Subject: Asking for gifts of the Spirit? |
Bible Note: Good question. Lets see what Scripture says: 1 Cor. 14:4 He that speaketh in an [unknown] tongue edifieth himself 1 Cor. 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not 1 Cor. 14:23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or [one] unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. From this text you will see that it is prophesy that the unbeliever is convinced or convicted, and the secrets of his heart are made manifest, and falling down he will worship God. So it is prophesy not tongues that convinces the one who believes not. It is prophesy not tongues that cause the one who believes not, to fall down on his face and worship God. At least thats what 1 Cor. 14:24:25 says. 1 Cor. 14:23 says if the unbeliever comes and hears you speaking with tongues he will say you are mad or crazy, and possibly nuts. Tongues is more for self edification, than for edification of the body of Christ (see 1 Cor. 14:4) which I posted Paul also said that he would rather speak five words with his understanding that by his voice he might teach others, rather than 10,000 words in an unknown tongue (see 1 Cor. 14:19) But we do read that tongues are for a sign, to them that believe not (1 Cor. 14:22) notice it says for a sign, NOT for CONVICTING the unbelievers. below is Strongs definition of "a sign" 4592 semeion (say-mi'-on) from a presumed derivative of the base of 4591; TDNT - 7:200,1015; n n AV - sign 50, miracle 23, wonder 3, token 1; 77 1) a sign, mark, token 1a) that by which a person or a thing is distinguished from others and is known 1b) a sign, prodigy, portent, i.e. an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature 1b1) of signs portending remarkable events soon to happen 1b2) of miracles and wonders by which God authenticates the men sent by him, or by which men prove that the cause they are pleading is God's However the word "convinced" elegchosin in the Greek in 1 Cor. 14:24 means conviction So it is prophesy not tongues that convicts according to the Scripture I provided. Study those verses and I hope they help |