Speaking Life | Luke Edgerton | 2/15/2026

This sermon provides an in-depth exploration of 1 Corinthians 14, focusing on the spiritual gifts of tongues and prophecy within the context of corporate worship. The pastor emphasizes that biblical prophecy—a now word from the Holy Spirit given to build up the body—is more valuable than tongues in corporate settings because it edifies the entire church rather than just the individual. The message challenges believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, particularly prophecy, while maintaining both good conduct and biblical content. The core teaching revolves around two essential values for church gatherings: edification (building up believers) and order (maintaining peace and clarity). The sermon demystifies prophecy, showing it as accessible to all believers who know Christ's voice, and calls the congregation to step out in faith to speak words of encouragement, consolation, and upbuilding to one another.

Key Points:

1. We fail to witness all of the power of God when we fail to preach all of the Word of God

2. Biblical prophecy is a word from the Holy Spirit through a member of the body to build up, encourage, and console another member

3. True prophecy will never contradict Scripture and requires both good conduct and good content

4. Biblical prophecy is localized and requires accountability within the local church body

5. Prophecy is more valuable than tongues in corporate worship because it edifies the entire body

6. All believers can prophesy because Jesus said His sheep hear His voice

7. Prophecy must build up, stir up faith, and cheer up the recipient

8. Speaking in tongues edifies the individual but requires interpretation when done publicly

9. Prophecy leads unbelievers to conviction and worship when they witness God speaking through His people

10. Church gatherings should prioritize edification and order above personal expression

11. The tongue has the power of life and death, making our words critically important

12. Faith is spelled R-I-S-K and requires stepping out when the Holy Spirit prompts

Scripture Reference:

1 Corinthians 14:1-40 (primary focus)

1 Corinthians 12 (spiritual gifts context)

1 Corinthians 13 (love chapter context)

Ezekiel 13:1-9 (false prophets)

Joel 2:28 (prophecy about Pentecost)

Acts 2 (fulfillment of Joel's prophecy)

John 10:27 (sheep hearing Jesus' voice)

Revelation 19:10 (testimony of Jesus is spirit of prophecy)

Isaiah 28:11 (reference to tongues as judgment)

1 Corinthians 11 (women praying and prophesying)