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Observations Concerning Tongues and the Believer in 1Corinthians 14
- If the gift of tongues is truly given to the church then it is given to some and not all (*1Cor 12:10,11).
First, it's not a gift. It's one of the nine manifestations of the gift of holy spirit. It is given to
every man for profit to him. (1 Cor 12:7)
The gift is given as a sign to unbelievers and should never be used for prophesy (v/22).
That's true. Tongues is not prophesy, and prophesy is not tongues. They are different things
If the gift of tongues is exercised it must have an interpretation so that others can understand what is being spoken (v/5,13,27).
If tongues is used in the church, among other believers, that is true.
Speaking in tongues provides no useful advantage or profit to the church (v/6).
In the church, if not interpreted, that is true. But there are many benefits to individual believers.
Even if I pray in my spirit in an (unknown) tongue, my understanding is unfruitful without an interpretation (v/13-15).
True
The instances in scripture where tongues (or languages) were used as a national tongue that people heard in their own language (*Acts 2:6-8).
In Acts 2, that is true. But tongues were also in evidence in Acts 10, Acts 19, and we know that Paul spoke in tongues, and in Acts 8, Simon "saw" something that proved holy spirit was given. There is no guarantee that when tongues is used that someone present will understand.
There is no evidence in scripture of any special language given as an angelic tongue. All instances in scripture of angels visiting and speaking to man was done in a language understood by the recipient with no interpretation of the tongue.
This has nothing to do with the manifestation of speaking in tongues. But in 1 Cor 13, we see that tongues can be in the language of men or of angels.
If any member desires the gift of tongues, the gift of prophecy should be encouraged over and above because of the understanding and edification it gives to the church (v/1-5).
In the church, among other believers, this is true. But do not dismiss that Paul wrote "I would that ye all spake with tongues."
In (1Cor 14) there was a problem concerning this gift that Paul had to give instruction so that things would be done in the church decently and in order (v/40).
Yes. The Corinthians were misusing the manifestations, all speaking in tongues at the same time, no interpretation, etc. Much like some pentecostal churches do today. That is out of order. The Corinthian church needed correction.
No other church besides Corinth, in the NT, is recorded as exercising the gift of tongues in prayer or otherwise after Pentecost.
Paul spoke in tongues, and the people in Acts 10 and 19 spoke in tongues, so this statement is incorrect.
Paul gave no instructions to any pastor-teacher or elder concerning the gift of tongues and its use in any other church.
It's written to Corinthians, an epistle addressed to the church, the saints. It is for all Christians.
Caution or Exhortation - If the church come together and all speak in tongues, will not those that are unlearned or unbelievers think the church to be mad (v/23).There is much more that could be said concerning the gift of tongues and it's usefulness in the church and the unbeliever. A reasonable conclusion for the believer could be this. If you seek the gift of tongues as a gift, you better know what you are seeking, you better know how to use it and for what purpose it is given, you should know who it is subject to and how it is to profit the church and be fruitful. If you don't understand what you are seeking it is better that you leave it alone and go on to perfection (maturity-Heb 6:1).
No. If you don't know what it is, or how to use it, LEARN.
It is only a gift, it can only last for a duration of time before it is done away with
It is not a gift, it is a manifestation of holy spirit. It will last until Christ returns.
and you do not need it for salvation or to be Spirit-filled or to win the lost.
True. Nonetheless, it is beneficial for individual believers to do it. God wants us to.
It will not keep you from fulfilling the lust of the flesh nor does it replace any of the commandments that we are to do and to teach.
True. It will not make you behave better. We do that by deciding not to do the things the bible says not to do.
If we do not have that gift we are missing nothing in our relationship with God or with one another.
It is not a gift. It is a manifestation. Every Christian can do it, whether they think they can or not. It builds you up spiritually.
The body of Christ can be edified by grace and truth without that gift.
It is not a gift. And as mentioned, its primary use is for the individual.
That gift can add nothing to the cross of Christ and does not reveal the righteousness of God.
It is not a gift. When you do it, it is proof that you are born of God and have holy spirit residing in you, and are a child of God. It is true that a Christian does not have to speak in tongues. But they can, and there are benefits to doing so.
However, if you have that gift and you want to exercise it for the purpose it is given and under subjection to the leadership of the church
It is not a gift, it is a manifestation. And if your church leadership forbids it, find a new church with leaders that know something about it. And as mentioned, its primary use is for the individual believer.
then you should not be forbidden to do so decently and in order. - unqoute
True.
