Exercise 2E

Thinking about Tongues

1. To begin to understand the issue of tongues.

2. To begin to formulate a theology in order to address the latest fashions and fads in Christian thinking.

Method:

1. Read

Genesis 11:1-9

Psalm 55:1-11

Isaiah 28:11-12

Acts 2:1-41; 10:44-48; 19:1-7

1 Corinthians 12-14

2. What is the purpose of language? What does the jumble of languages constitute in the Old Testament?

3. How does this context affect our thinking when we approach the issue today?

4.  What do tongues signify in Acts? How does this fit the general structure and message of the book?

5. How does this context affect our thinking when we approach the issue today?

6. What is the issue in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15)? How has this manifested itself (1 and 2 Corinthians)?

7. Outline Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 12-14?

8. What is the 1 Corinthian tongues?

9. How does modern tongues fit into the 1 Corinthians context? Is it the same? What are the differences in usage?

10. What is modern tongues? Is it good or bad?

11. At your youth group/Bible study group/camp/club someone prays in ecstatic babble/tongue speech/glossolalia. What do you do?

Resources:

D.A. Carson, Showing the Spirit on 1 Corinthians 12-14 (a must read)