Tongue1

Tongues1
The subject of tongues should be well understood by every
believer in Christ.It ought not to be controversial .We must
study the scriptures in order to arrive at the truth.
2Tim2:15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present
yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has
no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately
dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of
Truth.
To do this we must fully appraise the entire counsel of the
scriptures.
A rule in bible study is the law of regularity. It goes thus.
The principle of single mention- Where an issue is given single
mention in scriptures,we can make reference by the way but
can never build a doctrine on it. For example-1Cor15:29 Else
what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead
rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
No where again do we find this phrase whether impliedly or
otherwise.
The principle of double(or more )mention- Here a concept is
mentioned in several portions of the scriptures.We can put
those scriptures together and find meaning to the concept.
E.g-The Intecessory work of Christ-
Rom8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died,
yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of
God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Heb7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the
uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to
make intercession for them.
We have other references like 1John2:1-2 and Hebrews
4:14-16 and many others. We simply put them side by side to
get understanding.
The Principle of Emphatic Mention- Here the subject may not
be found taught in more than one place but it is discussed
extensively. The subject of tongues will suffice for the 2nd and
3rd principles.
It is emphatically and extensively discussed in 1 corinthians
14.Thus any good student of scriptures will get himself
accustomed to this chapter.
These principles (though i treat them as one) agree with the
principles of judgement in scriptures.
2Cor13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the
mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be
established.
This was derived from Deut. 17:6,19:5. Jesus taught it in
Matthew18: 15-16 on judging a matter and also on agreement
in prayer - Matthew 18:19.
Paul also reiterated this on judging prophecies (the judgement
is to understand) in 1Corinthians 14:29.
So in studying the subject of tongues we will be relying also on
the law of context.
By this we mean. Every statement must be read by reading the
Pretext (the statements made before the scripture in issue or
discourse). Then we read the post-text (The statements made
after the scripture in issue). Then we read it or bring it within
context.
We must never lift scriptures out of context in seeking for
"revs". It's dangerous.
An example will be 1 Cor7:1-..It is good for a man not to
touch a woman. This will mean yo u can't lay hands on a sick
woman, shake hands with women etc.However within context
you will find out by patiently reading the post-text that he
refers to sexual "touching",sexual relations.
So on tongues we shall firstly read through a few scriptures,
then we continue from here tomorrow.
Isaiah mentioned tongues
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will
he speak to this people.
12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause
the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not
hear.
He prophesied it as an act of God to come.
Jesus spoke about it.
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In
my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly
thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick,
and they shall recover.
He says it's a sign (amongst many others) of any one who has
believed the gospel.
The book of Acts is a narrative. It gives either an eye witness
account of examples or a reliable received information from a
witness. It's to give narration to what the epistles teach as
most of the letters were written at the same time the events
of the book of Acts occurred.
I will quote one, refer to some others and we shall study them
together as we progress.
Acts2:1- And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they
were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a
rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were
sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire,
and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to
speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Notice here should be given to the fact that ALL spoke with/ in
tongues. The other references are Acts10: 44-46& Acts 19: 6.
Here, ALL spoke with tongues too.
1Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more
than ye all.
Paul spoke with tongues and the entire church at Corinth did
too
1Cor14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid
not to speak with tongues.
He gives them instructions NOT to stop the use of tongues.
Obviously from the scriptures quoted, tongues is part and
parcel of the New testament Church. It should be studied,
understood and appreciated.
We continue from here tomorrow.
Blessed? I appreciate tongues.You have a great week ahead.
Jesus is Lord,We win!