Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-26
 
1. Wayne Grudem defines prophecy simply as “telling something that God has spontaneously brought to mind.” More specifically, prophecy is the ability to receive and proclaim a spiritually nourishing message from God that may be spontaneously given for the strengthening, encouragement, and consolation of others. Prophecy must always fall in line with God’s truth and should be evaluated to confirm this (1 Thessalonians 5:20).
 
Why does prophecy, more than tongues, fall in line with Paul’s exhortation to pursue love (14:1)?
 
Have you ever given or received what you believe was a prophetic message from the Lord for someone? If you are going over these questions with a group, share that experience.
 
Even though tongues is a real gift that Paul uses and is grateful for, why should it be left out of the Sunday meeting and kept for private devotions unless interpreted (14:28)?
 
2. Paul lists several gifts in this chapter that he says build up the gathered church:

• Prophecy (possibly related to “revelation”)
• Knowledge/wisdom (possibly sharing Truth as it applies to someone’s life)
• Teaching/lessons
• Spiritual songs
• Praises/prayers
• Interpreted tongues

The picture in 1 Corinthians 14 (as well as 1 Corinthians 12) of many individuals using their gifts to serve the gathered church is often different from the typical experience where a few individuals – perhaps a pastor and a worship leader – do most of the verbal edifying. As you think about our gathered church growing to increase the use of our gifts for others each Sunday, what comes to mind? What do you see as benefits, what do you see as potential problems?   
 
3. Do you find yourself expecting God to use you to meet the needs of others when you come to a Sunday meeting or any gathering of believers?  Why or why not? 

4.  Pray that He would help us grow as a church in understanding and using our gifts to build one another up.