The Biblical Use Of Tongues

Introduction

On March 14 of this year Chrisma magazine published an article titled “What Every Believer Should Know About Receiving Spirit Baptism” Near the close of the article they stated (quote), “If you want to receive the baptism with the Holy Spirit so that you will be an empowered witness and take part in the continual priesthood and prophetic ministry of Christ, with love toward God, ask Him to fill you, knowing He will give you His marvelous Holy Spirit according to . Then, knowing Jesus is the baptizer with the Holy Spirit, focus your affection on Him in worship, believing you will receive the promise from the Father and will speak in tongues. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen immediately, but keep asking and exercising your faith as you seek Him daily.”[1] This quote highlights the misunderstanding many have about speaking in tongues. Here it is equated with the power to witness, and participation in the priesthood and prophetic ministry of Christ! It treats speaking in tongues as normative instead of the rare exception we see it as in the NT. How do we respond to these kinds of statements? What does Scripture teach about speaking in tongues? These are questions Paul answers in .

We are going to Jet our way through three chapters this morning. While there are a lot of things I would love to comment on, I am going to primarily hit on the things that relate to the use of tongues. Some of the things we will deal with have been dealt with more completely in our Wednesday morning bible study and if you are interested you can download the notes from the bible study on our website.

By the time we are done this morning we will have read the entire text of these three chapters. You may be wondering why we are spending so much time discussing tongues. After all this isn't a Salvation issue. You are right. It is not a Salvation issue. However, there are those who make it a Salvation issue. There are those who will tell you that if you do not speak in tongues you are not saved. There are those who will tell you that if you do not speak in tongues that you cannot grow or be pleasing to God. It is these attitudes that we are seeking to address this morning. It is because of these attitudes that We need to have a proper understanding about what the Bible does and does not teach on the topic of tongues.

You may be wondering why we are spending so much time discussing tongues. After all this isn't a Salvation issue. You are right. It is not a Salvation issue. However, there are those who make it a Salvation issue. There are those who will tell you that if you do not speak in tongues you are not saved. There are those who will tell you that if you do not speak in tongues that you cannot grow or be pleasing to God. It is these attitude that we are seeking to address this morning it is because of these attitudes that we need to have a proper understanding about what the Bible does and does not teach on the topic of times

You may be wondering why we are spending so much time discussing tongues. After all this isn't a Salvation issue. You are right. It is not a Salvation issue. However, there are those who make it a Salvation issue. There are those who will tell you that if you do not speak in tongues you are not saved. There are those who will tell you that if you do not speak in tongues that you cannot grow or be pleasing to God. It is these attitude that we are seeking to address this morning it is because of these attitudes that we need to have a proper understanding about what the Bible does and does not teach on the topic of times

We will be consider the other two places tongues are used in Acts as we get to them in our study. For today we will examine the only other place they appear. This brings up a very interesting fact. In the New Testament tongues are only mentioned in Mark, Acts, and 1 Corinthians. Mark is written in the AD 50’s, Acts around 63, and 1 Corinthians around 54-55. In Mark Jesus is prophesying about the events of Acts. Acts is descriptive, not prescriptive. This means that The only appearance of tongues in the church age is in a corrective letter of rebuke written fairly early in the history of the church. No other epistle mentions the use of tongues. If tongues are as essential as some claim, this absence of mention seems rather glaring! When Paul is writing to Timothy and Titus about the qualifications of an elder, no mention is made of tongues! The final 30 years of the early church are completely silent about this gift. Why? Let’s find out!

There is a key phrase that must be identified in properly interpreting 1 Corinthians. That is the phrase “Now concerning”. This first appears in 7:1 as Paul begins to answer the questions they have written to him. Every time it appears it indicates a topic shift as Paul transitions to a new question. As we come to Ch. 12 we have the 4th appearance of the “now concerning” phrase.

There are three essential facts we must understand about tongues.

Paul presents them in these chapters. Only as we understand these facts will we grasp the true nature of tongues.

When we understand the Biblical Use Of Tongues we will be better equipped to defend the truth.

The best defense of the truth is to serve where God has placed you.

