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Speaking in Tongues

Joshua Welch
08/04/19 - Sunday PM

Series: Holy Spirit

Introduction:  Many today profess to speak in tongues - but is it the same as the tongues of the Bible?

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I.   What Was Speaking In Tongues?

1. Tongues were real languages (Acts 2:4-13).
2. Tongues were a sign to the unbeliever (1 Corinthians 14:22; cp.  Acts 2:12,33).
3. To speak in tongues was a less desirable gift than prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:5).
4. In addition, tongues could be controlled by the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).

II.  The Gift of Tongues Was One of Many Spiritual Gifts

1. 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 lists the various spiritual gifts --all were miraculous.
2. Some events may originate with God, and yet not be a _______ (cp. Acts 27:21-44;;  12:6-11).
3. The gifts given by the Spirit were all supernatural in origin and character.  A)  They were given to men to carry out God's will ____________ His word (such as Philip in Acts 8:6). B)  They served to reveal and __________ truth (1 Corinthians 2: 13; Ephesians 3:3-5;  Mark 16:20;  Hebrews 2:3-4).     
4. These gifts were imparted by the laying on of apostle's hands (Acts 8:14-17).

III.  How are the Claims of Tongues to be Explained Today?

1. It is an emotional experience.
2. It is a learned experience.

3. Ask these questions to those who claim to speak in tongues today.

• Do you speak in a language known to others in the world (Acts 2:6, 8, 11)?
• Are your tongues used soley as a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22)?
• Do several speak in tongues at one time at your assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:27)?
• Does  your group only speak in tongues if they have an interpreter (1 Corinthians 14:28)?
• Would you describe your assemblies as "decent and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40)?

Conclusion:  The Holy Spirit's gift of tongues is not what many are practicing today...