I. Comes Via Baptism (Filling) Of Holy Spirit
A. Spoken Of By John The Baptist
1. John 1:29-33
2. Jesus is the Baptizer
3. The element of the Holy Spirit
B. Spoken Of By Jesus
1. John 7:37-39 Speaks of the overflowing experience
2. John 20:22 Speaks of conversion, receiving the H.S.
3. Acts 1:4-8
a. Speaks of the “baptism, upon” experience.
b. Results in being filled by the Holy Spirit
c. Manifested (this time) by speaking the praises of God
d. This manifestation was in “tongues”.
e. Human languages unknown by the speakers.
4. Acts 2:14-39 Peter speaks of God, and preaches in his native tongue
5. Upon being filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples…
a. Praised God in a language they didn’t know
b. Peter preached in a language he did know
c. Being filled with the Holy Spirit results in one speaking of Jesus.
II. The Purpose Of Tongues
A. It Profits, Edifies The Church 1 Cor. 12:7; 14:12, 26
B. It Blesses The Speaker 1 Cor. 14:4
C. If Interpreted, It Blesses The Hearer 1 Cor. 14:5,13
D. Understandable Human Language Superior
Unless Interpreted
1. Mathematically speaking: 2000 times better
III. The Practice Of Tongues
A. Directed Towards God 1 Cor. 14:2
B. Speaks Of God; Magnifies God Acts 2, Acts 10
C. Mystery To The Intellect, But Not To The Spirit 1 Cor. 14:2, 4a
1. A way of expressing praise to God, which goes beyond the bounds and confines of the intellect.
2. The speaker is edified, though not informed.
D. May Or May Not Be Done Publicly
E. May Or May Not Be Human Language 1 Cor. 13:1
F. Sign To Unbelievers 1 Cor.14:22
1. Jon Courson story
G. It Is The Giving Of Thanks 1 Cor.14:17
H. Can Be Manifested In Song 1 Cor. 14:15
2. The speaker is edified, though not informed.
IV. Arguments Against Tongues For Today
A. Needed As A Sign For The Early Church
B. Not Necessary Now That We Have The Bible
V. Mistakes And Questions About Tongues
A. Proof Of Salvation
B. Proof Of Being Filled With Spirit
C. All Christian Speak In Tongues
1. Incorrect. Not all Christians have the same gifts.
2. Different gifts are given to different people.
3. 1 Cor. 12:4, 11, 30
D. Tongues Not Directed Towards Man 1 Cor. 14:2
1. Interpretations Should be directed towards God, not man.
E. Will I Be Out Of Control?
1. No. We are to be decent and in order 1 Cor. 14:27,28, 40
2. You are in control to speak or be quiet. 1 Cor. 32, 33
F. Too Many Tongues, Uninterpreted 1 Cor. 14:23,24
1. One at a time, no more than 2 or 3 1 Cor. 14:27
2. There must be interpretation 1 Cor. 14:28
G. It Is Not Intercessory In Nature Romans 8:26,27
1. As we pray for someone, we may worship in tongues during the time of prayer.
2. I don’t believe that is tongues is intercession, but rather, praise while waiting on the Lord.
3. Be careful not to distract the person that you are praying for.
H. Not The “Highest” of Gifts
I. Tongues Ceased In 1st Century 1 Cor. 13:8-10
1. “That which is perfect”- supposedly the Bible
2. Some say tongues not needed after Bible was established
3. If tongues ceased, then so did knowledge and prophecy.
J. How Do I Know That It Is From God? Is It Satanic? 1 Cor. 12:3
Matthew 12:34 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
VI. Is The Gift Of Tongues For Today? Yes!
A. Believers Still Need Personal Edification
B. The Church Still Needs Edification Via Interpretation
C. Bible Doesn’t Limit Tongues To The Early Church
D. Paul Told The Church To Desire Spiritual Gifts 1 Cor. 14:1
E. Paul Wished They All Spoke In Tongues 1 Cor. 14:5
1. Side note- not all spoke in tongues