Led by the Spirit


8. The gifts of the Spirit – communication, a problem of languages

Communication with each other is well understood as a powerful tool in bringing various nations together as allies during times of war. Mankind has often had this dream of a united planet where all nations will be one. This is not a new thought. The Lord understood this a very long time ago.

Gen 11:6 The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”

This was the kind of union that the wicked one sought after in rebellious man. A great world government ready for his rule.

But God was not deceived. The Lord moved to frustrate the plans of disobedient humanity.

Gen 11:9 (KJV) … because the LORD confounded the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Confusion or unity?

Carnal people by their nature are against God and have no fellowship or communication with him, and on the earth language has confused their relationships with other peoples.

When we become a new creature, and our spirit is born again, we are offered the possibility of communicating with God using supernaturally inspired languages given by the Holy Spirit. By this means the redeemed are no longer scattered and confounded but enter into a new unity with God and with each other. Note that this is not a communication of intellects and so is not understood by the mind. It is a communion in the spiritual realm.

Jesus promised this ability …

Mark 16:17 these signs shall follow them that believe; they shall speak with new tongues;

The sign and the gift

We should note that tongues can be as a sign, or as a gift of the Holy Spirit. The sign of tongues gives us confirmation of God’s blessing, and our spirit is able with certainty to give thanks, to glorify God. to communicate with Him in prayer and fellowship and be edified. (i.e. benefited spiritually and morally.)

(Acts 10:46 NRSV) for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter said,
(Rom 8:26 NRSV) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
(1 Cor 14:2 NRSV) For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit.
(1 Cor 14:4 NRSV) Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves, but those who prophesy build up the church.
(1 Cor 14:15-17 NRSV) What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing praise with the mind also. [16] Otherwise, if you say a blessing with the spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say the “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since the outsider does not know what you are saying?

The gift of tongues, when used with the gift of interpretation of tongues enables us by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless and enlighten the church. All present may then know the will of God for His people or the secrets of the heart may be laid bare. This manifestation is a form of prophesy.

(Mat 3:11 NRSV) “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
(1 Cor 14:27-28 NRSV) If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. [28] But if there is no one to interpret, let them be silent in church and speak to themselves and to God.

Plural

When Jesus baptises YOU in the Holy Spirit, remember that the promise is “tongues” plural. You may look with faith to speak in many different tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. Ask the Lord that this be so. He ALWAYS keeps His word.

(Mat 3:11 NRSV) He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Your Spirit is under your control

i. The spirit of the prophets is subject to the prophets. i.e. you control your utterance. (not, “I couldn’t keep quiet”)

(1 Cor 14:32 NRSV) And the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets,

ii. The Holy Spirit NEVER forces Himself upon us. Tongues is a gift of God. We must receive and accept it.
iii. Remember it is a language. Please try not to gabble. SPEAK ! Have the heart attitude that you are talking to God. You will be surprised to find, that your new tongue will really sound like a language. That is what it is!

(1 Cor 13:1 NRSV) If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels.

iv. Try speaking in tongues SLOWLY. This can be a great joy. Remember; God is never in a hurry. He loves to talk to us.
v. Singing in your new tongue is also a wonderful way to talk to the Lord. Make up your own tune or use one that you already know.
vi. When praying together the Saints often use tongues to magnify God. Be encouraged to speak out in an audible tongue that all the brethren may be encouraged to participate. (Don’t hide your light under a whisper.)
vii. But temperance is also needed. Loud expression of your worship is fine but should never overpower some other person’s offering to the Lord. Seek balance !!

How often?

Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. This makes things quite clear. Speak in tongues as much as you are able, but at least every day. Especially when you least feel like praying, or just can’t think of something to say to God. Your spirit has plenty to say to God, and all that is needed is for you to cooperate by speaking in tongues. You will find the the “blues” will soon depart and life begin to look a whole lot better.

(1 Th 5:17 NRSV) pray without ceasing,

Good places

Remember this gift of God is a pearl of precious worth. We keep it in the family for this reason.

(Mat 7:6 NIV) “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

Tongues while driving the car is fun. Also at home over the sink or running around with the duster. Pray everywhere, God is just longing to hear from YOU! Keep communicating with Him.

Why speak in tongues: the Scriptural basis

i. It is a way of giving glory to God.

(Acts 10:46 NRSV) for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.

ii. We are enabled to pray and sing to God with our spirit as well as our minds

(1 Cor 14:15 NRSV) What should I do then? I will pray with the spirit, but I will pray with the mind also; I will sing praise with the spirit, but I will sing praise with the mind also.

iii. To be “edified” or benefited spiritually and improved morally.

(1 Cor 14:4 NRSV) Those who speak in a tongue build up themselves,

iv. The Holy Spirit helps us when we know not what to pray by giving utterance to our spirits in tongues.

(Rom 8:26 NRSV) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.

v. That our spirit might have “special” words to pray to God.

(1 Cor 14:2 NRSV) For those who speak in a tongue do not speak to other people but to God; for nobody understands them, since they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit.

vi. As a sign, giving confidence that God has come among us.

(Acts 10:45-46 NRSV) The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, [46] for they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling God.

vii. It is associated with building up faith.

(Jude 1:20 NRSV) But you, beloved, build yourselves up on your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit;

Such are the scriptural reasons. Experience has shown us that the willingness to move with the Holy Spirit in this blessing of God helps immensely in spiritual growth. We have found that problems are overcome, tranquillity of spirit is attained, the mind is kept from idle and frivolous thoughts. A new strength grows in our spiritual walk.

REMEMBER …

The promise is to you …

(Acts 2:39 NIV) The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”