WHAT IS SPEAKING IN TONGUES (2)?
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) What is the New Testament gift of speaking in tongues? Is it the only evidence of whether or not someone is a Christian? Is it a sign of a mature believer and one who has a close relationship with God? Did Paul teach it was the GREATEST manifestation of God's power a person could possess? What can be the TRUE inspiration for this gift in modern churches?
b) The Greek word for tongues is glossa. It can refer to the tongue that is part of the human body OR a known language on the earth. It appears 50 times in the New Testament, the majority of which refers to a literal tongue. Examples of these two usages are below.
i) 24. send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue (glossa) (Luke 16:24)
ii) 9. And they sang a new song . . . (you) did redeem us to God by Your own blood, out of every tribe and language (tongue - glossa) (Revelation 5:9)
c) There exists only two main parts that discuss tongues speaking in the entire Bible. This article takes a brief look at each of them.
1. The Corinthian problem
a) The church in Corinth was riddled with problems. Paul tackles several of these in both his first and second letter to the church in the city. Their problems included divisions over leaders, taking each other to court, sacrificing to idols, incorrectly taking the Passover, and more! For whatever reason, the church in Corinth was especially amazed and fixated on what today is called speaking in tongues. Paul begins to tackle their problem in this area by stating some of the many ways the Holy Spirit can be manifested in the life of a believer.
i) "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the benefit of all. For to one, a word of wisdom is given by the Spirit; and to another, a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; And to a different one, faith by the same Spirit; and to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit. And to another, the working of miracles; and to another, prophecy; and to another, discerning of spirits; and to a different one, various languages; and to another, the interpretation of languages." (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
b) Note something very interesting with Paul's list of gifts. He lists gifts related to languages (tongues) last! This is his way of conveying it relative importance compared to other spiritual gifts. To reiterate his point, a few verses later he lists SOME of the responsibilities and works of service God has caused to appear in his church.
i) in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers . . . (verse 28)
c) The LAST responsibility listed by Paul is "languages" (tongues - verse 28). The apostle then finishes and sums up his entire discussion.
i) " . . . and yet I show you a way far surpassing all these." (1 Corinthians 12:31)
d) The gift of speaking in other languages or tongue exists for only a short time and is manifested only when it fulfills God's purpose. After Jesus returns to the earth to reign and rule mankind will again speak a single language and the gift so touted by many will completely cease.
i) 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; (1 Corinthians 3:8)
0. Introduction
a) What is the New Testament gift of speaking in tongues? Is it the only evidence of whether or not someone is a Christian? Is it a sign of a mature believer and one who has a close relationship with God? Did Paul teach it was the GREATEST manifestation of God's power a person could possess? What can be the TRUE inspiration for this gift in modern churches?
b) The Greek word for tongues is glossa. It can refer to the tongue that is part of the human body OR a known language on the earth. It appears 50 times in the New Testament, the majority of which refers to a literal tongue. Examples of these two usages are below.
i) 24. send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue (glossa) (Luke 16:24)
ii) 9. And they sang a new song . . . (you) did redeem us to God by Your own blood, out of every tribe and language (tongue - glossa) (Revelation 5:9)
c) There exists only two main parts that discuss tongues speaking in the entire Bible. This article takes a brief look at each of them.
1. The Corinthian problem
a) The church in Corinth was riddled with problems. Paul tackles several of these in both his first and second letter to the church in the city. Their problems included divisions over leaders, taking each other to court, sacrificing to idols, incorrectly taking the Passover, and more! For whatever reason, the church in Corinth was especially amazed and fixated on what today is called speaking in tongues. Paul begins to tackle their problem in this area by stating some of the many ways the Holy Spirit can be manifested in the life of a believer.
i) "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the benefit of all. For to one, a word of wisdom is given by the Spirit; and to another, a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; And to a different one, faith by the same Spirit; and to another, gifts of healing by the same Spirit. And to another, the working of miracles; and to another, prophecy; and to another, discerning of spirits; and to a different one, various languages; and to another, the interpretation of languages." (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
b) Note something very interesting with Paul's list of gifts. He lists gifts related to languages (tongues) last! This is his way of conveying it relative importance compared to other spiritual gifts. To reiterate his point, a few verses later he lists SOME of the responsibilities and works of service God has caused to appear in his church.
i) in the first place apostles, in the second place prophets, and in the third place teachers . . . (verse 28)
c) The LAST responsibility listed by Paul is "languages" (tongues - verse 28). The apostle then finishes and sums up his entire discussion.
i) " . . . and yet I show you a way far surpassing all these." (1 Corinthians 12:31)
d) The gift of speaking in other languages or tongue exists for only a short time and is manifested only when it fulfills God's purpose. After Jesus returns to the earth to reign and rule mankind will again speak a single language and the gift so touted by many will completely cease.
i) 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; (1 Corinthians 3:8)
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