The Regulation of Biblical Tongues

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-20-2026

1 Corinthians 14

 

Introduction:

A.  I would like to finish spiritual gifts and, especially tongues, tonight.  First, I would like to answer an obvious question that no one has asked.  Why, out of all the sign gifts that were passing, did the Bible only mention three in chapter 13?  Because these three, prophecies-tongues-knowledge, are the only ones that can be faked!

 

1.  You cannot fake miracles by walking on the water, parting the Red Sea, stopping and restarting the water cycles, etc.  Only God can do that.

 

2.  You cannot fake healings, though many have tried.  I tell these fake healers to go to St. Jude, where these precious children are dying of cancer, and empty the beds.

 

3. You cannot fake prophecies or see into the future.  Tell me what is going to happen in my future or the future of our nation.  No man or woman can do this.  Seers, sages, prognosticators, dreams, and visions are gone.  Even the weatherman or woman, with all their tools, cannot predict the weather next with complete accuracy.

 

B.  The three passing gifts mentioned that ceased when the complete revelation of God that we call the Bible was done.  Today, there are no prophecies, extrabiblical knowledge, and no tongues!

 

C.  I am not going to try to convince the Charismatic Movement, Pentecostals, Assemblies of God, etc., because they have a Bible, and if they have the Author of the Scriptures living inside, they are ignorant at best of what it says (though accountable because they have a Bible to read and study), or they are willfully ignorant because they will not hear the Word of God.

 

D.  Though vanishing at the time, the Holy Spirit set parameters or regulations to guide the believer.  Paul stated their irrelevance within the local church.  There are no instances in the Bible where they were ever spoken in local churches, but Paul regulated them because, at times, there were unbelieving Jews who assembled with them.

 

1.  Paul gave their irrelevance in preaching or testifying. 

 

1 Corinthians 14:8-11  For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?  (9)  So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.  (10)  There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.  (11)  Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

 

1 Corinthians 14:19-20  Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.  (20)  Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

 

2.  Paul gave their irrelevance in prayers. 

 

1 Corinthians 14:14-15  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  (15)  What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

 

E. The word unknown is mentioned six times in six verses.  All six are italicized, indicating they were inserted by the translators, not by God.  There is no such thing as an unknown tongue in the bible.

F.  Let’s look at the regulations quickly.

1.  Rule #1.  1 Corinthians 14:21-22  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.  (22)  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

 

Biblical tongues were meant to be spoken in the presence of unbelieving Jews, both indigenous and proselytes.  I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  No doubt many have read it, but apply that to the time it was written.  They are right in that respect, but wrong in thinking they have the gift without any regulations.

 

Isaiah 28:11  For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.

 

2.  Rule #2.  1 Corinthians 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

 

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three”

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  No doubt many have read it, but apply that to the time it was written.  They are right in that respect, but wrong in thinking they have the gift without any regulations.

 

3.  Rule #3.  1 Corinthians 14:27  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

 

“and that by course;”

 

Tongues were to be used in an orderly fashion, one at a time.  Today’s tongue-speaking is done with as many as will speak anytime they feel like it.

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  They are wrong in thinking they have the gift without any regulations.

 

4.  Rule #4.  1 Corinthians 14:27-28  If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  (28)  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

 

“and let one interpret.  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church.”

 

All Biblical tongues were to have immediate interpretation.  No interpreter, no tongues!

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever read or heard that.  They want these passing gifts with no biblical regulations.

 

5.  Rule #5.  1 Corinthians 14:32-33  And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  (33)  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

Biblical tongues were to be controlled by the speaker.  These out-of-control speakers cause confusion.

 

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard that.  They want these passing gifts with no biblical regulations.

 

6.  Rule #6.  1 Corinthians 14:34-35  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.  (35)  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

 

Biblical tongues were to be spoken by men only! 

 

1 Timothy 2:11-14  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  (12)  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  (13)  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  (14)  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

 

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” 

 

These verses in 1 Timothy and 1 Corinthians are in perfect agreement. 

 

I wonder how many tongue-speaking churches have ever heard or been taught that.  Pentecostal Movements are women-driven ones.  The vast majority of tongue-speakers are women, and this is clearly stated and forbidden by the Bible.

 

Conclusion:  1 Corinthians 14:38  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

The Charity That Binds

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-13-2026

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

 

Introduction:

A.  Over the past few weeks, we have been dealing with the spiritual gifts that the Lord gave to both individuals and the local church.  In the three lists of spiritual gifts, 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4, we find that, biblically, there were given sign gifts, which were passing gifts given until the completion of the scriptures, and permanent gifts that were to be used within the local churches, along with the completed scriptures.

