Supernatural!

Written on 09/08/2022
Christian Dunn

Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

Thoughts
This verse is easy to miss, but I think it's important. Paul tells us to "eagerly desire" the gifts of the Spirit (listed in 1 Corinthians 12), especially prophecy. When we start talking about the gifts of the Spirit, it can get confusing, and for some people, can seem kind of strange. Depending on what kind of church you were raised in (or are in right now) gifts of the Spirit could be a major emphasis or they could be something that people look down upon. 

I think it's important to get our perspective on the gifts of the Spirit from the Bible. And Paul is saying we should be seeking to be used by God in this way. The gifts of the Spirit are by definition supernatural gifts. That's what makes them so hard to understand. 

Prophecy is hearing from God for others. Healing is praying for sick people and seeing them miraculously recover. The gift of wisdom is supernatural insight that helps in difficult situations. Miraculous powers is just what it sounds like, praying for miracles and seeing God do them! And there's more!

So that sounds insane right??? Does God really do that stuff still? I believe the Bible teaches us that he does. It is hard to understand for sure. But isn't that a good thing? Wouldn't it be disappointing if we could easily understand God?

God is supernatural, and the gifts he gives us to do ministry in his name are supernatural. The question for us is, are we seeking to be used by God? Are we eagerly desiring these? Are we praying for God to use us in powerful, even supernatural, ways? It doesn't mean we have to become super weird. Jesus was supernatural and he wasn't super weird. But it does mean we have to start thinking outside the natural box.

I wonder as you read this passage this morning, how would God challenge in this area today? In what ways would he ask you to start praying to be used by Him that you aren't?

Prayer
God I pray that you would open my heart and my eyes to being used by you in ways that are supernatural and powerful!