The Gift of Tongues

 Sabbath School

First and Second Corinthians 

Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 6 - Wednesday 

The Gift of Tongues: A Gift for Mission

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 26, 27 and 1 Corinthians 12:10, 30

The early church in Corinth was blessed with many spiritual gifts, but these gifts were sometimes misunderstood and misused. Among the gifts that caused confusion was the gift of tongues. Some believers placed too much importance on speaking in tongues, viewing it as a sign of greater spirituality. Paul addressed this issue by teaching that every spiritual gift must serve a greater purpose: building up the church and helping others come closer to God.

Paul’s instruction concerning tongues was clear: the gift was valuable, but it needed to be used properly. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul explains that speaking in tongues should not be done simply for personal benefit or public display. If someone speaks in another language that others do not understand, there must be interpretation so that the church can be edified. Paul’s concern was not to dismiss the gift, but to emphasize that spiritual gifts should always bring encouragement, understanding, and growth to God’s people.

This teaching reveals an important principle: God’s gifts are given for ministry, not for personal status. A person may possess a remarkable ability, but if that ability does not help others, it is not being used according to God’s purpose. The Holy Spirit gives different gifts to different people, and every gift has value when it is used in love and humility. The goal is not to draw attention to ourselves but to point others to Jesus.

The ability to speak another language can be a powerful tool for sharing the gospel. Many people around the world speak languages other than our own, and believers who have the ability to communicate in those languages can reach communities that might otherwise be difficult to reach. A person who can speak Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or another language can use that ability to teach Scripture, build relationships, encourage believers, and share the hope of Christ with others.

This also helps us better understand the true nature of the gift of tongues that Paul was addressing. Throughout Scripture, when God gave people the ability to speak in other languages, it was connected with communicating His message to people who could understand it. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples spoke in languages they had not previously learned, allowing people from many nations to hear the gospel (Acts 2:6–11). The purpose was clear: to spread God’s message and reach people with the truth.

The lesson for us today is that every ability God gives should be dedicated to His mission. Whether our gift is teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, or communicating across language barriers, God wants us to use it to bless others. The greatest evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work is not simply the gifts we possess, but the love, humility, and willingness to use those gifts for Christ’s glory.

Ask God today how you can use the abilities He has given you to reach others. Your gifts, experiences, and opportunities may be exactly what God wants to use to touch someone’s life and lead them closer to Him.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many gifts You give to Your people through the Holy Spirit. Help us understand that these gifts are not for our own recognition but for serving others and sharing the gospel. Teach us to use our abilities with humility, wisdom, and love. Show us how we can use our talents, including our ability to communicate and connect with others, to reach people for Jesus. May everything we do bring encouragement to Your church and help others discover the hope found in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

More on Lesson 6:  Spiritual Gifts  

3rd Quarter Sabbath School: 1st and 2nd Corinthians