MKJV 1Cor 12:4, 7-11, 12-14, 27-28, 30
4 But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit.
The gifts are all from God's Spirit in His wisdom.
Verses 7-11
7 But to each one is given the showing forth of the Spirit to our profit. 8 For through the Spirit is given to one a word of wisdom; and to another a word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit; 9 and to another faith by the same Spirit; and to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 and to another workings of powers, to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; and to another kinds of tongues; and to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But the one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He desires.
They gifts benefit us and are for peace. Tongues are God's plan and benefit, and more so when interpreted, not translated. God is happy with Christian community team work.
Verses 12-14
12 For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. 13 For also by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free, even all were made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many.
Again, team work, we are the bride of Christ.
Verses 27-28
27 And you are the body of Christ, and members in part. 28 And God set some in the church, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets; thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, kinds of languages.
Some languages are angelic and need interpretation.
Verse 30
30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret? 31 But zealously strive after the better gifts. And yet I show to you a more excellent way.
1Corintians 13:1-2.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have prophecies, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so as to move mountains, and do not have charity, I am nothing.
Again, some languages are angelic. There are no unfair use of figures of speech, Jesus referred to moving mountains. It is about possibility being sure.
Verses 8-9
8 Charity never fails. But if there are prophecies, they will be abolished; if tongues, they shall cease; if knowledge, it will be abolished. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when the perfect thing comes, then that which is in part will be caused to cease.
Prophecies and tongues are listed together and are of God.
1Corinthians 14:1-14.
1 Follow after love and desire spiritual things, but rather that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. For no one hears, but in spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for building up, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 The one speaking in a tongue builds himself up, but he prophesying builds up a church. 5 I wish all of you to speak in languages, but rather that you may prophesy; for greater is he prophesying than he speaking in tongues, unless he interpret so that the church may receive building up.
Tongues are not earthly language for no one can translate or understand.
Tongues while not as good for building up as prophecy, are still good. Paul wishes it for all, mature and young Christians of this age.
6 But now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you, except I speak to you either in revelation, or in knowledge, or in prophecy, or in teaching? 7 Yet lifeless things giving a sound, whether flute or harp, if they do not give a distinction in the sound, how will it be known what is being piped or harped? 8 For also if a trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? 9 So also you, if you do not give a clear word through the language, how will it be known what is being said? For you will be speaking into the air. 10 So it may be many kinds of sounds are in the world, and not one is without a distinct sound. 11 Therefore if I do not know the power of the sound, I will be a foreigner to him speaking, and he speaking will be a foreigner to me. 12 Even so you, since you are zealots of spiritual things, seek to build up the church, in order that you may abound 13 So then he speaking in a language, let him pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
Accepting tongues should be normal, but prophecy and knowledge are greater.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind;
Conclusion of Paul in the Spirit, pray in the Spirit and pray from the mind, do both.
