Bible Verses About Preaching

For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.

My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,

so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.

No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.

None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.

And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort.

The one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.

I wish that all of you could speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be edified.

Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?

Again, if the trumpet sounds a muffled call, who will prepare for battle?

So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

Assuredly, there are many different languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning.

If, then, I do not know the meaning of someone’s language, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me.

It is the same with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, strive to excel in gifts that build up the church.

Therefore, the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.

Otherwise, if you speak a blessing in spirit, how can someone who is uninstructed say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying?