I Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
Paul was contrasting the gift of prophecy and the gift of tongues. The people were so impressed with those that spoke in tongues while the greater impression should have been with those that prophesied.
The prophecy was them getting a message from God for the people. The message was a message that edified or built up. The message was of exhortation or encouragement to do something for God. The message comforted the family of God.
Today as I preach, I want to build up God’s people in their faith. I want to challenge them to live out who they are and the work that God has done in their hearts I want to comfort them as they are busied and bruised in the sinful world.
This verse is an excellent reminder of what I am to do as I open the Word of God in each service. I will not get the miraculous word of prophecy, but I do have the Bible that I can open, and it will work in the lives of God’s people.