2. Speaking with Other Tongues I. Why is “speaking with other tongues” sometimes misunderstood? A. There are those who do not believe that this experience is for today (I Cor. 13:8-10). 1. This comes from a misunderstanding of the context of I Corinthians 13. 2. This comes from a misunderstanding of what is referred to by “that which is perfect.”

3. B. There are those who do not believe that this experience is for everyone (I Cor. 12:28-30; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 2:38-39). C. There are those who are troubled by what appears to be conflicting instructions on the subject (I Cor. 14:5- 9, 18-19, 23). D. There are different expressions of “speaking with tongues” in the Church.

4. 1. The Evidence: Speaking in tongues as a private prayer language (I Cor. 14:18). 2. The Gift: Speaking in tongues as one of the nine gifts of the Spirit (I Cor. 12:10). Note that the gift of tongues will be covered more fully in Lesson 23 of this course. 3. The Ministry: Speaking in tongues as a ministry of some members of the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:28-30).

5. E. What occurred on the Day of Pentecost was the initial and special outpouring of the Holy Spirit in fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:1-13). Some of the unique features of this experience include the following: 1. The heavenly sound of a mighty wind. 2. The manifestation of fire and the tongues of fire. 3. The miracle of tongues being understood without interpretation.

6. II. What are some of the reasons for speaking in tongues? A. It is one of the signs of a believer (Mark 16:17; John 7:38-39). B. By it God speaks to man (I Cor. 14:21; Is. 28:11-12). C. By it man may speak to God (I Cor. 14:2). D. It is a way to edify or build ourselves up (I Cor. 14:4; Jude 20). E. It is a way to magnify, praise and bless God (Acts 10:45 I Cor. 14:16).

7. F. It is a means of spiritual worship (I Cor. 14:15, 17; John 4:24). G. It is part of the spiritual weaponry of the believer (Eph. 6:18). H. It is part of the power package of the believer. I. It helps us to pray according to the will of God (Rom. 8:26; I Cor. 14:14). J. It is a spiritual blessing for which we should be thankful (I Cor. 14:18). K. It is spoken of as a “refreshing” or a “resting place” (Is. 28:11-12).