Lesson No.9  
 

 Our ability to speak is a gift from God given with the purpose of communication and edification (Eph. 4:29).  Without proper communication the result is confusion, and God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33).  During the early stage of the church  (apostolic period), God gave the gift of tongue which enabled the early believers to instantaneously speak in different tongues or foreign languages (Acts 2). That gift had the purpose of communication and edification (I Cor. 14:22,12 & 26).  In I Cor.  chapter 13 and 14 , Paul taught some principles concerning edifying others by the proper  use of the tongue and speaking the words that can be easily understood (I Cor. 14:9).  It is evident that the members of the church at Corinth were boasting of their spiritual gift which they were using improperly.  A wise student of the Bible will carefully examine I Cor. 14, and see  the main intents of Paul's letter.  Many are misapplying this passage  to prove their modern practice of tongues speaking.  This letter was written by Paul to correct the members of the church at Corinth of their  improper use of the gift of tongue.  Paul emphasized that we are to use every ability that we have, to speak the words that is profitable. (I Cor. 14:6,19).

I.  SPEAK THE WORDS THAT YOU CAN UNDERSTAND.

      1. Is there a personal benefit if you can speak with the tongues of men or of angels
          without love?  I Cor. 13:1-3________________
       2. Does God want you to understand your words when you express your love for
           Him?    Mark. 12:30-33 _____________
       3. How should you pray to God according to I  Cor. 14:15? ____________________
       4.. Will a person's relationship with God be strenghthened without knowledge and
             understanding? Prov. 24:3--5 _________
       5. How should you speak in the church according to the teaching of Paul?
           I Cor. 14:19   _______________________________________

II.  SPEAK THE WORDS THAT OTHERS CAN UNDERSTAND.

         1. Can people in the church be  benefited if you cannot be understood when you
              speak ? I Cor 14:6 ______
         2. If you speak without certainty and clarity, can you persuade your hearers to be
             spiritually prepared against the devil? I Cor. 14:7-8       __________
          3. What kind of words will you use in order to convince the people to follow God's
              commands and doctrines? I Cor. 14:9________________________________
         4. What would people think of you if you cannot be understood when you speak?
              I Cor. 14:11____________________________________
          5. Do you use your speaking ability to impress people or to communicate God's
              truth?__________________________________

III. SPEAK THE WORDS IN A DECENT AND ORDERLY MANNER.

        1. Is it right to say "Amen" if you don't understand what the other person is
            saying?    I Cor. 14:16____________________
        2. Is it proper to speak loudly while the other person has not finished speaking yet?
            James 1:19 ______
        3. What does the Bible say concerning the right word spoken at the right time?
             Prov. 15:23; 25:11_______________________________
        4. What will be the impression of the unbelievers if they happen to observe a
            church where the members are speaking together in unknown tongues?
            I Cor. 14:23  ____________________________
        5. What will happen to the assembly if every member will speak without following
             the proper order of services? Acts 19:32__________________________
        6. Who is the author of confusion? I Cor. 14:33; Jam. 3:16__________
        7. Should women take the preaching responsibility in the church?
            I Cor.  14:34-35; I Tim. 2:11-13______________
        8.   How should all things be done in the church ? I Cor. 14:40_____________
 

================================================================