Why is it important to "not forbid speaking in tongues" in church settings? Context of 1 Corinthians 14:39 • Corinthian believers were experiencing the full range of spiritual gifts, including tongues, yet disorder threatened their gatherings. • Paul spends the entire chapter explaining how every gift, tongues included, must build up the church. After balancing correction with encouragement, he concludes: “So, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:39) • The verse is a clear, Spirit-inspired directive that still binds believers because “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Command: “Do Not Forbid” • “Do not forbid” uses an imperative verb—literal, non-negotiable. • The command stands beside “be eager to prophesy,” showing tongues and prophecy both belong in the gathered church when exercised biblically. • To forbid tongues is to stand in opposition to the plain words of Scripture. Reasons We Dare Not Forbid Tongues • Obedience: Christ’s body must submit to the written Word (John 14:15). • Honor to the Spirit: Tongues are His sovereign manifestation (1 Corinthians 12:10-11). Stifling them “quenches the Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Edification: Interpreted tongues build up the church exactly like prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12). • Fullness of Giftedness: “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Forbidding tongues deprives the body of a portion of that “common good.” • Witness to Unbelievers: On Pentecost “they…began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” and many heard “the wonders of God” (Acts 2:4-11). Paul notes tongues are a sign even to outsiders (1 Corinthians 14:22). • Continuity With the Early Church: From Jerusalem (Acts 2) to Caesarea (Acts 10:44-48) to Ephesus (Acts 19:6), tongues accompanied Spirit-outpouring; the pattern has never been revoked. How Tongues Function When Exercised Biblically • Personal prayer and praise that bypasses natural language (1 Corinthians 14:2, 14-15). • A public message followed by interpretation so “the church may be edified” (1 Corinthians 14:5, 27-28). • A sign of Spirit empowerment that can convict unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22). Practical Safeguards Paul Gives • Two or three messages in tongues at most during one gathering (1 Corinthians 14:27). • Each message must be interpreted; if no interpreter is present, the speaker prays silently to God (14:28). • Everything must be done “decently and in order” (14:40). These guidelines prevent chaos while still honoring the gift. Blessings Released When We Obey • Increased sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and His promptings. • Deeper corporate worship marked by both understanding and mystery (14:15). • Strengthened unity as diverse gifts are welcomed and coordinated. • Greater evangelistic impact through visible demonstrations of God’s power (Mark 16:17). Refusing to forbid tongues does not mean promoting disorder; it means gladly receiving every gift the risen Lord supplies, stewarding them according to His Word, and watching Him edify His church in power and love. |
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