POWER WORDS OF THE SPIRIT Week 3 – The Gift of Tongues & Interpretation of Tongues “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.” — 1 Corinthians 12:1 Focus This series, Power Words of the Spirit, builds on our church-wide study of the gospel of Mark by exploring how we can follow Jesus not only in character, but also in the way He operated in the gifts of the Spirit. Jesus spoke words of wisdom, knowledge, healing, prophecy, and love—always with the aim of revealing the Father and building up others. Across the next seven weeks, we’ll ask: How did Jesus operate in the spiritual gifts and speak powerful words of love? What should we, as His disciples, expect and desire to do ourselves? And what often holds us back? Drawing primarily from 1 Corinthians 12–14, we will explore: Theology – a shared biblical understanding of the Spirit Model – how gifts can work in our local church context Practice – safe spaces to grow in these gifts Our prayer is that we would learn to use our words—and all the gifts God gives—in ways that honour Him and bless others. Study by: Charis Button Sermons related to each study can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes Praise, Thanks, and Encouraging Accountability Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God? (See the Relational Map Video) Care Share any concerns you have for yourself or others Pray In prayer, capture the things you have shared above 2. Look Up Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes Setting the Scene As we open God’s Word together on the gift of tongues, we want to approach this topic with hearts that are eager, earnest, and edifying—just as Paul calls us to in 1 Corinthians 14. Scripture invites us to desire spiritual gifts, including tongues, not for personal status or spiritual pride, but so that the whole church might be strengthened and Jesus glorified. At Hope Valley Church, we celebrate that all the spiritual gifts are still relevant and active today. We believe tongues is not a sign of salvation but a gift—a powerful prayer tool for intimacy with God and Spirit-led intercession. In our weekly worship gatherings, we encourage body ministry and seek to follow biblical wisdom so that Jesus remains the centre of attention. We also want to acknowledge that Christians may have different perspectives on this topic. And that’s okay. Our unity is in Jesus, not uniformity in every viewpoint. A healthy Christian community makes space for honest questions, thoughtful discussion, and even some differences of opinion—while pursuing love, order, and the empowering presence of the Spirit together. Scripture Reading Read: 1 Corinthians 14:1–5 and 39–40 Invite an individual to read out the passage or have group members take turns reading a verse each. Discussion Questions What stands out to you in this passage? What does “eagerly desire spiritual gifts” mean to you in verse 1 and verse 39? Watch Video 1 (24:29–28:20 mins) What resonated with you? Was there anything that challenged you/stretched your thinking? How can we summarise Paul’s teaching on the right use of the gift of tongues as seen in 1 Corinthians 12–14? Scripture Reading Read: Acts 10:44–48 and Acts 19:1–7 Invite two individuals to read out the passages or have group members take turns reading a verse each. Discussion Questions 3. What do you notice about the gift of tongues in these passages? 4. If tongues are a language of increase (personal and communal growth), how might that affect the way we view this gift today? 5. How do these passages show tongues as a language of intimacy with God and intercession for His people? Resources for Deeper Study Bridgetown Church Full Sermon on the Gift of Tongues What is the Gift of Tongues? Supernatural Power for Life and Ministry – Sam Storms on Spiritual Gifts 3. Look Forward Living out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes What might it look like for the power and love of the Holy Spirit to move freely in your own life? Is there a practical step you feel led to take after tonight’s discussion (prayer, further study, posture of openness to the Spirit’s gifts, etc.)? How might you pray differently knowing that tongues can be a language of intimacy and intercession? Pray Pray for a growing relational intimacy in your personal prayer life with God. Pray for each other to experience a growing confidence in the ability to operate in your God-given spiritual gifts. Pray for those on your Relational Map. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au