"Therefore tongues are for a sign..."
Text: 1 Corinthians 14:22
THE SPECIAL SIGN-GIFT OF TONGUES
Paul understood the significance of the gift of tongues. He had this special gift too. And with a deep theologically mature understanding of the Scriptures he was able to explain some of the reasons why God gave this gift of tongues.
“Therefore tongues are for a sign,
not to those who believe but to unbelievers;
but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.”
1 Corinthians 14:22
1. “Therefore”
a) This inferential particle (Greek “hoste” may also be translated “so then”).
b) This was Paul’s way of tying up 1 Corinthians 14:21-22.
i) They are closely related.
ii) They are logically related.
iii) They are theologically related.
c) The prophetic word (Isaiah 28:11-12) was written.
i) It was then cited.
ii) The significance of the prophetic word must be borne in mind.
iii) Paul would now elaborate on the significance of this prophetic word.
2. The gift of tongues
a) It was essentially “a sign”.
b) It was a sign to those who were “unbelievers”.
c) This may be demonstrated if we study Acts 2.
d) The sign-gift of tongues was explained by Peter and the Apostles.
e) This sign-gift was demonstrated when the Church Apostles and others were able to speak in languages hitherto not learned.
f) The impact was huge. Thousands came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as a result.
g) The gift of tongues was not to be used the way the Corinthians were practising it as the use of a personal expression of giftedness in the church worship among believers!
3. The gift of prophecy
a) This was also a sign-gift but it was meant for believers who understood its place in the kingdom of God.
b) Prophecy would not be understood by non-believers because they did not have faith in the Lord.
c) Each gift had its own special sphere of influence and usage. God’s divine plan for its usage ought to be carefully understood before attempting to apply the gift.