Chapter 13 - Proper Protocol

INTRODUCTION

Henderson discusses 5 protocols in this chapter for the operation of the gift of tongues. List them below:

Edifying the Church

Bringing Confirmation (Not Confusion)

Taking Turns

Keeping Silent at Times

Knowing There is Divine Order

PROTOCOL 1: EDIFYING THE CHURCH

What does 1 Corinthians 14:26 teach us about the ultimate goal of gifts in a church setting?

The ultimate goal is the edification of the body of Christ.

Henderson writes, “Any gift in operation should bring unity and not division.”

PROTOCOL 2: BRINGING CONFIRMATION (NOT CONFUSION)

How do the gift of tongues and interpretation, when operating properly in a church setting, bring confirmation instead of confusion?

When operating properly, the gift of tongues and interpretation brings clarity to what is being said since everyone can understand. It brings confirmation because it is more than one person involved. It almost seems as if it is scripted, but it is not, it is God.

PROTOCOL 3: TAKING TURNS

What does 1 Corinthians 14:27 teach us about how tongues should operate when there is more than one person speaking in tongues?

Paul emphasizes that everything should be done decent and in order. Each one should take a turn, but not more than 2 or 3 at a time. Then someone should interpret.

PROTOCOL 4: KEEPING SILENT AT TIMES

According to 1 Corinthians 12:28, when should someone keep silent in the church and not speak in tongues? What is the exception to this?

Speaking in tongues in a corporate setting without an interpreter. The exception is that the person who speaks in tongues should pray to interpret. The bottom line is that if there is no interpreter present, then tongues should not be given. But if they are given, it is then the responsibility of the one who speaks them out to interpret them so that the Church might be edified.

PROTOCOL 5: KNOWING THERE IS DIVINE ORDER

Henderson writes, “People functioning in the gifts can never claim that they were just overwhelmed by the Spirit and were forced to do something. Paul says that no matter how strong the anointing or unction on someone, that person is still in control. Without this understanding, chaos would erupt. Paul makes it blatantly clear that we control the unction or anointing; it does not control us. The Holy Spirit moves with us, and we move with the Holy Spirit. But He will never usurp our will or take over our body.” Do you agree or disagree with Henderson?

I agree and disagree. The Holy Spirit will not force anyone to do something. However, I disagree that we control the unction or anointing.