Introduction
It is amazing how the gift of tongues-speaking has been blown out of proportion in some circles. What is listed as the least important of the spiritual gifts has been elevated to unprecedented heights. Why? Because it appeals to our selfish nature. It draws attention to us. That seems to have been the attraction that tongues-speaking held over the Corinthian Christians.
Today we will try to understand what tongue-speaking is and why we don't practice it. This topic will help us understand that our God is a God of order, and as such he wants to be worshiped in an orderly manner.
I. Reviewing the Two Functions of the Prophetic Office
A. Foretelling events in the future concerning God's judgment and the coming of the Messiah (OT) and the fulfillment of promises and the second coming of Christ (NT).
B. Forth-telling the Word of God and calling God's people to repentance and encouraging them to obedience.
II. What is Tongues-speaking and Why Is It We Don't Practice It?
A. There are only two passages in the NT where we find unknown languages to the speakers described as a work of the Holy Spirit – here and Acts 2.
B. Tongues-speaking is the same as prophecy when interpreted and is always revelatory in nature, 27-28.
C. These tongues were not necessarily languages spoken somewhere in the world.
D. The gift of tongues-speaking was a private gift unless interpreted, 2, 4a, 6, 28.
E. The gift of tongues-speaking without interpretation was a sign of God's judgment against those who didn't believe, 21-22.
F. If one had the gift of tongues-speaking he/she should earnestly ask God for the gift of interpreting for himself/herself or for an interpreter to come along, 13-14.
G. Just as a reminder, God never intended for every Christian to have the gift of tongues-speaking, no matter what era one lives, 12:30.
H. The gift of tongues-speaking was a controllable gift, 27-28.
I. The gift of tongues-speaking without interpretation did not bring unbelievers to Christ, 23.
III. Tongues-Speaking, Prophecies, Singing… They Are Part of an Orderly Worship Gathering, 26-40.
A. The corporate worship of the gathered church is not primarily about us – it is primarily about God.
B. God is the object of our worship and his glory is our goal.
C. Since it is HIS worship, he gets to define how WE are to worship HIM.
D. God is present when his Church gathers to worship him, 25.
E. The whole discussion of the private nature of tongues-speaking and the public nature of prophesying implies that the corporate worship of the gathered church is not a me-and-Jesus time; rather, it is an us-and-Jesus time.
F. God's character will define a lot of what goes on in worship, 33.
G. Characteristics of an ordered worship service.
1. An ordered worship service will build up the Body of Christ, 26.
2. An ordered worship service includes a word from God , 26.
3. An ordered worship service includes self-control, 27-28.
4. An ordered worship service requires an engaged mind, 29, 15-19.
5. An ordered worship includes singing, 26 (psalm), 15.
6. An ordered worship service demonstrates submission to the Word of God, 36-38.
7. An ordered worship service provides the medium for clarity that is so important in our hearing from God, 6-8.
8. An ordered worship service respects the roles of biblical manhood and womanhood, 34-35.
9. An ordered worship includes the giving of thanks and thankful hearts, 16-17.
Conclusion
And we do all of that as we pursue love: love for the brethren and above all love for our Savior who redeemed us and made us part of his Body.
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