"If you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God. . . . . . . You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. . . . . . A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, . . . . . . I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy." 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NLT)
"Speaking in tongues" is a practice and belief that has enlivened believers, split churches, been used to evaluate the eternal destiny of Christ followers, and has drawn believers into deep personal relationship with Jesus. In short, the practice has resulted in some of the best and worst in Christianity.
"Tongues" is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It comes to some believers either at the moment of conversion or subsequent to conversion. It is typically a way to pray in a language that is supernaturally given by God so that the words one prays are no longer under his or her control, rather being controlled by God. Thus praying in tongues is a "pure" way to pray which gives God control over the speech center of your brain.
It has been wisely (and in my view with 90% acuracy) said that tongues are "available to all, required of none, of benefit to many".
Those who speak in tongues do not have more of the Holy Spirit than those who do not. Nor do those who speak in tongues necessarily have a better relationship with God (it's obedience that matters). Nor does "tongue speaking" create first and second class Christians. It is a gift of the Spirit, and contrary to certain groups of 21st century believers, I do believe it is gift which did not cease after the first century.
Can you seek the gift of tongues? Yes. Are you guaranteed to receive this gift? No. . . . .
"It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have." 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT)
Finally, the Bible tells us that more important than speaking in tongues, desireable as that gift may be, is the gift of prophecy, which is the gift of being able to make intelligible the things of God to others. This gift is a gift of communicating God's Word so that it edifies others. Tongues is for the edification of oneself.
Jeff, do you also say that tongues should not be exercised in public unless an interpreter is present?
ReplyDeleteHi Leland, The bible answers your question:
ReplyDeleteIf there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. 1 Corinthians 14:28 (NIV)
Jeff, I have found that this verse (I Cor 14:28) is routinely ignored in many churches and gatherings that openly speak in tongues. I have been in multiple situations over the years where people have spoken in tongues yet have never heard an interpreter. Sometimes the one speaking in tongues will try to interpret yet we know that is not of the Spirit according to Paul's various passages. I believe Paul has given us this critical test to discern whether the source is of the Holy Spirit or something else.
ReplyDelete