 

1.  All three of these chapters that deal with spiritual gifts are an open rebuke! 

 

2.  Chapter 12 rebukes them for choosing the least (last mentioned gift of tongues) of all gifts, which tend to glorify the individual, and encourages them to choose the best gifts (service gifts), which are all about others.

 

3.  Paul uses the words “earnestly covet” in chapter 12 because they were coveting the least of the sign gifts that glorified themselves rather than the service gifts that glorified God and others. Covet and covetousness are used 41 times in your Bible, and the First Mention, the Last Mention, and almost all of those in between are used in a negative spiritual light!

 

1 Corinthians 12:31  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 

4.  Chapter 14 sets the rules for the gift of tongues because of the Corinthians' misuse of them.

 

B.  2,000 years ago, certain of the passing gifts brought self-glory, confusion, and division within the Corinthian church.  This carnal church was the only one mentioned by the Holy Spirit in the Bible that had such division. 

 

1.  Elevation of individual sign gifts brought about pride in self.  The same happens today with pseudo-spiritual gifts.  They are saved, but we are not.  They are filled with the Holy Ghost, but we are not.

 

2.  Elevation of individual sign gifts brought about confusion within the body of Christ.  Now, instead of the sign gifts being given to certain individuals, they are given only to certain denominations.

 

3.  Dividing and classification within the body of Christ, which brings about confusion and contention.  God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace within the Church.

 

C.  The middle chapter concerning spiritual gifts gives the recipe for unity in the Corinthian church.  A refocusing upon the things that unite instead of divide, along with gifts that will remain instead of those that are passing.  Christian charity that binds, rather than passing gifts that divide.

 

D.  The meaning of Charity.  Many of the new perversions called “bibles” have changed the word to “love.”  This is a cardinal mistake!  The word “love” is an “umbrella” that covers many kinds of love.  Charity is a peculiar love.  It is the love of the brotherhood. 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

 

1.  Many churches are measured by their highly educated, articulate preachers. Make a beautiful, articulate speech, impress the people, but—without charity—your message is just another hollow sound.

 

2.  Many churches are measured by their social standing.  Have all the doctors, lawyers, etc. that you want and be “nothing.”  A local church is not a social club.

 

3.  Many churches are measured by their beautiful buildings.  When I was stationed in Germany, I saw the beautiful architecture of 500-plus-year-old churches that are now just that, beautiful architecture.  A local church is not an ornate building but a “called out assembly of saints” to worship.

 

4.  Many churches are measured by the size of their membership.  The Bible is clear on the direction of the “many” and the “few.”  Most of the time, many are headed in the wrong direction because they are popular with this world.  A local church is measured in quality, not quantity.

 

E.  You can have all of these things and become a “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” and be “nothing” in the sight of God. 

 

John 13:35  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

 

1 John 4:7-12  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.  (8)  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.  (9)  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.  (10)  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  (11)  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.  (12)  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

 

1.  Charity must be a universal love of the brethren.  Verses 1-3.  It loves all and loves all equally.

 

a.  Charity has nothing to do with social status.

 

b.  Charity has nothing to do with financial clout.

 

c.  Charity has nothing to do with ethnicity.

 

d.  Charity has nothing to do with gender.

 

e.  Charity has nothing to do with faithfulness.

 

e.  Charity is equal from the pulpit to the pew.  From the pew to the pulpit.  From the back pew to the front pew. 

 

2.  Charity supersedes the passing, charismatic gifts of chapter 12.  The Corinthians could have these spiritual gifts and continue to be a “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”  Simply stated, hollow and meaningless.  With that said, let us look at the best definition of charity, which is found in 1 Corinthians 13, with the Word of God giving it these characteristics:

 

3.  Charity is a binding love of the brethren.  Verses 4-7.  It is what holds the local church together.

 

a.  Charity Suffers Long – “Charity suffereth long” 

 

b.  Charity Is Kind – “and is kind”

 

c.  Charity Is Happiness For Others - “charity envieth not”

 

d.  Charity Puts Others First – “charity vaunteth not itself”

 

e.  Charity Has A Proper Opinion Of Self – “is not puffed up”

 

f.  Charity Behaves – “Doth not behave itself unseemly”

 

g.  Charity Does Not Get Mad – “is not easily provoked”

 

h.  Charity Gives The Benefit Of The Doubt – “thinketh no evil”

 

i.  Charity Is Broken Hearted Over Sin – “Rejoiceth not in iniquity”

 

j.  Charity Loves Right – “but rejoiceth in the truth”

 

k.  Charity Is Forbearing – “Beareth all things”

 

l.  Charity Hopes For The Best – “hopeth all things”

 

m.  Charity Remains Constant – “endureth all things”

 

n.  Charity Never Fails – “Charity never faileth”

 

o.  Charity trumps all things – “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity”

 

4.  The three gifts remaining that unite instead of divide: 1 Corinthians 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Worship and Warning

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-10-2026

Psalm 95

 

Introduction:

A.  Psalm is an interesting one with a two-fold breakdown: Verses 1-7 – A call to worship. And Verses  8-11 – A solemn warning.  It begins with praise and ends with admonition. 

