IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 14:12

First, follow the way of love (1-5). Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to eagerly desire spiritual gifts. They seemed especially enamored with speaking in tongues. Paul taught them to follow the way of love. He taught them to especially value the gift of prophecy. Those who speak in tongues edify themselves; those who speak the word of God do it in order to strengthen others. The word of God provides encouragement and comfort, and is for edifying and building up the church of God. In this way it is an even greater gift than speaking in tongues.

Second, try to excel in gifts that build up the church (6-12). Speaking in tongues in and of itself is not as excellent as when combined with other gifts, such as prophecy or instruction in the word of God. Tongues that are incomprehensible to the listener do not build anyone up. The best spiritual gifts are those that build up the body of Christ. These are the gifts Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to excel in.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, thank you for your many gifts. Help me to use the gifts you gave me to edify others in the church.

One Word: Build up the church