Chapter 6 - A Sign to Unbelievers

INTRODUCTION

Read 1 Corinthians 14:21-27. What are the three groups of people in this passage that the gift of tongues can impact?

(1) Believers

(2) Unbelievers

(3) The Unlearned

BELIEVERS QUICK TO BELIEVE

Read John 20:25-29. What evidence finally convinced Thomas to believe Jesus Christ had risen from the dead?

Jesus told Thomas to touch His hands and His side as proof that it was Jesus and that He was alive.

What was Jesus’ message to Thomas about believing?

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.

UNBELIEVERS DRAWN BY SIGNS

Are tongues designed to convince unbelievers of the reality of Jesus, or do they confuse unbelievers who do not understand?

Tongues have the potential to do both. Tongues, either in a human language known to the hearer or unknown tongues known only by the Holy Spirit, have the potential to be a witness to unbelievers who will begin to ask questions. Tongues can also be confusing to an unbeliever if they are not interpreted.

THE UNLEARNED MADE HUNGRY

The unlearned would be those who are believers, but who do not have an awareness and knowledge of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including tongues.

What does 2 Timothy 2:24-25 tell us about how we should respond to those who may not believe the same way we do about tongues?

We are to approach them as servants, not quarreling, but patiently teaching and instructing them.

NO LONGER JUST THEOLOGY

According to Henderson, how do we take our understanding of the gift of tongues from just theology to an actual experience in our church?

May the Lord give us the wisdom to do this through different styles of services, through answering people’s questions, through teaching the proper things with patience, and through simply being sensitive (in a good way) to where people are. If we can do this, we can see many folks brought into new places of the Holy Spirit and His manifestations. Lives will be changed, and no longer will the things of God be just theology to these people, who will instead become experiential and practiced. As a result, we will become an empowered Church that is administering its anointing with wisdom and delight!