1. Excel in gifts that build up the church (1-12)

The way of love is to seek spiritual gifts that build up the church's faith. The gift of tongues was first given to reinforce Jesus' world mission command. Paul says that rather than trying to speak in tongues, it is better to seek gifts that can build up others--such as prophecy. Prophecy is the gift of understanding God's word; a prophet must have the faith and courage to teach and apply God's word without compromise.

2. Speak plainly (13-25)

While spiritual language can be useful in private prayer, Paul encourages us to speak with intelligible language, so that unbelievers may be convicted of sin, repent and fall down and worship God. In times past, tongues or foreign languages were a sign of God's judgment, for they were heard when foreign armies invaded. Now, gifts of languages are given so that the gospel can be preached to the whole world.

Application: Lord, give me the Holy Spirit, and gifts necessary to serve your people.
One Word: Use God's gifts to build up others