God Works Through His Word

Working definitions/descriptions:
Gift of tongues – Spirit-given ability to speak human languages to God which are unknown to the speaker.
Gift of prophecy – Spirit-empowered teaching and application of Scripture.

1. Misused tongues confirm unbelievers in their unbelief.
   a. Example of Israel – v21
   b. Example of church gathering – v23
2. Prophesy brings repentance and faith – vv24-25.

Preparing your heart for the sermon:
-How does Paul say the Corinthians were thinking? Did his assessment match how they viewed themselves? How can I mature in my thinking?
-What event is Paul referring to in v21? What effect did the foreign tongues have on God's people in that case?
-What are the two scenarios described in vv23-25? What are the results?
-Other passages to consider: Deut 28:49-50; Ps 19:7-11; Isa 28:1-13; Jn 3:1-8; 1 Pet 1:23-2:3; Rom 10:9-17; 2 Tim 3:14-4:5; Heb 4:7-13

Digging Deeper:
-How does God use His Word in the hearts of people?
-Why would the way the Corinthians were practicing tongues further alienate unbelievers?
-To what do churches look instead of the Word of God to bring life and change?
-What would it look like for the gift of prophecy to be prevalent at AGC?