I. WHAT TONGUES ARE
A. Language of men or angels. I Cor.13:1
B. Language one has not studied and does not know.
C. Expression of divine presence and ability – Acts 10:44-46
II. HOW THEY OPERATE
A. Speaking is a learned ability.
B. With the infilling of the Holy Spirit we have His ability.
C. His knowledge and ability are not limited to ours.
D. This ability comes through the human spirit – 1 Cor.2:12-14
E. Working together – Spirit gives utterance – the person does the speaking.
III. REASONS TO SPEAK IN TONGUES
A. Initial physical evidence of the Baptism in the Spirit – Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10:44-46, Acts 19:6
B. Personal edification – 1 Cor.14:4
C. Keeps us aware of His presence.
D. Eliminates selfishness entering into our prayers – Rom. 8:26
E. Helps our trust in God – builds us up – Jude. 20
F. Keeps us free from filthy contamination.
G. Provides a way to pray for things otherwise not able to.
H. Doorway into the supernatural.
I Helps to tame the tongue – James 3:8
IV. REASONS FOR THE GIFT OF TONGUES
A. To get people’s attention – Acts 2.
B. Makes us aware of the supernatural presence of the Lord.
C. One of the avenues that God has chosen to use to allow His children to speak to Him – 1 Cor. 4:2.
D. Spiritual weapon – 2 Cor. 19L3-5
V. ITS ORDER IN THE CHURCH – 1 Cor. 14:27-28