Tongues 10 Series

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.”