 

B.  Worshipping in spirit and truth, which is commanded, has become lost on our generation.  So many of God’s people think they do God a favor when they come to church, hear a sermon, and give a big dollar.  A cute story:

 

One little boy was listening to his parents discuss the church service.  The mother stated she did not like the song services.  The dad said that the preacher’s sermon was too long.  The little boy said that he thought that it was a pretty good show for a buck.

C.  The same God who invites us to sing also demands that we hear His voice.  One preacher from Great Britain, many years ago, said this about worship:

 

“For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the Holiness of God; to feed the mind with the truth of God; to purge the imagination by the beauty of God; to open the heart to the love of God; to devote the will to the purpose of God.”

 

D.  The dictionary defines worship as adoration, homage to be given to God. This reminds us that true worship is not merely an outward expression but an inward submission.  True worship involves praise, singing, giving, and involvement.  It is a marvelous event when the corporate body of believers in a local church can truly worship together.

 

E.  Now the breakdown of the Psalm.

 

1.  Verses 1-5.  An Invitation to Worship. 

 

a.  “O come,”  Worship is corporate as well as individual.  This invitation to worship is all-inclusive.

 

b.  An expression of Joyfulness.  “let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.”  Not me sing; not you sing; but we sing!

 

c.  An expression of gratitude.  “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving”  God has been good to us all.

 

d.  As expected attitude.  “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”  We do not worship based upon how we feel; we worship God because of who He is!

 

2.  Verses 6-7a.  A Call to Adoration. “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”

 

a.  Here we find Reverence.  “Bow down… kneel”   Worship involves humility: the humbling of self and elevation of God.

 

b.  Here we find Relationship. "For he is our God”  We are His, and He is ours.  Children of G through faith and a new birth.

 

c.  Here we find Dependence.  “We are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand”

 

Interlude:  Four times in the verses above, we find the admonition “let us.” That shows us that worship of God, though commanded, is still a matter of personal choice! “Let us” rejoice in the God of our salvation with thankfulness and adoration. Or, as the children of Israel did during their years in the wilderness, let us choose to harden our hearts through unbelief and sinfulness. The same choice remains today.

 

3.  Verse 7b.  A Call to Obedience.  “To day if ye will hear his voice”

 

a.  A Present Moment.  “To day”  Today, not Tomorrow.  An immediate response is indicated here.

 

b.  A Responsibility to Listen.  “if ye will hear his voice”  “If” is conditional, which leads to the warning of the rest of the Psalm.

 

 

4.  Verses 8-11.  A Warning against Hardening the Heart.  Reiterated in Hebrews 3:15-19.

 

a.  As Example Given.  “Harden not your heart, as in the provocation…”

 

Exodus 17:4-7  And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.  (5)  And the LORD said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.  (6)  Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.  (7)  And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the LORD, saying, Is the LORD among us, or not?

 

b.  A Danger Exposed.  “They do alway err in their heart”  Both obedience and sinfulness are heart issues. 

 

1)  Deceitful hearts.

 

2) Divided hearts.

 

3)  Discouraged hearts

 

4)  Dirty hearts.

 

5)  Defiled hearts

 

c.  A Consequence Promised.  “Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest.”

 

Conclusion:  Let us observe to worship and flee the warning.  It is possible to be near God’s work but far from God’s will.  Psalm 95 presents a powerful contrast:

 

1.  Joyful praise vs. stubborn rebellion.

 

2.  Soft hearts vs. hardened hearts.

 

3.  Entering rest vs. missing blessing.

Happy Mother’s Day - The Woman

Temple Baptist Church - 5-10-2026

Genesis 2:18-23

 

Introduction:

A. First, let me say, “Happy Mother’s Day.” You may not be biological mothers, but you are all spiritual mothers to our kids! Mother's Day should be such a special day of the year because there is something special about you, ladies.

 

1. We live in a day when good women and good men are hard to find. The structure of the home is based on the roles of men and women, and for the home to function properly, these roles must be in the right place and in the right order.

