Speaking In Tongues: What The Bible Actually Says

I. Introduction

   A. Importance of addressing tongues in a healthy manner

II. The Mystery of Tongues

   A. The Apostle Paul's Perspective

      1. "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV)

   B. Clarification on the Purpose of Tongues

      1. Distinguishing between speaking to God and to people

      2. Differentiating between public and private tongues

      3. "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful." - 1 Corinthians 14:14 (ESV)

III. Misconceptions Addressed

   A. Discrepancy between biblical teachings and personal experiences

   B. Clarification on who receives the gift of tongues

      1. "And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues." - Mark 16:17 (ESV)

IV. Types of Tongues in the New Testament

   A. Public Tongues: Signs to Unbelievers

      1. Example of the Day of Pentecost

      2. "Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers." - 1 Corinthians 14:22 (ESV)

   B. Public Tongues: Tongues for Interpretation

      1. Necessity for interpretation due to heavenly language

      2. "If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret." - 1 Corinthians 14:27 (ESV)

   C. Private Tongues: Tongues for Intercession

      1. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." - Romans 8:26 (ESV)

   D. Private Tongues: Personal Prayer Tongues

      1. "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV)

V. Understanding the Power of Tongues

   A. Analogy: World War II Communication Tactics

   B. Spiritual Warfare Perspective

      1. Allusion: Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

   C. Intimacy with God through Tongue

VII. Overcoming Obstacles to Tongues

   A. Importance of Rest and Quietude

      1. Challenge of quieting the mind during prayer

      2. "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." - Proverbs 20:5 (ESV)

   B. Drawing Counsel and Wisdom from God

      1. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit as Living Water

      2. "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” - John 7:38 (ESV)

VIII. Practical Steps to Receiving Tongues

   A. Importance of Asking in Faith

      1. Encouragement to trust in God's goodness

   B. Letting Go of Unforgiveness

      1. Prayer of forgiveness towards others

      2. Personal commitment to follow Jesus

   C. Prayer for Filling with the Holy Spirit

      1. Invocation for the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment

IX. Conclusion

   A. Emphasis on the four distinct types of tongues: two public and two private

   B. Encouragement to step out in faith and speak in tongues

   C. Promise of rivers of Living Water if to ex from within