Speaking in Tongues vs. Prophesying

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Intelligibility in Worship

14 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit,especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue[a] does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesiesedifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[b]but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
In chapter 14 Paul addresses the difference between speaking in tongues and speaking a word of prophecy.  The issue was that when believers started speaking in tongues they became so enamored with it, they started doing it in the middle of worship.  While it might have been encouraging for them, since no one could understand what they were saying it was only a distraction.  The other issue is that some who had received this gift had become prideful thinking they were "extra-special" because they had this gift.  So while Paul does not forbid speaking in tongues, he encourages the believers to be more eager to receive the gift of prophesy than the gift of speaking in tongues.  
Most people assume when we are talking about the gift of prophecy it is about "fore-telling or predicting" the future.  While that can still happen, in most cases prophesy is about "forth-telling" the Word of God.  Literally a prophet is one who speaks the Word of God in a timely manner.  In the Old Testament prophets warned Israel to turn from following idols and warned of God's imminent judgment.  They also prophecied about the coming of Jesus and the conditions for his arrival.  
When Jesus came he fulfilled all of the Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament. Paul taught that the gift of prophecy was less about prediction and more what God wanted to say to his people today.  There are certain tests for prophesy which guard against anybody saying, "I have a word from the Lord."  
  1. Is it in alignment with the bible?
  2. Is it consistent with the bible's main message that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus?  We always need to be aware that false prophets can enter the church and proclaim another way to salvation outside of Jesus, or we have to "do" something to be saved.  
  3. Does it build up the body of Christ ?  When people hear a prophet speak or teach and obey his or her teaching does build them up in their faith and encourage them to a deeper walk with Christ.     
As a believer we need to always be open to what God is saying to us.  God's voice and His Word is living and active always exposing our hearts and motives and calling us to a deeper relationship with Christ.  What has God been saying to you lately?  Are you listening?  

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