Discipleship Training
“The New Birth”
Lesson #10
Speaking in Tongues
(Continued)
We shall continue our discussion on the role and importance of this vital topic. The emphasis of our past discussion centered on the fundamental aspects of speaking in tongues. The aim of this lesson is to probe a little deeper into this subject matter, and shed a little more light concerning tongues and its place in public settings of worship.
There are Reasons for Tongues:
God has chosen, in his infinite wisdom, to use simple and somewhat foolish things to accomplish his will, I Cor. 1:25-29. In addition, there have been outward, physical signs to accompany his covenants with man. Let’s look at several reasons why God chose tongues as the initial sign of Spirit baptism.
(1) It seems to be the most difficult member to control, Jas. 3:2-6, 8
(2) Speaking in tongues symbolizes the unity of the church, Gen. 11:1-9; Acts 2
(3) It is universal in application and a valid sign.
(4) Speaking in tongues provides certainty about one’s experience with God.
Tongues – Evidence of the Spirit abiding:
We must understand the difference between the initial sign versus the abiding presence. Tongues do not prove the abiding presence of the Spirit. There are many other important evidences of the Spirit’s presence, Gal. 5:22-23; John 13:34-35. A true child of God will love God, obey his commandments, walk after the Spirit, and be led by the Spirit, I John 2:3-5; Rom. 8:4, 14.
The emphasis should notrest solely on speaking in tongues, but more importantly in following God’s word and will, Matt. 7:21-27; Rom. 11:29. The child of God must keep in mind that there are false imitators who have the ability through Satan to counterfeit tongues. This is not a new phenomenon because Satan has attempted many times to imitate God’s work, Ex. 7:10-12; Rev. 13:2, 11-15.
Gift of Tongues:
The Apostle Paul went to great lengths to distinguish the difference between Speaking in Tongues and the Gift of Tongues. His main thrust was to instruct the saints in the use of the gift of tongues, primarily in public gatherings. What did he conclude?
(1) Speaking in Tongues is a normal part of the New Testament church.
(2) It is the same phenomena spoken of in Acts as well as I Corinthians.
(3) In Acts, it is the initial sign of the Spirit baptism, but in Corinthians it promotes edification for the individual in personal devotion, and for the church when interpreted.
(4) A public message has little value unless it is interpreted.
