Welcome back again to the fourth and final part of our series of studies on Spiritual Tongues, probably one of the most misunderstood, and as a result feared and disregarded gifts which the Spirit of God gives to us, His children.
By now, you should have a firm grasp of what Tongues are, and the three different types of Tongues which are described for us in the scripture, as well as the individual purpose and blessing of each of them.
Now in this final part of the study, we will finish chapter fourteen of 1st Corinthians, as Paul now lays out some rules of order for the public use of Tongues, and some final thoughts on the subject for all of us to see, regarding the gift of Tongues.
Welcome back to part 3 of our study on Spiritual Tongues. In the first two parts of this study, we looked (appropriately) at the first two types and forms of tongues that Paul described in the first nineteen verses of 1st Corinthians 14 – the private, personal tongue, and the public, prophetic tongue with interpretation. We saw the distinctions and individual use and purpose of each of those… and how neither of them are “useless” but how each has a specific purpose and benefit.
Now today in this study, we will be continuing with 1st Corinthians 14, as we see Paul begin to transition to the third type and form of Spiritual Tongues, which is the evangelistic tongue. Where a person can speak another human language (one which they do not know), for the purpose of sharing Christ and the message of His Gospel to unbelievers who need to hear it. We see this most clearly in the book of Acts chapter 2. This type of tongues is no more or less valuable than any of the previous two types, and like the others, it has its place, its purpose, and its benefit, which we will see today.
Few other topics among Christian communities are more confusing and controversial, then the topic of tongues; spiritual tongues to be precise. There are countless different positions, doctrines and theologies regarding tongues – their existence, their purpose, and the forms which they take or don’t take. In-fact there are so many different positions, that most people don’t even know what they believe regarding tongues at all!
The scriptures however, do not leave us guessing about tongues – in-fact God wants us to know and understand the wonderful gift which He has given to us; and to receive it for all that it is worth.
That’s why, in this study today, we will cut through all of the man-made opinions, theologies and doctrines, and see the truth of tongues as the scriptures defines it. And by seeing this, you will see tongues for what it really is, and the marvelous gift of God, made possible in Christ Jesus, by His Spirit.