My turn to ask a question.
1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NASB)
23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful,
but not all things edify.
24 Let no one seek his own, but that of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 14:19 (NASB)
19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also,
rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
1 Corinthians 14:4 (NASB)
4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself;
but one who prophesies edifies the church.
Now, my question:
DID PAUL give us a REASON to speak in tongues,
Or rather, NOT to speak in Tongues ? ? ?
I would think God gave a law in regard to the doctrine of tongues in order to help us cofirm what the
sign of tongues represents. And not the
work of tongues as God's word. Two different doctrines one as a sign the other a work of prophecy by which men can believe God
Tongues, is God's word as prophecy interpreted into all the nations of the world . God's word Tongues is God's interpretation. His name is Jealous in that way he will not share his glory with the clay he is forming ChristThere is no sign for those who believe the work of prophecy .
I would offer. Paul does not discourage hearing the word of God or prophesying "declaring tongues" (God's word) as that spoke in the language of many nations as his interpretation to them. It is that which comes from seeking His approval .
What he does discourage is unbelief (no faith) It is what the sign of tongues confirms, no faith, unbelief.
God bringing his interpretation in the language of all the nations of the world to confirm unbelief as sign using Jewish flesh a sign that speaks to the whole world . Sign are never limited to the flesh of one nation .One nation can be used as a sign . But never the substance of faith, belief . The word of God speaks to all who hear tongues and believe God .
Look to the law in the tongues doctrine which confirms God mocks with stammering lips those who mocks him and refuse to believe .Its foundation is found in Isaiah 28. The sign is confirmed in Acts 2 the idea of "signs gift" disappears and is replaced with spiritual gifts (unseen) things of faith. We have a living hope of a new body that will not age as in death .All saints died not receiving the promise but have received a better hope that surpass our understanding His veiled glory . That glory will be the light of new home. there will be no more night.
2 Corinthians 5:7 (For we
walk by
faith, not by sight
Our God is the father of many nations He I think never makes His wisdom about the flesh of a Jew and gentile .We do not wrestles against flesh and blood. Again the gospel is a picture to the whole world. Tongues is part of that picture .
What are we showing the world that knows not Christ in respect to the unseen God we are following . . Would God say if you feel moved by a spirit put on a show, make a noise that has no meaning, fall back slain in the spirit ?
Would that performance called a time for a sign gift give a unbeliever enough information to interest them or would the unbeliever think. What a bunch of loony tunes making noises ?