1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of ministries, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of workings but the same God, who works all things in all. Now :

	The manifestation of the Spirit is given to everyone for profit.
	To one through the Spirit is given the utterance of wisdom;
	To another the utterance of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;
	To another faith, in the same Spirit;
	To another the gift of healing, in the one Spirit;
	To another the working of miracles;
	To another prophecy;
	To another the distinguishing of Spirits;
	To another various kinds of tongues;
	To another interpretation of tongues.

But all these things are the work of one and the same Spirit, who allots to everyone according as he will.

Why are these called Spiritual Gifts?

Romans 12:3-8; Eph.4:11

Spiritual gifts are known as Spiritual gifts because they come from the Spirit of God. In his letters, Paul provided three lists of spiritual gifts which appear as examples.

Romans 12:3-8

But we have gifts differing according to the grace that has been given us, such as prophecy to be used according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, in ministering; or he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhorting; he who gives, in simplicity; he who presides, with carefulness; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

The Greatest of all Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:31

"The Gift of Prophecy" (1 Corinthians 14:1) is greater because it does more than many other gifts to build up the church.

What Makes "The gift of Prophecy" so important

1 Corinthians 14:1

Aim at charity, yet strive after the spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, as he is speaking mysteries in his spirit. But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification and encouragement, and consolation. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. Now I should like you all to speak in tongues, but still more to prophesy; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks in tongues, unless he can interpret so that the church may receive edification.

"Speaking in Tongues" requires interpretation

1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my understanding is unfruitful. I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the understanding also; I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also. I thank God that I speak with all your tongues; yet in the church, I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may also instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Why do we have the "Gift of Tongues and Prophecy"

1 Corinthians 14:22-25

Speaking in tongues is intended as a sign, not to believers, but to unbelievers; whereas prophecies, not to unbelievers, but to believers. Therefore, if the whole church is assembled together and while all are speaking with tongues, there should come in uninstructed persons or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad? Whereas if, while all are prophesying, there should come in an unbeliever or uninstructed person, he is convicted by all, he is put on trial by all; the secrets of his heart are made manifest, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God, declaring that God is truly among you.