 

2. God made Adam and Eve with purpose: it was not Adam and Steve, nor was it Eve and Evelyn. God made marriage one man and one woman. Just 2 genders and no transgender people. Anything different from this “traditional” marriage is an abomination in the sight of the Lord and will not work.

 

B. Much truth is found in Genesis, the Seedbed of the Bible. The very words “man” and “woman, “father” and “mother,” and “wife” stress much more than just gender; they reflect relationship and union. The structure of the intended families of the Earth.

 

Man - 'ı̂ysh eesh to be extant – remaining or living); a man as an individual or a male person.

 

Woman - 'ishshâh    nâshı̂ym ish-shaw', naw-sheem' Ishshah is the feminine form of the word “iysh.”

 

Wife – is also 'ishshâh    nâshı̂ym ish-shaw', naw-sheem' Ishshah is the feminine form of the word “iysh.” Stressing both the union and the relationship of the man and woman..

 

Father – אָב 'âb awb A primitive word; father in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application: - fore-, chief.

 

Mother – אֵם 'êm ame a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively); dam, mother, X parting.

 

C. The woman is taken from Adam, from the side of Adam.

 

1. Dr. Matthew Henry said that God didn't take her from the head to be his superior, or from his foot to be his inferior, but He took her from his side to be equal with him, to be along with him. That is exactly the purpose: she is to be the other half of man.

 

2. The man is to take the lead as the aggressor, while the woman is to respond as his completer. God said, “Wives, submit to your husbands.” He means that she is to respond to him. She is man’s other part, or as we say in our day, his other half, and often his better half, as he is only half a man without her.

 

3. The man says, “I love you,” and the woman’s response is, “I love you too.”

 

D. The importance of the woman in the home:

 

1. She makes a house a home.

2. She is invaluable in the raising of children.

3. She can certainly outcook most men.

4. She makes the home soft with curtains and frills instead of nails driven into walls to hang clothes on and window shades.

5. She is someone to share with, both the good and bad of the day.

6. She is the reason for the man to come home.

7. Her illogical thinking keeps the world from becoming dull.

8. Her bright ideas come like a dazzling light in the darkness.

9. She is a nurse and a mother when someone is sick.

10. She is a lover and companion when all the rest of the world forsakes you.

11. She is what God intended for man to have for a complete life.

12. She is a woman: to be cherished, loved, honored, and cared for.

 

E. The importance of the woman in the church.

 

1. She is to be silent, and yet her very presence shouts aloud each service.

2. She is the one who normally gets things done around the church.

3. She cleans the church each week.

4. She prepares the dinners and serves.

5. She does the bulletins and live video.

6. She is faithful to be in her place in the services.

7. She is a prayer warrior.

8. She is an encourager who calls when things go wrong and says, “Pastor, is there anything that I can do?”

9. She is a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.

10. She is a woman: to be recognized, appreciated, and honored.

11. This is the lady’s special day!

 

F. In order to make the lady of the house special:

 

1. She Needs To Be Properly Positioned! Not just a position, but properly positioned: the position that God intended for her to have.

 

a. A man once said that the woman is "Prime Rib" not "Spare Rib!"

 

b. "Prime Rib" means "Prime Time." "Spare Rib" means "Spare Time." She deserves your best, not your leftovers.

 

1) Give her your best time.

2) Give her your best effort.

3) Give her your best love.

 

c. 1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. (Means one who obtains something assigned to himself with others, a joint participant - also translated "joint heirs")

 

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (We suffer together - we are glorified together)

 

2. She Needs To Be Properly Provided For!

 

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

 

a. Give her security – she is and always will be the Queen of the home.

b. Give her assurance – you will always be there with her and for her.

b. Give her supplies – make sure she is well provided for.

 

3. She Needs To Be Properly Protected!

 

a. Protect her from problems - Keep her from worry.

b. Protect her from prowlers - Keep her safe.

c. Protect her from perverts - Dress her right and take her to the right places.

 

4. She Needs To Be Properly Pampered!

 

a. Give her special things because she is special

b. Never take her for granted. She is a woman, and she is yours.

c. Show her respect! She is not to be either belittled or mistreated.

 

5. She Needs To Be Properly Praised!

 

Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

 

a. Give her compliments - Her work, her dress, her looks, her manner.

b. Don't give her complaints

 

6. The main thing: she needs to be loved!

When That Which Is Perfect Is Come

 Temple Baptist Church - 5-6-2026

1 Corinthians 13:8-12

 

Introduction:  “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

A.  Chapters 12-14 deal with spiritual gifts, both sign gifts, which were passing, and service gifts, which were permanent and viable today.

