1 Corinthians 14:1-40
Speaking in tongues is one of the most controversial subjects in the church today. It has been very divisive throughout the history of the church and continues to be so even today. I suspect that both the charismatic and the traditional side have made serious mistakes in their treatment of one another. The relationship between the two has suffered because of unbiblical attitudes as well as misinterpretation of the Scriptures. I believe that the Scriptures indicate that the gift of tongues, for the most part, has ceased during this particular stage in history. There may be places in the world where God may make use of this gift and I believe He will make great use of it during the Tribulation period. However, today's passage regulates the use of the gift of tongues. So... IF the gift of tongues were active today it would need to subjected to these biblical principles.
THE PROBLEM WITH TONGUES WAS CONFUSION: Paul states that the gift of tongues can easily create confusion because those who hear it do not understand what is being said without an interpreter. This is especially dangerous in a public service where unbelievers might be present. For that reason, Paul said it is much better to prophecy, or proclaim God's Word, so that those who hear might understand and be edified. Tongues tended to be more edifying for the one who was speaking and not so much for the hearers. In general, spiritual gifts are to be used for the edification of others so that makes tongues a unique gift that should be given much less priority than the other gifts. It is strange that this passage makes it clear that not all are given this gift, yet those who promote the use of this gift today treat it as the most important gift and view those who do not have it as "second rate" Christians. Certainly God never intended the gift of tongues to be given such a prominent place.
THE PURPOSE OF TONGUES WAS CONFIRMATION: God give this gift in the beginning to the apostles as a means of allowing them to communicate the Gospel in the wide variety of languages present at Pentecost. Tongues was a miracle that lent credibility to the Gospel message the apostles were proclaiming. It was used to help establish the apostolic authority of Christ's disciples. Subsequently, the gift was used to confirm the salvation of Gentile believers to converted Jews who may have thought that salvation was only available to Jews. When gentiles believed the sign of tongues was used to demonstrate that God was drawing the Gentile nations to Himself.
THE PRACTICE OF TONGUES WAS CONSTRAINED: Paul made it very clear that if tongues were to be practiced in the church that they needed to follow the rules that he was establishing in this text. The rule of order required that only two or three speakers were permitted per service and that it was only to permitted to have one person speak at a time. Additionally, an interpreter was always required. This is a far cry from the dozens of people who shout in tongue all at the same time some of whom roll of the floor all without any interpretation. Paul also seems to indicate that women were not permitted to speak in tongues in the public worship service. Speaking in tongues was also to give preference to the proclamation of God's Word and not the other way around. The practice of speaking in tongues was to always be kept in check by these standards. The church in Corinth was abusing this standard and it is very evident that many churches today continue to ignore these principles. The difference being that until the writing of this letter the Corinthian church may not have know these regulations. The Church today is without excuse.
THE PROBLEM WITH TONGUES WAS CONFUSION: Paul states that the gift of tongues can easily create confusion because those who hear it do not understand what is being said without an interpreter. This is especially dangerous in a public service where unbelievers might be present. For that reason, Paul said it is much better to prophecy, or proclaim God's Word, so that those who hear might understand and be edified. Tongues tended to be more edifying for the one who was speaking and not so much for the hearers. In general, spiritual gifts are to be used for the edification of others so that makes tongues a unique gift that should be given much less priority than the other gifts. It is strange that this passage makes it clear that not all are given this gift, yet those who promote the use of this gift today treat it as the most important gift and view those who do not have it as "second rate" Christians. Certainly God never intended the gift of tongues to be given such a prominent place.
THE PURPOSE OF TONGUES WAS CONFIRMATION: God give this gift in the beginning to the apostles as a means of allowing them to communicate the Gospel in the wide variety of languages present at Pentecost. Tongues was a miracle that lent credibility to the Gospel message the apostles were proclaiming. It was used to help establish the apostolic authority of Christ's disciples. Subsequently, the gift was used to confirm the salvation of Gentile believers to converted Jews who may have thought that salvation was only available to Jews. When gentiles believed the sign of tongues was used to demonstrate that God was drawing the Gentile nations to Himself.
THE PRACTICE OF TONGUES WAS CONSTRAINED: Paul made it very clear that if tongues were to be practiced in the church that they needed to follow the rules that he was establishing in this text. The rule of order required that only two or three speakers were permitted per service and that it was only to permitted to have one person speak at a time. Additionally, an interpreter was always required. This is a far cry from the dozens of people who shout in tongue all at the same time some of whom roll of the floor all without any interpretation. Paul also seems to indicate that women were not permitted to speak in tongues in the public worship service. Speaking in tongues was also to give preference to the proclamation of God's Word and not the other way around. The practice of speaking in tongues was to always be kept in check by these standards. The church in Corinth was abusing this standard and it is very evident that many churches today continue to ignore these principles. The difference being that until the writing of this letter the Corinthian church may not have know these regulations. The Church today is without excuse.
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