Tongues Toolbox Talk

Last Sunday I gathered people from the Church who wanted to develop in the gift of giving tongues and interpretations publicly.

Making the transition from gifts we have to gifts we use is often a challenge.

We talked together, prayed together, worshipped together and then exercised our gifts together. There were about 12 of us there - and it will be interesting to see where it leads us.

I prepared a "Toolbox talk" on the subject. On building sites people often gather around a person who gives them a quick overview of where the job is headed. A practical "heads up" for where they are headed and how they are going to get there.

I want our worship to be an environment where spiritual gifts can flourish in a safe and clear way, following the biblical patterns we see and in a way that honours Jesus.

Tongues Toolbox Talk

Tongues are part of the spiritual gifts given when people are baptised in the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:1-4, Acts 10:44-47, Acts 19:6

Tongues are human languages or spiritual languages:
Acts 2:6-11, 1 Cor 13:1, 1 Cor 14: 2, Jude 20

Tongues are prayer and praise to God:
Acts 2:11, 10:46, 1 Cor 14:2, 14-17, Jude 20, Eph 6:8

Not everyone will speak in tongues, although it is very common:
Acts 2, Acts 10:44-47, Acts 19:6

Tongues are a sign of the kingdom:
Mark 16:15-18

Tongues, when interpreted are a sign for unbelievers:
1 Cor 14:22

Tongues help strengthen and edify the person & the Church if given publically:
1 Cor 14:5, 12, 26

Tongues must be interpreted if given publically:
1 Cor 14:27

You should pray to interpret your own tongue:
1 Cor 14:13

If you don’t have an interpretation someone else should do it:
1 Cor 14:27

The gifts of tongues and interpretation may be given to different people:
1 Cor 12:10

Tongues should be given no more than 3 at a time in public worship:
1 Cor 14:27

Everything in worship should be done in order:
1 Cor 14:40

Unless tongues are explained and handled carefully they can look very strange to visitors! 1 Cor 14:23

Tongues often occur in an environment of much prophecy, but they are different:
Acts 19:6, 1 Cor 12:10, 1 Cor 14:1-5