthians 14:39-40  "Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way".

Observation:

Paul is writing to the Corinthians who were spiritual gifts fanatics and telling them to calm it down somewhat in their services.  Throughout chapters 13 and 14 he is telling them how services in church should flow.  He corrects them for too much speaking in tongues in their public gatherings because new people coming in get nothing from that.  He encourages them to prophesy in the church because it builds up the church.  He closes this section by saying, "be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.  But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way".

Application:

Many people use these verses to throw tongues and interpretation out of our public worship gatherings.  I don't see Paul saying that.  Paul suns up the entire section by saying we should be eager to prophesy and we should not forbid speaking in tongues.  There just needs to be order and  balance.  Paul told us to be eager to prophesy.  We should come to church eager to speak on God's behalf, yet in order.  I want a word from God every day in my life!  I want His prophetic gift stirred up in me stronger as the last days approach.

Prayer:

Lord, I am eager to prophesy, but I want it to be You at all times.  Help me not to walk in the flesh and bring messages from my own spirit, but to truly be used in this wonderful gift of prophecy.  Teach me how to give room for it in the church without going overboard.

Yours,
Jeff