 

1.  Chapter 12 names the gifts.

 

2.  Chapter 13 gives the completion and finishing of the passing gifts listed in Chapter 12.

 

3. Chapter 14 gives the rules for the use of the most confusing of sign gift, tongues.

 

B.  The thirteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is often called the “love chapter,” yet it is more than poetic—it is corrective.

 

1.  The church at Corinth was elevating spiritual gifts, particularly tongues, above spiritual maturity. Paul redirects their focus from the temporary to the eternal.

 

2.  In verse 10, Paul gives a decisive statement about the future.  There is something perfect coming—and when it arrives, everything partial will disappear.

 

3.  Verse 10 is emphatic in nature.  It is not an argument concerning the passing of gifts; it is a statement that puts an end to both their need and use.

 

4.  These verses are not a contrast between heaven and earth; but between partiality and completeness.

 

C.  I reemphasize that the church at Corinth was a carnal, divided, and confused one.  The Book of 1 Corinthians was not a commendation, but an open rebuke in each of its chapters.  Chapters 12-14 were used to address the misuse and abuse of sign gifts, especially the gift of tongues.

 

D.  I understand that this may upset some, but if they are not teachable, then this pastor cannot help them.  My work is to teach and preach the Bible.

 

E.  Now, what was “that which is perfect?”  I believe that the Bible is perfectly clear on the subject.  Now, we will dissect our verses for tonight.  What does your Bible say?

 

1.  Verse 8.  “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

 

a.  Identification of the gifts.  Three times in this verse, we see the word “shall.”  “Shall” is not “if”; it is “when.”  The three gifts mentioned were never meant to be permanent.  There were signs given in the absence of the Bible we hold in our hands.  We will look at the Word of God in a later verse.  Therefore, we see that these three gifts were partial.

 

b.  The function of the gifts.

 

1)  Prophecies: the gift of prediction: the ability to look into the future and see events not yet known.  God gave these men the ability to see the future.  Sages, Seers, Prophets. 

 

2)  Tongues: languages not naturally acquired or known to the speaker.  Last week, we said that every mention of tongues was a language unknown to the speaker but understood by the hearer.

 

3) Knowledge: to perceive or to understand.  This was not general knowledge, as we continue to seek knowledge in life, but a gift given to holy men of old who were used of God in the inspiration of the Scriptures.

 

c.  The termination of the gifts. 

 

1)  Prophecies shall fail.  Men today do not know what lies tomorrow. 

 

2)  Tongues shall cease.  All denominations must send their missionaries to language schools or tutors to learn other languages.

 

3)  Knowledge shall vanish away.  That which is perfect requires no additions or subtractions.  Thus, the three Sentinels of the Bible:  Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:5-6. Revelation 22:18-19.

 

2.  Verse 9-10, 12.  Two of these gifts are mentioned in this verse: knowledge and prophecy. 

 

a.  Verse 9.  Both are described as “in part.”  They were never intended to be full or complete gifts and are referred to as “in part” or partial gifts.

 

b.  Verse 10, they were to be done away with, along with the gift of tongues.

 

c.  These men of God only knew what God gave to them personally as described in verse 12.  “For now we see through a glass, darkly… now I know in part.  The glass was a mirror of God’s Word, dimly lit and unclear, while “that which is perfect” would be a clear one.  This was spiritual sight, not physical.

 

3.  From Genesis to Revelation, God gave His Word progressively—piece by piece, truth by truth—until the day came when that which was complete replaced that which was partial.

 

a.  Those in the modern-day tongues movement interpret “that which is perfect” as the Second Coming of Christ.  This neither aligns with prophecy nor with the Word of God.

 

b.  The context of “that which is perfect” is Paul’s knowing, speaking, and revelation.  Our knowing today is through “that which is perfect,” the King James Bible.  We have nothing else, nor do we need anything else.

 

4.  The Word of God.

 

a.  The Word of God is perfect - Psalms 19:7  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

b.  The Word of God is complete - 2 Timothy 3:16-17  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  (17)  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

c.  The Word of God is pure - Proverbs 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

d.  The Word of God is eternal -  Psalms 119:89  LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

 

e.  The Word of God is incorruptible - 1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

f.  The Word of God is sufficient - 2 Peter 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

 

g.  The Word of God is final - Revelation 22:18-19  For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:  (19)  And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

 

h.  Thank God tonight, we are not left in the dark. We are not dependent upon signs, nor dreams, nor voices in the night. We have a more sure word of prophecy. The completed, preserved, and perfect Word of God. When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part is done away—and thank God, we are no longer living in the partial, but in the perfect. The question tonight is not, ‘Is the Word enough?’ The question is, ‘Will we believe it, obey it, and stand upon it?”

 

2 Peter 1:19  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: