Spiritual GiftsLesson 13 Spiritual Gifts – Tongues in Check1.pptVIP

Spiritual Gifts Lesson 13: Spiritual Gifts – Tongues in Check 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 Introduction The need for this study From life and ministry From our text Preliminary remarks I am not a Cessationist I have not spoken in tongues Hermeneutics – how we’ll deal with the Scriptures Bad experience doesn’t determine our doctrine A caution about culture Tongues in 1 Corinthians are the same as in Acts We’ll take clear texts at face value. We’ll be cautious about inference and complexity Defining Tongues Tongues are a spiritual gift, a manifestation of the Spirit A language that enables the Christian to pray and to praise God Spoken to God, not to men Normally not interpreted Under speaker’s control The contribution of tongues A sign for unbelievers Tends to only edify the speaker The least of the gifts, unless interpreted Tracing Paul’s argument in 14:1-25 1 Corinthians 14:1-5: Prophecy is superior to tongues 1 Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people but to God, for no one understands; he is speaking mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. 4 The one who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 I wish you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be strengthened. Prophecy is better than tongues (vss. 1-5) Tongues speak to God; prophecy speaks to people (vss. 2-3) Tongues convey mysteries that no one understands (v. 2); prophecy strengthens, encourages, and consoles (v. 3) Tongues edify the speaker; prophecy edifies the church (v. 4). Caveat: Some qualifications Paul wants them to speak in tongues (but prophecy is better) If interpreted, tongues do edify Why interpretation is essentia