“Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant.”
We are supposed to know and understand our spiritual gifts. The body of Christ, the church is diverse. Because of our different spiritual gifts we view things differently and we interpret things differently. We are motivated to do things differently. We are born with certain talents and natural abilities but when we are born again, we are given certain spiritual gifts. Talents are natural. Gifts are supernatural. Evidence of a spirit-filled church is one in which the members exercise their gifts for one another. God has chosen to minister to his people through us!

“…since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church…”

“Tongues, then, are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.”

“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.”
Paul explains that those who have the gift of prophecy speak to believers for edifying the church – for strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. Those who speak in tongues edify themselves unless there is an interpreter present. To excel in a gift is to exercise it, to use it and find out more about it.

Paul warns about allowing women to lead in church. We have to remember that girls were not formally taught like the boys were. They did not have knowledge of scripture. They didn’t have the foundation to speak with understanding. Many women were speaking and confusing others. This is why Paul warned about allowing women to lead. The same warning applies to new believers. They are simply not equipped yet with that firm foundation of the knowledge of spiritual matters. However, Jesus made it clear that there is definitely a place for women in leadership. Whew! Glad He did!