The first essential fact is…

1. The Priority Of Tongues ch. 12

What place do tongues have among the gifts given by the Holy Spirit? Are they as important as many today make them out to be? Paul addresses how important tongues are in this chapter. He first reveals that tongues are…

a. One gift among many vv. 1-11

1 Corinthians 12:1–11 NKJV

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

v. 3 is very important. In we saw that what the disciples proclaimed was the wonderful works of God! This proclamation was made in spirit-enabled languages they had never studied. Here Paul says that if you are speaking by the Spirit of God, you will never say Jesus is accursed, you will only proclaim Him as Lord. Since Scripture is all about the proclamation of Christ we could easily say that the words the Spirit will give someone to speak will never contradict what has been divinely revealed in Scripture. Any message that contradicts Scripture does not come from the Holy Spirit.

“Gifts” in v. 1 is italicized meaning it was added by the translators. I believe it shouldn’t be there. This section goes from ch. 12 – ch. 15. While much of what appears is focused on Spiritual gifts, ch. 15 is focused on the past, present, and future impact made by the gospel of Jesus Christ. These chapters are addressing spiritual things.

v. 3 is very important. In we saw that what the disciples proclaimed was the wonderful works of God! This proclamation was made in spirit-enabled languages they had never studied. Here Paul says that if you are speaking by the Spirit of God, you will never say Jesus is accursed, you will only proclaim Him as Lord. Since Scripture is all about the proclamation of Christ we could easily say that the words the Spirit will give someone to speak will never contradict what has been divinely revealed in Scripture. Any tongues that contradict Scripture do not come from the Holy Spirit.

Paul goes on to demonstrate that tongues were only one Spiritual gift among many. There are a diversity of gifts (v. 4), ministries (v. 5), and activities (v. 6)! One of the problems in Corinth was the believers placing an undue amount of emphasis on tongues. Paul rebukes them for making tongues more important than other gifts!

V. 7 is vital in understanding Paul’s teaching about tongues. Gifts are given to profit the entire body of Christ. This is borne out in Ephesians as well.

I want us to notice that in vv. 8-10 Paul deliberately states that not all believers were supposed to speak in tongues. Also notice who determines the gift you get according to v. 11. The Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit distributes the various gifts to whoever He wills! It is not up to you or I what gift we have!

God has gifted us with the exact gift He wants us to have.

Our responsibility is to use it for His glory. We will give an account for how we use them. Tongues are simply one gift among many. In continuing this theme Paul points out that there are…

b. Diverse gifts for a diverse body vv. 12-26

1 Corinthians 12:12–26 NKJV

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

There are many members of the body of Christ and we are all different. We have different backgrounds, different testimonies, different experiences, and different gifts. God places the members of His body as it pleases Him! Notice that there is supposed to be diversity in the body of Christ when it comes to spiritual gifts.

God places the members of His body as it pleases Him! Notice that there is supposed to be diversity in the body of Christ when it comes to spiritual gifts.

There are many members of the body of Christ and we are all different. We have different backgrounds, different testimonies, different experiences, and different gifts. God places the members of His body as it pleases Him! Notice that there is supposed to be diversity in the body of Christ when it comes to spiritual gifts.

Allow me to be blunt. If all the members of Christ’s body seek to speak in tongues as their spiritual gift, the body will be useless. The body of Christ was never intended to all have the same gifts! That is like having a big eye rolling around! You might see real good but you can’t do anything else! It is essentially useless. Churches that emphasize speaking in tongues to the exclusion of other gifts are churches that misunderstand God’s entire purpose in spiritual gifts! Added to that is the reality that He gives the gifts that He wills, we are not free to seek whatever gift we want!

The members of the body of Christ are designed to be different and to be weak where others are strong and visa versa. The body is to work together!

The body of Christ functions best when it functions together!

If one member is seeking a different gift or position than God has given that member weakens the entire body! By the same token, if a member refuses to use the gift God has given, that member also weakens the body. Gifts are given to every believer to be exercised within a local body of believers. To refuse to use the gift God has given is to disobey God. To seek a different gift is to tell God that He has made a mistake. Spiritual gifts are a very serious business. The Corinthian church needed to understand that. Paul makes it very clear in the end of this chapter that…

Gifts are given to benefit everyone

c. Tongues are not primary vv. 27-31

1 Corinthians 12:27–31 NKJV

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

We are the body of Christ made up of individual members. V. 28 lists for us the three most important gifts for the Church. Paul then simply lists some of the other gifts.

