The Strand Study Bible

I CORINTHIANS “MINI” SERIES The Doctrine Of Spiritual Gifts

Lesson #8. The speaking gift tongues (I Cor 12:10, 28-30)

There are six major differences between the sign gift “ tongues ” (Mk 16:17-20 & Acts 2:4 & I Cor 14:21) and the speaking gift “ tongues ” (I Cor 12 & 14). For example: 1. According to Acts 2:2 the sign gift “tongues” (Mk 16:17-20) was accompanied by a “sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind.” Not only has this rushing sound never been repeated since Pentecost but it is never associated with the speaking gift “ tongues ” of I Cor 12:10, 28-30. 2. According to Acts 2:3 the sign gift “tongues” (Mk 16:17-20) was accompanied by “cloven (or, cow-shaped) tongues like as of fire.” Not only have these cow-like tongues of fire never been repeated since Pentecost but they are never associated with the speaking gift “ tongues ” of I Cor 12:10, 28-30. 3. According to Acts 2:4 & I Cor 14:21 the sign gift “tongues” (Mk 16:17-20) is preceded by the word “other.” Not so in I Cor 14 where the word “other” is omitted, signifying its use as the speaking gift “ tongues ” rather than the sign gift “ tongues .” 4. According to Acts 2:4 the sign gift “tongues” (Mk 16:17-20) was spoken by all one hundred and twenty Jewish disciples. Not so in I Cor 12:30 where the speaking gift “ tongues ” will not spoken by every Christian. 5. According to Acts 2:6-8,11 the sign gift “tongues” (Mk 16:17-20) was understood by everybody without the help of interpreters. Not so in I Cor 14 where interpreters are needed to understand the speaking gift “ tongues .” 6. Whereas the sign gift “tongues” (Mk 16:17-20 & Acts 2:1-11 & I Cor 14:21) is a sign used to “confirm the Word” to unbelieving Jews (Exo 4:1-9), the speaking gift “tongues” is the ability to learn a foreign language easily so as to proclaim God’s truths to others in their tongue (language). NOTE – Neither the sign gift “ tongues ” (Mk 16:17-20 & Acts 2:1-11 & I Cor 14:21) nor the speaking gift “ tongues ” is an evidence of the SPIRIT’S fullness. According to the Bible, there are only seven visible evidences of the Spirit’s fullness, speaking in tongues not being one of them: 1. Freedom in Christ (II Cor 3:17) – believers are to be free in Christ, not be tied down to men and their faith movements (Gal 2:11-14) 2. Joy (Eph 5:18-19 & Acts 10:46) – believers are to praise and magnify God out of a heart of joy 3. Thanksgiving (Eph 5:18-20) – believers are to be thankful for everything (good or bad) 4. Submission (Eph 5:18-22 & I Pet 5:5 & Rom 12:10) – believers are to serve one another 5. Oneness (Acts 4:31-37) – believers are to be unified as a body of believers 6. Unselfishness (Acts 4:31-37) – believers are to serve others before serving self 7. Boldness (Acts 1:8 & 2:17-18 & 4:8,13,29-31 & 9:17,27 & 14:3 & 19:6-8 & Lk 1:41-42,67 & Num 11:26 & I Sam 10:6,10 & 19:20-23 & Ezk 11:4-5 & 37:1-4 & Mic 3:8 & Rev 11:3) – believers are to boldly proclaim the Gospel (witness for Christ). According to Rom 12:7, 8 & I Cor 12:9, 10, 28, the serving gifts can be broken down into nine different categories: 1. Ministry - The ability to serve others in such a way that you magnify the work of Christ (Rom 12:7). NOTE - Deacons must have this gift (Acts 6:1-3 & I Tim 3:8-13). 2. Mercy - The ability to encourage and sympathize with others for the sake of Christ (Rom 12:8). 3. Giving - The ability to contribute material resources with liberality and cheerfulness for the cause of Christ (Rom 12:8). 4. Ruling - The ability to rule in the work of Christ with discipline, order, love, and consistency (Rom 12:8). NOTE - Pastors and deacons must have this gift (I Tim 3:4,5,12). 5. Faith - The ability to go and do the difficult for God (I Cor 12:9). 6. Healing - The ability to heal people physically therefore opening up their hearts spiritually to Christ (I Cor 12:9). 7. Discerning of spirits - The ability to discern the spirit and attitude of others. It is a counseling gift (I Cor 12:10). 8. Helps - The ability to serve, love, and help the poor, weak, and outcast for the sake of Christ (I Cor 12:28). 9. Governments - The ability to guide and organize others for the sake of the work of Christ (I Cor 12:28). NOTE - Christians with this gift are called spiritual executives.

Lesson #9. The nine serving gifts (Rom 12:7, 8 & I Cor 12:9, 10, 28)

1921