Understanding

the Gift of Tongues in Corporate Worship

Introduction: Tonight, were going to be looking at the instruction that the Holy Spirit has penned through the Apostle Pauls life concerning the use of Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues in a gathering of believers. Whether the size of the gathering is two or two thousand there ought to be order. Matthew 18:20, For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them; and so we must honor the fact that God looks to be among His people. In fact, thats the goal tonight, to be a kind of people that gather in His name. In His name means literally means under my rule, which means we are to conduct ourselves in such a way that He can be among us. I always tell my students that if it says it in the NT itll show us in the OT. So before we get into the instruction about the use and order of Tongues in a church setting, let us understand the heart behind the hand of God in this matter. The Tabernacle From the very moment God broke His rest and searched for Adam in the garden, God has been relentless in His effort to restore the breach between man and Himself. God wanted nothing else in the beginning than to share Himself entirely with His creation. It is then safe to say that the heart of God as stated in Matt. 18:20 is to dwell among His people. But sin put an end to that and in effort for God to dwell among His people again, God had to show them with great details what it would take for Him to be satisfied however temporary it must be. So in order for God to dwell among His people God gave detailed instructions as well as the law to show them how He might be able to be among His people. The law, known as the 10 commandments gave them instruction that allowed them to live in such a way that their obedience to it would yield blessing and favor with Him. But the law, did not show them how to prepare a place that he could dwell. He gave Moses that in the instructions on how to build the Tabernacle. And in those instructions

He would show them how to conduct themselves in daily routines and live in proper order all so His presence could dwell among them. So in summary, God gave the law and the instructions on how to build and order the affairs surrounding the tabernacle all so He could be among them. Are you hearing what Im saying. He gave them detailed instructions that brought order so He might be among His people. Thus we can say, that order makes a place inhabitable whereas obedience makes it blessable. Remember that tonight, because we are talking about order and obedience concerning the operation of Tongues in a service. If two or more gather in my name, or under my rule, or in order and obedience to me, I well dwell among them. Scripture

The Church at Corinth (Historical Context)

Just like the law and the tabernacle were attempts to resolve a problem. So too are the instructions of Paul an attempt to resolve a problem at the church of Corinth. Here is a quick run down of the situation: The church at Corinth was known for its abundant and ignorant use of the gifts. These gentiles came from backgrounds in idol worship that gave a greater degree of spirituality to one who was in less control of themselves, thus meaning the spirit had greater control of the individual. No doubt many of them most likely had experienced demonic possession whether personally or through observing it in someone else. Their pre-Christian experiences translated into their new journey of salvation, just as several other methods of thought did like discouraging sexual relationships in marriage. So the problem is the church of Corinth are working with the right tools but using them in the wrong way AND their motive is so that they look more spiritual. I want you to note that in your head. They were working with the right things but in the wrong way ALL so they could look holy, spiritual or righteous.

Reason for the Gifts

So what does Paul say to all of this? 1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV) 1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. He starts off the chapter with the first instruction; pursue love: The word love in the Greek is the same word used in John 3:16. It is a love that places others before yourself, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts: Paul then tells us how we might love to a greater degree. By bringing spiritual gifts into the picture he is showing us that we ought to place others above ourselves in regards to the spirit and we do that supernaturally. The gifts are the tools we use in doing so. Especially that you may prophesy: And he wraps it up by saying, a great way for you to place others before yourself is that you speak prophetically over others. The reason for the gifts can be seen in the first verse. They are to demonstrate the supernatural equipping God has given His people in order that they might love other like He loves them. God is saying I want you to supernaturally love others the way I supernaturally loved you! Let me ask you, Does anyone in here need supernatural help loving other people? Then the need for the gifts of the Spirit are still for today. So how does the gift of Tongues play apart in all this?

How The Gifts Equip Us

The gift of tongues in the church setting has uniquely essential functions. They are a sign for the unbeliever. 1 Corinthians 14:2122 (ESV) 21 In the Law it is written, By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then [Gods second attempt at getting their attention] they will not listen to me, says the Lord. 22 Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers..

 The reference to OT judgment Paul says that the sign is for the unbeliever and he uses a quote from Isaiah 28:11: Isaiah 28:1113 (NLT) 11 So now God will have to speak to his people through foreign oppressors who speak a strange language! 12 God has told his people, Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest. But they would not listen. 13 So the LORD will spell out his message for them again, one line at a time, one line at a time, a little here, and a little there, so that they will stumble and fall. They will be injured, trapped, and captured. The setting in Isaiah is that of judgment on Israel because they no longer listen to the prophet. God in essence is saying, since I cant get your attention enough to listen to me through intelligible words, Ill get your attention through words that are unintelligible. The way he gets their attention through that is by wakening them up to the fact that they are no longer in the will and favor of God. Just as in Isaiahs day, the sign was that punishment was on its way. It was a way of saying, Since you rejected the wisdom of my prophet in order to bring you close, I will speak through the voice of your enemy to declare to you my distance. And this will be a sign unto you that my judgment is on its way to those who have rejected my plain speaking prophets. God first used this principle in Duet 28 when He declaring to Israel what would actions would curse you and how the curse would be made known. God also uses the same practice in the book of Jeremiah chapter 5. So why are the gift of tongues used in church services today? To declare to the unbeliever of the distance between him and God and to serve notice on the impending judgment that is due him. So for all of us that have ever prayed, God please dont let there be a message in tongues today. I really want my friend who doesnt know you to come back. Have prayed totally out of the will of God. Thats why our prayer never worked.

