Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues—1 Corinthians 14:1–25 Open It 1. When have you been confused by a lack of clear instructions? 2. *What are some traditions or practices in your family that would seem strange to someone outside your family? Explore It 1. What did God want the Corinthians to follow? (14:1) 2. What did God want the Corinthians to desire? (14:1) 3. *Why were the Corinthians to desire the gift of prophecy more than the gift of tongues? (14:1–5) 4. In what circumstance is speaking in tongues as good as prophesying? (14:5) 5. What must be combined with the gift of tongues to make it useful to others? (14:6) 6. Why did Paul use the example of musical instruments in talking about prophecy? (14:7–8) 7. In which gifts did Paul encourage the Corinthians to excel? (14:12) 8. *How should speaking in tongues be like praying and singing? (14:14–16) 9. Why is it crucial that a message in tongues be interpreted? (14:16–17) 10. What priority does God give to speaking in tongues? (14:19) 11. Why did Paul quote from Isaiah in instructing the Corinthians on tongues? (14:21) 12. How does the quotation from Isaiah 28:11–12 clarify the purpose of the spiritual gift of tongues? (14:21–22) 13. What is the problem with speaking in tongues in church? (14:23) 14. *Why is it beneficial for unbelievers to hear prophesying in the church? (14:24–25) Get It 1. How would you summarize God’s priorities concerning the spiritual gifts of prophecy and tongues? 2. *What practices can every local church use to ensure that spiritual gifts are used to build up people? 3. What can we do to value spiritual gifts as God does? 4. For what reasons should we desire spiritual gifts? 5. *How can you guard against desiring spiritual gifts for the wrong motives? 6. What more can your church or fellowship do to attract unbelievers? 7. In what ways does your church attract unbelievers? Apply It 1. *How could you use one spiritual gift this week to help another Christian? 2. What personal action could you take this week to make your worship services more welcoming to visitors?