These verses list some of the spiritual gifts by order of importance. The first three listed are done so. The rest are simply listed. The most important gift given to the church was that of the Apostles. Why? Because they gave us the Scriptures! We are not all supposed to be apostles, prophets, or speak in tongues! To say that every believer should speak in tongues as some do today is blatant violation of Scripture!

The most important gift given to the church was that of the Apostles.

We are the body of Christ made up of individual members. V. 28 lists for us the three most important gifts for the Church. Paul then simply lists some of the other gifts. The most important gift given to the church was that of the Apostles. Why? Because they gave us the Scriptures! We are not all supposed to be apostles, prophets, or speak in tongues! To say that every believer should speak in tongues as some do today is blatant violation of Scripture!

Why? Because they gave us the Scriptures! We are not all supposed to be apostles, prophets, or speak in tongues! To say that every believer should speak in tongues as some do today is blatant violation of Scripture!

In vv. 29-30 Paul asks some rhetorical questions to which the implied answer is no. I really like how the NASB translates these verses.

1 Corinthians 12:29–30 NASB95

All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?

1 Corinthians 12:

We are designed by God to have different gifts and use them in different ways in different contexts! Tongues were never the most important gift, were never intended to be primary, and were never given to every believer! That is the priority of tongues. Paul next presents the second essential fact…

Not all speak in tongues do they?

2. The Permanence Of Tongues ch. 13

Having discussed the proper emphasis that is to be placed on tongues, Paul presents the reality that tongues were never meant to be a permanent gift. He also discusses that even the greatest, most visible, and useful spiritual gift is useless if used without love. We see that in these first seven verses as Paul declares…

a. The necessity of love vv. 1-7

1 Corinthians 13:1–7 NKJV

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

First let’s clear the air on v. 1. When Paul mentions speaking with the tongues of men and angels he is not commenting on what tongues is. Some have erroneously stated that the tongues used today are an angelic language. Paul is very clearly using hyperbole here. Every single time angels appear in Scripture they are speaking languages understood by their hearers. There are no interpreters necessary. This would lead us to conclude that, As far as Biblical revelation is concerned, there is no such thing as an angelic language.

First let’s clear the air on v. 1. When Paul mentions speaking with the tongues of men and angels he is not commenting on what tongues is. Some have erroneously stated that the tongues used today are an angelic language. Paul is very clearly using hyperbole here. Every single time angels appear in Scripture they are speaking languages understood by their hearers. There are no interpreters necessary. This would lead us to conclude that, as far as Biblical revelation is concerned, there is no such thing as an angelic language.

First let’s clear the air on v. 1. When Paul mentions speaking with the tongues of men and angels he is not commenting on what tongues is. Some have erroneously stated that the tongues used today are an angelic language. Paul is very clearly using hyperbole here. Every single time angels appear in Scripture they are speaking languages understood by their hearers. There are no interpreters necessary. This would lead us to conclude that, As far as Biblical revelation is concerned, there is no such thing as an angelic language.

Speaking any language you want without love is empty and useless. Knowing all mysteries and knowledge and moving mountains with faith is nothing without love! All of us have spiritual gifts and we are commanded by God to use them. But if we exercise them apart from love we negate the effect of the gift!

Love must characterize everything done in the body of Christ!

Giving away everything we own and even dying for Christ are nothing without love!

Vv. 4-7 describe love in the body of Christ. While there is application for marriage, the context is the church. In relation to the topic of tongues Paul’s discussion here teaches us a valuable lesson. Tongues practiced without love are useless, empty, and damaging. If we are to use tongues they must be exercised in love. However, Paul next discusses…

b. The cessation of tongues vv. 8-13

1 Corinthians 13:8–13 NKJV

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Tongues Were Designed To Gradually Fade

One of the most important things we must understand about tongues is that Tongues were designed to gradually fade.

One of the most important things we must understand about tongues is that Tongues were designed to gradually fade.

