1. DEVELOP THE RIGHT DESIRE (1 Corinthians 14:1-19) 

Understanding the significance of building each other up is common knowledge, yet the real challenge lies not in our awareness but in our willingness to put this knowledge into action. One significant issue faced by the Corinthian church was the misuse of spiritual gifts for selfish purposes rather than to edify others. Paul emphasized that love should be the driving force behind their service, encouraging them to seek spiritual gifts from God, who is the ultimate source (v.1). He specifically highlighted the gift of prophecy, comparing it to speaking in tongues (vv.2-3).  

PROPHECY involves speaking God’s words, empowered by the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of uplifting others. This can include preaching, praying, encouraging, rebuking, sharing the good news, and conveying God’s vision. It is crucial to test and examine prophecies to ensure they align with God's teachings (Deuteronomy 18:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

SPEAKING IN TONGUES is a spiritual language given by the Holy Spirit, serving two potential purposes: personal edification (v.4) and, when interpreted, edification of others (v.5). Paul urged them to prioritize understanding in worship to avoid confusion. It was vital that someone interpreted the message to bless others and prevent misunderstandings (vv.11-13). 

A person whose heart is aligned with God will utilize their God-given gifts to bless and serve others, demonstrating genuine love. Cultivating love for others starts with deepening our love for God, which compels us to uplift one another. Engaging in fellowship with fellow believers enables understanding of their needs, fostering a supportive and caring community.

2. DO IT THE RIGHT WAY (1 Corinthians 14:20-40)

Paul emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts in a manner that aligns with God's intention and glorifies Him. Drawing parallels from the Old Testament, Paul reminds the Corinthians of God's preference for orderly worship, as seen in Leviticus 9:22-23, and the severe consequences faced by Aaron's sons for their disorderly worship (Leviticus 10:1-2). This illustrates the sacredness of God's expectations. 

Paul addresses the issue of immaturity in believers, highlighting their tendency towards selfishness (v.20). He urges them not to serve as children do, solely focused on their own desires, but to recognize that their actions should be centered around Jesus and the unity of the body of Christ. Drawing from the example of the Israelites, Paul points out their failure to heed the warnings of prophets, leading to God's judgment through the Assyrian empire (Isaiah 28:11-12). He challenges the Corinthians to learn from the Israelites' mistakes, emphasizing the importance of using spiritual gifts, including tongues and prophecy, in a way that edifies the believers and convicts unbelievers (vv.21-25). 

Paul further explains that all aspects of worship, not just speaking in tongues, should be conducted in an orderly and edifying manner (v.26). He provides specific guidelines in verses 31-33, saying that God is a God of order, protecting believers from the misuse of prophecy. Paul asserts the divine origin of his instructions (vv.37-38) and tells the Corinthians not to forbid speaking in tongues if it leads to personal edification (vv.39-40). Ultimately, he stresses the importance of conducting all activities in the church with propriety and order, that when believers uplift one another, they bring glory to God. 

We are equipped with everything we need to serve God (2 Peter 1:2-3). How can we withhold our love and service from others when the God of the universe served and sacrificed His life for our salvation? Jesus, the Son of God, willingly died on the cross to atone for our sins, granting us eternal life through faith in Him. His boundless love should inspire and drive us to build up one another, just as He did for us.