RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL FOR 3RD OF DECEMBER, 2023; “GLOSSA”

[1]And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

[2]He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

[3]And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.

[4]Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

[5]When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

[6]And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

INTRODUCTION: “Glossa” is a Greek word meaning an unknown tongue. According to Jesus Christ, the ability to speak with new tongues shall be one of the signs that follow those who believe in Him (Mark 16:17). While believers receive the Holy Spirit at the point of conversion (Acts 2:38), they are expected to continue to thirst and hunger for the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:29). The ability to speak in an unknown tongue is one of the outward (physical) evidence of the overflow of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer (Acts 2:4). In this lesson, we shall attempt to answer some of the puzzling questions about speaking in an unknown tongue and its benefits.

The ability to speak in an unknown tongue, as well as the gift of diverse kinds of tongues, are given by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4). It is distinctive of the present Holy Spirit dispensation and it began with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-5). It is not to be bought with money or learned (Acts 8:18-20). Every believer is expected to speak in an unknown tongue as evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1-6). When a believer speaks in an unknown tongue, he speaks mysteries (unto God) which cannot be understood by men (1Corinthians 14:2), however, God can speak through one with the gift of diverse kinds of tongues to men with interpretations where necessary (Acts 2:4-6). Speaking in an unknown tongue is for self-edification (1 Corinthians 14:4) and it should be engaged regularly (1Corinthians 14:18).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention instances in the Bible where the gift of the unknown tongue was foretold.

The following are some of the benefits of speaking in an unknown tongue:

1.It improves a believer’s prayer life: The supernatural ability to communicate with God effectively and intercede for others well (Romans. 8:26; 1Corinthians. 14:2).

2.Self-edification: it stirs up a believer’s faith (Jude 20).

3.It is a means of yielding our tongue to God. No man can tame the tongue but God (James 3:8). By the Holy Spirit, the whole body can change, including the tongue.

4.It is a weapon of spiritual warfare (1Corinthians 14:2).

5.It assists believers to sing, praise, and give thanks to God (1Corinthians 14:15).

6.It confuses the enemy (1 Corinthians 14:2).

7.It enhances boldness. (Acts 4:13).

8.It sanctifies. (1 Corinthians 6:11).

9.It strengthens us from the inner man. (1 Corinthians 14:4).

CONCLUSION: Speaking in an unknown tongue is a fulfilment of the promise of God and it is for all believers to fully tap into the benefits irrespective of their church denominations, tribes, or nations.

* Give reasons believers should speak in an unknown tongue.

* Mention four benefits of speaking in an unknown tongue.

ASSIGNMENT: Write five (5) benefits of you speaking in an unknown tongue. (2×5=10 marks).