Let’s pop back to this question we started with for a second. Why is there no mention of tongues in any of Paul’s other epistles? Why is there a ringing silence on this issue in the 30 years before the completion of the NT canon? I submit to you that it is because tongues had already ceased!

What we need to understand about the three gifts listed here in v. 8 is that they are revelatory. That means that prophecy, knowledge, and tongues were all used by God to reveal either Himself or His will to man. Allow me to read a somewhat lengthy quote from Dr. Christopher Cone here.

“In 13:8, there are three revelatory sign gifts or functions (they are not specifically referred to as gifts in this context) mentioned: prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. Prophecy and knowledge both end the same way: they are done away – prophecies, in the plural (καταργηθήσονται) and knowledge, in the singular (καταργηθήσεται). The verb, katergeo (to put an end to or stop to) in both cases is passive voice, meaning that an outside force will end these abruptly. Tongues, on the other hand, will cease (παύσονται). This verb is in the middle voice, meaning that the subject is acting upon itself: tongues will cease themselves. Tongues is the first of these three to go. Remember the contrast: love never fails, but these other three will. Verses 9-10 discuss a specific event that brings the “failing” or limitation of prophecy and knowledge, but by the time that event happens, tongues have already ceased themselves. Tongues are the least significant of these three revelatory sign gifts or functions. Remember that after the mentions of tongues in tongues is never again mentioned during the remaining forty or so years of New Testament history – not once.”[2]

I believe that the translation “perfect” in v. 8 is a bad translation. Paul is setting up a contrast. He is contrasting the word partial, with something else. “Perfect” is not the opposite of partial. What is the opposite of partial? Complete. Complete is a legitimate translation of this Greek word. Therefore, Paul is saying that when the complete comes, the partial will be done away. I have the article I quoted earlier in the back if anyone is interested. Suffice it to say that since the purpose of these gifts was the authentication of the apostles message, and since they functioned as a partial revelation until a complete one came, the most exegetically consistent conclusion is that the “complete” thing that will do away with what is partial is God’s finished revelation in His Word. As stated, tongues will have already ceased by this point.

The only revelation of God and of His will that the believer needs is now contained in the 66 books that comprise His written Word.

We have seen the priority and permanence of tongues. Our third essential fact is…

3. The Purpose Of Tongues ch. 14

Having definitely stated that tongues were going to cease with God’s completed revelation, Paul gives the Corinthian believers guidelines to govern the use of tongues until that time. The purpose of tongues is directly tied to how it does or does not benefit the church. Paul is very clear that…

a. Tongues do not edify vv. 1-5

1 Corinthians 14:1–5 NKJV

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

The word “prophecy” has the idea of the proclamation of truth. It is not always used to refer to the foretelling of future events. Most often it is used to depict a man speaking forth God’s revealed truth. Paul states that the ability to proclaim God’s truth should be sought. Not tongues, but prophecy, or preaching, is the most important gift for the church today. This is true because…

This is true because someone speaking in tongues edifies himself and not the church. Remember, gifts are given to benefit all! According to v. 5 when the church is gathered, the purpose is edification. Since tongues do not edify the church apart from an interpreter, Paul says that preaching is greater than speaking in tongues. Again, this is because…

Someone speaking in tongues edifies himself and not the church.

Remember, gifts are given to benefit all! According to v. 5 when the church is gathered, the purpose is edification. Since tongues do not edify the church apart from an interpreter, Paul says that preaching is greater than speaking in tongues. Again, this is because…

b. Tongues are not readily understood vv. 6-19

1 Corinthians 14:6–19 NKJV

But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching? Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

In vv. 6-12 Paul presents that the desire of the believer in the corporate church setting should be the edification of the saints. Tongues doesn’t accomplish this because no one understands what is being said!

vv. 13-17 continue this idea. Interpretation is necessary whenever tongues are present. vv. 14-15 declare that verbal prayer should never be in tongues. No one can “amen” a prayer they don’t understand!

vv. 18-19 are really key verses here. Though Paul spoke in tongues more than any Corinthian, his desire was to speak understandable words in the church. This clearly demonstrates that Paul’s use of tongues was outside the corporate church setting. If Paul would rather tongues not be used in the church, where does he use them? That is where he goes next as He presents that…

c. Tongues were to be used for Gospel presentation vv. 20-25

1 Corinthians 14:20–25 NKJV

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Tongues Were To Be Used For Gospel Presentation

v. 22 could not be more clear! Tongues are a sign for unbelievers! Specifically, the unbelieving Jews!

