Tongues Series 10 of 10 Oct. 14, 2012
Introduction:
A Caution
B This is the last of this series on private prayer languages.
1 Caution is needed.
2 Pray
II Nine Cautions that need to be understood with Prayer Languages.
A First, Do not expect all to operate in the same gifts in the same way.
1 22 On the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary;23 and those members of the body which we deem less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our less presentable members become much more presentable,24 whereas our more presentable members have no need of it. But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked,25 so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored , all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it.28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles , then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.29 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?30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they?31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way.1 Cor 12:22-31 (NASB)
a Not everybody receives the same gift, nor do they operate with the same manifestations.
b “You are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
2 You may not be the healer, teacher, administrator your mentor was, but you can be what God has to you be by allowing the Holy Spirit living within you to activate your gift/zeal to use your gift.
B Second, let your prayer language serve the body of Christ in love.
1 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 1 Cor 13:1-2 (NASB)
a Tongues means nothing without true, unconditional serving love.
b Just because we’re familiar with them, we dismiss the truth in them.
2 “love” is not the flowers-and-candy, “I’ll never offend you” emotion that is incorrectly portrayed as agape love.
a It IS a godly, passionate love for not just those with whom we are in agreement but also those with whom we would fervently disagree.
b This agape gives us boldness to speak truth in love.
C Third, honestly admit that tongues is inferior to the prophetic gift.
1 1 Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands , but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.3 But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation. 1 Cor 14:1-3 (NASB)
a Tongues may have been the first gift just because it’s easier to understand/get our heads around than prophecy.
aa Speaking in tongues is a blessing and an act of faith.
bb You must open your mouth, move your lips, and believe that god has granted them this gift.
b Prayer language is a God-focused language (not man focused.)
aa That is why no more than 3, interpreter, not disruptive, etc.
2 When God is going to speak His now word in a church, God will give it in a language they can understand.
D Fourth, tongues should be practiced according to scriptural order.
1 16 Otherwise if you bless in the spirit only, how will the one who fills the place of the ungifted say the "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?17 For you are giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not edified.18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all;19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.1 Cor 14:16-19 (NASB)
a Over emphasis can hinder missions/evangelism.
b v.16-19, sense the magnitude of what he’s saying, let me illustrate.
aa Nov. 8, 1857, New Park Street Chapel in Southwark, London, C.H. Spurgeon delivered one of his most famous sermons, “A Call to the Unconverted.”
bb 6,000 people, gave an evangelistic call. Just under 7,000 words.
cc Paul said it was more beneficial to say, “Jesus Christ Died For You!” in a language you understood than to speak in tongues at better than the equivalent of Spurgeon’s sermon.
2 Is tongues important? Yes, but tongues must function in order; 1 Cor. 14.23-25 (Model to follow).
23 Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all;25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. 1 Cor 14:23-25 (NASB)
E Fifth, a selfish use of tongues indicates an immaturity/lack of spiritual wisdom.
1 26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 1 Cor 14:26 (NASB)
a Everybody had a “word from the Lord.”
b Paul just waded through the hyper-spiritual language to expose the true intent of their hearts: to be in a “spiritual spotlight.”
2 God can give a word, but the church authority has to steer people into order.
F Sixth, Speaking in tongues should never “take over” a service.
1 The Holy Spirit has already revealed the order of service to the worship leaders, pastor(s) that should be followed.
a A prophetic tongue given publicly MUST be interpreted.
b 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret;28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 1 Cor 14:27-28 (NASB)
2 Tongues does not have to be hard to understand when we read later
40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.1 Cor 14:40 (NASB)
G Seventh, Speaking in tongues without regard to biblical order can be disruptive.
1 34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 1 Cor 14:34-35 (NASB)
a Ladies would sit in a segregated area (balcony) while their husbands sat closer to the speaker/teaching/preaching.
aa Wives & other women couldn’t hear very well at times so they would speak out/be disruptive.
bb The mean would often engage these women: telling them to be quiet, answer their question, carry on conversations . . . no order.
b It quickly became a free for all.
2 While we’re here, what about the controversial teaching that women “must be silent in church” (My interrepation)
a “Let your women”
aa Your (Possession, relationship) women (actually “wives” is the better word.)
bb Paul addressing a relational issue and not a gender issue.
b “for they are not permitted to speak;”
aa “for” lit. means “because”. (The rationale for what he has just said.)
bb “permitted” means “to allow, or suffer.” Not allowed to be disruptive in the service by speaking out/shouting across the room.
cc They weren’t allowed to speak during services w/o their husbands permission, not because the women were inferior but because they sat across the room!
dd Paul told them to ask away at home if they didn’t understand something.
ee Don’t hinder the preaching, evangelism through disregard for order.
c Paul never restricted women from ministry.
5 But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved.6 For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head.7 For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.8 For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;9 for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake.10 Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels. 1 Cor 11:5-10 (NASB)
aa The instruction is how to present themselves while praying (inference is corporately) or prophesying.
bb In Greek culture, ladies not married had long hair. (Also, prostitutes)
cc Long hair meant married (Under the leadership of their husband, purity.)
dd The custom has changed but not the principle. (Faithful marriage/pure living)
H Eighth, be aware of demonic counterfeit. (Demons can counterfeit tongues)
1 I believe he has influenced people to make false professions of faith.
a He can transform himself into a minister of righteousness (2 Cor. 11.13-15).
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 2 Cor 11:13-15 (NASB)
b Be careful, test the spirit.
2 All these cautions should not hinder the use of tongues as believers; Church should welcome the heavenly language as a vital evidence of true spiritual life.
Conclusion:
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