+ Fencing #5- How to Constructively Deal with “Speaking in Tongues” We’ve been engaged in a series of lessons specifically designed to help us be better equipped and trained (with the Sword of the Spirit). We’ve tried to address topics that commonly arise when initiating spiritual conversations and talking to others about the gospel. So far, we’ve covered: “Salvation by Faith Only” “Once Saved- Always Saved” “Instrumental Music in Worship” and “It Doesn’t Really Matter What You Believe As Long As You’re Honest and Sincere.”

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: “Speaking in Tongues” is a difficult subject with which to constructively deal, because: This is usually a highly emotional and deep-seated issue for proponents and practitioners; It is hard to argue/reason with what someone “feels,” or at least “believes” based primarily on an emotional level; and, The person with whom you are speaking likely has had an “experience” of some sort. Therefore, it is difficult to constructively deal with this topic- but it isn’t impossible. Remember, souls are at stake, 2John Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: Because “Speaking in Tongues” is usually an emotional and experience- based topic, it is all the more important to: Stay calm, clear, and concise; Not demean or doubt either their feelings or experiences; but to also, Get the discussion on a biblical basis- what the New Testament really says (and doesn’t say). Therefore, it may be difficult to constructively deal with this topic- but it isn’t impossible. Remember also that you can always call for reinforcements/help from someone more knowledgeable in this area! So, where should we begin? 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: To be effective/constructive in this discussion, four different but related issues must be addressed regarding “Speaking in Tongues”- their: 1. Nature- what “tongue-speaking” actually was, and wasn’t; 2. Purpose- why “tongue-speaking” was given by God / the Spirit; 3. Duration- when “tongue- speaking” started and stopped; and 4. Reality- how it was done then, and what is occurring now. We’ll take these one at a time, in this order, and be as brief as is practical. Let’s get started…. 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: The Nature of “Speaking in Tongues”- what it was, and wasn’t: It was communicating in an unlearned language, Acts 2:1-11 Real and recognizable languages were spoken, vv.6,8-11a; 1Cor.14:9ff By those who had not learned those languages, vv.4,7.  It was not gibberish or unintelligible speaking/language, vv.6b,8,11b It was simply a language unknown to the speaker, v.7; 4:13; “Unknown” is an insertion by the KJV translators, cf. 1Cor.14:1-27. It was a Spirit-filled person speaking God’s word in a language he had not learned to people who understood it. 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: The Purpose of “Speaking in Tongues”- why it was, and wasn’t: It was a sign to unbelievers to confirm the speaker, 1Cor.14:22a. The miraculous ability proved they were speaking for God, Mark 16: It was a tool God used to reveal His word, Acts 2:4-11; 1Cor.14:6 It enabled uneducated and untrained men to preach to the world, Mark 16:15,20a; Act 4:13;  It was not a sign to prove one was saved to other believers,1Cor.14:22a. It was used once to show God’s acceptance of the Gentiles through Cornelius, Acts 10:44-46; but this was before their salvation, vv Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: The Duration of “Speaking in Tongues”- when it was, and wasn’t: The principle: a tool’s duration was tied to its purpose. The Law was kept in place until its purpose was achieved, Gal.3: The purpose of speaking in tongues was to confirm the speaker and reveal God’s word, Acts 2:4-11, 14ff. Once the purpose of tongue-speaking was accomplished, there was no longer a need for it, 1Cor.13:8-12. When the revelation of God’s will was complete, it was perfect / mature / full, cp.1Cor.13:10-12 & Matt.5:48; Jas.1:25.  It was not continued after the deaths of the apostles and those on whom they laid hands, Acts 8: Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: The Reality of “Speaking in Tongues”- how it was done then, and what is occurring now: Tongue-speaking then was done according to guidelines, 1Cor.14: v.27, 2 or 3 speakers only, and in turn; v.28, only if there was an interpreter; vv.29-33, speaker controlled the gift; v.34, no public speaking for women; v.40, done properly and orderly. “Tongue-speaking” now typically violates most if not all of these Spirit-given requirements, 1Cor.14: It therefore cannot be truly “of the Spirit,” but must have some other source and purpose, 1John 4:1. How, then, do we explain what is happening? 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: The Reality of “Speaking in Tongues”- what is occurring now? If God/Spirit is not the source, then: It might be a sub-consciously learned experience, as most tongue-speakers have heard it “done” for years; It might be an emotional response to pressure, as most experiences are preceded by very emotional speeches, music, and expectations; or, It might be due to excessive desire for recognition/acceptance, as it sometimes required for membership, cp. 1Cor.14:22.  Whatever the true source might be for “tongue-speaking” today, it cannot be the Spirit if it is “done” in violation of Spirit’s revealed purpose, duration, and guidelines, 1Cor.14: Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.

+ Remember our “How To” list from previous lessons: The Conclusion? When you have the opportunity, address “tongue-speaking” relative to: Its Nature- what it was and wasn’t; Its Purpose- why it was and wasn’t; Its Duration- when it was and wasn’t; Its Reality- how it was done then and what is occurring now. As always, being prepared and trained to use “the sword of the Spirit” is half the battle! The other half is a courageous and willing heart filled with love for Truth and the souls of men saved by it. 1. Use your love and care for souls to be kind & gracious; 2. Use “The Bible says….”; 3. Establish common ground as far as possible (Belief in God, Christ, the Bible, Salvation’s Requirements, etc.); 4. Ask questions, listen perceptively, and start where they are; 5. Use context to show the true meaning of their verse or passage; and, 6. Harmonize their verse with other passages to provide a more complete picture.