“After Jesus’ resurrection, as the Church was being established and the New Testament was being written, the apostles demonstrated “signs” such as tongues and the power to heal. “Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not” (, a verse that plainly says the gift was never intended to edify the church).”[3]

Paul goes on to say that if tongues are used in the church unbelievers will come in and think you are crazy! In contrast, if the Word of God is being proclaimed they will be convicted!

These verses make it plain that the preference of the Apostle Paul is that tongues not be used in the corporate gathering of the body of Christ! But if it is, he gives some guidelines to follow.

d. Tongues must be interpreted vv. 26-40

1 Corinthians 14:26–40 NKJV

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

Notice the end of v. 26. “Let all things be done for edification”. When the church is gathered the only things that should be part of the service are things that edify the saints! If it doesn’t edify, don’t do it! With that in mind Paul tells them how to use tongues to edify the church.

Before we get into that let me again state that we believe the supernatural ability to speak other languages given by the Holy Spirit had ceased by the completion of Scripture. What Paul is giving here were guidelines to govern the use of tongues until they ceased. When properly exegeted Scripture reveals that tongues ceased before the completion of Scripture. Now, if we are wrong and tongues have continued, I don’t believe we are but IF, this is how they should be exercised.

Only 2 or 3 were permitted to speak, in turn, and with an interpreter. If there is no interpreter, be silent. Now, we need to be reminded that governs all other uses of tongues. They are real, known, and spoken languages. They are not ecstatic utterances or gibberish. v. 28 also reveals that a personal spoken prayer tongue is not permitted. If there is no interpreter speak to yourself and to God silently!

If there is a prophecy it must again be only up to three and if another prophet begins to speak the first is to be silent! The prophets who speak are to be judged! What is the measure they are judged on? God’s previously revealed truth.

God is not the author of confusion!

The final verse says that all things are to be done decently and in order!

While there are some churches that practice tongues this way, that is not the norm. To practice tongues any other way is to violate Scripture and be in disobedience to God. However, even if you practice these things with tongues, if the tongues being spoken are not real, recognizable, and spoken languages, they are not Biblical tongues. They do not come from the Spirit. They cannot edify anyone.

Conclusion

I want to wrap this up with a couple thoughts and a challenge. First of all let me clarify that I am not saying that God cannot or does not do miracles today. I am simply saying that He no longer does them as He did when the church was first being established. If God were to give a missionary the ability to speak a language never studied to share the gospel with a tribe in the jungle it still wouldn’t be the Biblical gift of tongues we see in Acts and Corinthians.

Not saying God can’t or doesn’t do miracles. Saying not like this.

Secondly, The reality that we believe the sign gifts have ceased does not mean we look down on those who believe they continue. While we may object to the method of interpretation that leads them to their conclusion, that doesn’t mean we believe they are unsaved, unspiritual, or unholy. What we believe about spiritual gifts is not the basis of our acceptance before God, faith in Christ alone is.

Finally, a challenge. Each one of us who have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior has been given a spiritual gift. We are to be using it for His glory. If you are not exercising your spiritual gift within the context of the local church, you need to be. I want to challenge each one of us with this thought. We must be using our gifts to edify the body of Christ.

May we walk in obedience to His Word.

May we bring God glory as we serve Him where He has placed us with the gift He has given.

#453 “I Gave My Life For Thee”

[1] http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/supernatural/32168-what-every-believer-should-know-about-receiving-spirit-baptism. Accessed 7/8/17.

[2] http://www.drcone.com/2015/07/27/considering-whether-the-revelatory-functions-in-1-corinthians-13-have-already-ceased-or-not/. Accessed 7/8/17.

[3] https://www.gotquestions.org/cessationism.html. Accessed 7/7/17.

[3] https://www.gotquestions.org/cessationism.html. Accessed 7/7/17.