But remember, our text says even then they will not listen to me. Although tongues are a sign to the unbeliever they do not lead the unbelievers to faith. Thats why we the message must be interpreted. Acts 2 Parallel We can see this principle at work in the first recorded experience of tongues being used. The disciples were waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit and when they became filled they begin to speak in other tongues. Acts 2:4 (ESV) 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. But these tongues were not what led men to repentance but in fact stirred them up to what was happening. It gained their attention so that the word of the Lord might convict them. For after Peter spoke concerning what they just heard the scripture says, Acts 2:37 (ESV) 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart [convicted], and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brothers, what shall we do? So the message in tongues is solely for the unbeliever and it is a good thing. It is God once again, relentless in His effort in trying to breach the gap of sin.

Validating the Gift

But how do we validate the message given in tongues? Obviously, through the interpretation, but not just what was said but also the how. Lets look at verses 6-8. 1 Corinthians 14:69 (ESV) 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? 7 If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? 8 And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? Before I get to the what I want to talk about the how The How:

In Pauls day there was a name given to an individual that spoke on behalf of the King. They were called the kerux, which meant the spokesman or herald. For they in fact spoke on behalf of the King or herald a message for him. Their job description was to communicate the both the heart and word of the King. They needed to communicate the heart of the king so they would make the same emotional impact the king would make. You should know that if God is going to supernaturally give you a message to speak, He will be sure to match the heart of the message. Remember if our job is to convey the message of the King, it is our job to convey His heart. ILLUSTRATION: Give an example of God always drawing in to repentance through love. Ask: How man of you have ever messed up royally and knew you deserved a good chewing out from God but when you got in His presence and heard His voice, it wasnt what you expected. Illustration: Men dont come home to their wives and scream I LOVE YOU! The heart should match the message. Paul gives an illustration of this in vs. 7 through the playing of an bugle. CHARGE..charge.. RETREAT.retreat. The word of the message will always sound like the one who gives the word. God doesnt yell REPENT or BURN.neither does He say i am the lord The What: So then, since we know how to validate the message in terms of its delivery; how then do we validate in terms of its content? We ready in 1 Cor. 1:5 1 Corinthians 14:5 (ESV) 5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. Paul states that the one who speaks in an intelligible language (prophecy) is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, UNLESS someone interprets, which he then equates the interpretation to have the same value as a prophetic message. When it comes to purpose, an interpreted message = prophetic message

 Both are supposed to build up the church. But since Paul equates an interpreted message to a prophetic message he gives us more incite about what the content is supposed to be achieving. 1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV) 3 On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. So no matter what the message turns out to be, and no matter how confrontational it is. The message ought to always leave room for consolation and encouragement to take place. We can see an example of how even the sternest of rebukes leave room for one to be consoled and encourage in the letter to the Church of Laodicia. Revelation 3:1422 (ESV) 14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of Gods creation. 15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 [consolation] Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, [consolation] I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, [encouragement] I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Of all the letters to the church in Revelation, this one is the sternest of rebukes as well as the most tender in its consolation. I dont know if God will ever use you to speak the words, Ill spit you out of my mouth! but if He does remember that He also speaks Those whom I love, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne. Recap:

But some of you might be saying, Then why doesnt God just give a message in prophecy and skip all the confusion of tongues. Thats a question I asked myself, and the best way I can help you understand the difference is to remind you that tongues serve as an indicator, and prophecy serves as a communicator. Tongues lead you to respond vertically. Prophecy leads you to respond horizontally. Or as one author put it, Tongues are calling attention to the Mighty acts of God, and prophecy calls to repentance and faith in response to the mighty acts of God. Optional: 1. If you give a message in tongues, you should seek to interpret it. 2. If a message in tongues is given, there should be two or three at the most, and each in turn AND THEN someone should interpret. 3. If there is no one to interpret, then keep silent and speak to himself and to God. 4. If a revelation is made or interpretation, then the message in tongues ought to be silent.

A message in tongues that is interpreted possesses the same purpose as a message in prophecy. A message in prophecy seeks to console and encourage the body towards change no matter how great the rebuke.

Close

Let me remind you what a Pharisee was in the day of Jesus life. Pharisees were less concerned with the reason the law was given, they were more concerned with how the law was to be kept. Because Pharisees were more focused on the keeping of the law than any other aspect, became so judgmental that when the reason the law was given which is to be in the presence of God finally came; they sacrificed the reason so they could keep the rule. Let us not be a church where we get so stuck on the rules we forget the reason. That reason is so He can be among His people, McArthur Church.