Subtitle: Understanding the Gift, the Confusion, and the Truth
Key Texts: Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 12–14, Galatians 5:22–23
I. Tongues in the Beginning — Acts 2
- Tongues were known human languages (Acts 2:4–11)
- Supernatural event, not emotional experience
- Used to proclaim the gospel, not create confusion
II. What About 1 Corinthians?
- Paul was correcting misuse, not promoting chaos (1 Cor. 14:2, 9, 19)
- Tongues were meant to edify the church, not elevate the individual
- If there’s no understanding, Paul says to be silent (1 Cor. 14:28)
III. What Were Tongues, Biblically?
- Real human languages, never learned by the speaker
- Given supernaturally by the Holy Spirit
- Used for evangelism and confirmation
- A sign for unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22)
- Always orderly and interpretable (1 Cor. 14:27–28)
IV. Why Were Tongues Given?
- To confirm the gospel message (Hebrews 2:3–4)
- To verify the messengers were sent by God
- To instantly cross language barriers (Pentecost)
- Tongues were scaffolding—foundational, not permanent (Eph. 2:20)
V. Have Tongues Ceased?
- 1 Corinthians 13:8 — “Tongues will cease” (middle voice = fade out naturally)
- History confirms they stopped after the apostolic era
- They served a purpose that has now been fulfilled
VI. Misused Verses That Don’t Prove Modern Tongues
- Romans 8:26 — Groanings = Spirit’s intercession, not our speech
- 1 Corinthians 13:1 — Hyperbole, not doctrine
- Mark 16:17 — Disputed passage, not a command
- Acts 2, 10, 19 — Transitional moments, not ongoing pattern
VII. What’s Really Happening Today?
- Modern tongues often lack language, interpretation, and order
- Many are taught or mimicked—not Spirit-led
- Sometimes used manipulatively (Eph. 2:8–9 — Salvation is by grace)
VIII. The Real Evidence of the Holy Spirit
- Galatians 5:22–23 — Love, joy, peace, etc. = spiritual fruit
- Not what comes out of your mouth, but what flows from your life
- Gifts can be imitated. Fruit cannot.
Closing Truth:
Let’s stop chasing emotion and start submitting to Scripture.
God’s Word doesn’t just clarify confusion—it leads to transformation.
Full message: