The Power of Tongues, Part 2

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. ⁷ But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: ⁸ for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, ⁹ to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same^[b] Spirit, ¹⁰ to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.

1 Corinthians 13:1

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 

1 Corinthians 14:1-5,22

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. ² For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. ³ But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. ⁴ He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. ⁵ I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.

²² Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.  

As you see from the above verses, the first tongue is a gift that is a manifestation of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which is what Paul calls the tongues of angels in 1 Corinthians 13:1. The second tongue is a gift of prophesy, and what Paul calls the tongues of men in 1 Corinthians 13:1. I believe it’s called the tongue of angels because no one can understand it, or translate it. The tongue of prophecy is called so because men can understand it, and translate it. When the disciples received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, they started speaking in the tongues of men, as the men around that place could hear them glorify God in their own dialect (Acts 2:5-11). They all received tongues of prophecy. Paul says that the tongues of prophecy (tongues of men) are superior to the tongues of angels (praying tongues), meaning if one gets the tongues of prophecy definitely they have the tongues of men (1 Cor. 14:5). The disciples received both gifts (tongues of men and of angels) at the same time.

The tongue of angels is used to speak to God, in prayer and singing (1 Corinthians 14:2,14-15), but the tongue of men (of prophesy) is used to speak to men, in prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1,3,4,16). The first tongue (of men and angels) is used to edify the one who speaks or prays in it, while the second tongue (of prophesy) is used to edify the church, and basically whoever is around (verse 4,16-17). Both tongues can and should be interpreted, but one interpretation (of the tongues of men and angels) is for the benefit or the one who is speaking, while the interpretation for the tongues of prophesy is for the benefit of the church and men, as it edifies, exhorts and comforts them (verse 13,3-5). The tongues of men and angels can also edify the church, if interpreted.

Interpretation of tongues is not the same as translation. A translation is a word by word expression of one word to another language, while an interpretation is an explanation of the meaning of a statement or expression.

The term that Paul uses in 1 Corinthians 14:13 is interpretation, meaning that everyone who prays in tongues should ask God for an interpretation, to get the meaning of what he/ she said. The interpretation is received by faith, just like every other thing we ask from God (Mark 11:24, James 1:6-8). Many people ask me how you receive the interpretation, and “what if it does not come then?” You receive the interpretation by asking for it first, then receiving it by faith. It may come then and there as you are speaking in tongues, or it may come later. For example, if I come to a dilemma regarding a certain situation, I start speaking in tongues, knowing that when I do so I am allowing the Spirit to intercede for me, and that I am speaking the hidden wisdom of God regarding the situation (1 Cor. 2:6-7, 14:2). Before I start speaking in tongues, I ask the Spirit for an interpretation, and go on. I will be listening by faith knowing that he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6). If I don’t hear anything by the time I end up praying, doesn’t mean I did not receive an interpretation, as I believe I received it (Mark 11:24). So I’ll thank God for the interpretation and walk on, believing I have wisdom and know what to do. Sometimes the wisdom shows up when I’m tackling the dilemma, or before, but eventually it will show up, as long as I received it by faith. It may come through a thought/ idea, or through a sermon, the word of God, picture, something someone says etc., but it will show up. That’s was as far as praying/ singing/ blessing in tongues is concerned.

Prophesying in tongues works in the same principle, only that tongues of prophesy can be translated, as well as interpreted. One can get a word by word translation for tongues of prophesy, or an interpretation of the message. This is a gift that should be desired too. Tongues of prophesy must be prophesied, or else they will not benefit the hearers or even the one who is speaking (1 Cor. 14:5-12). Anyone can receive the interpretation as well as the prophesy, as the Spirit gives these gifts as He wills (1 Cor. 12:11). This is why Paul says we should all desire and pursue to prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1). The one misconception that people have about tongues is that only selected people can speak in them and interpret, but that’s not what Paul meant in 1 Cor. 12:4-11. The diversities of gifts are given to people as the Spirit wills, but it does not exclusively mean that those who have not been given the ministry cannot operate through them. If this were the case why would he tell us to desire the best gifts (1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1,5)? Why would I tell you to desire something I know you can never get? Especially 1 Cor. 14:1 where he tells us to desire to prophesy, why would he tell us to desire this if it is only reserved for a few selected people? Yes, not everyone has been given the ministry of a prophet according to 1 Cor. 12:29, but that does not mean that no one else can prophesy. In fact John 16:13 tells us that when the Spirit comes (which He did), He will tell us of things to come. Jesus in this verse did not specify to whom the Spirit will reveal the things to come, meaning any believer can know of things to come and proclaim them. Some people have been given the specific ministry of prophesy, but the manifestation of the gift can be given to anyone who desires and pursues it (1 Cor. 14:1). To make it practical, let’s say that in church there is a particular person given the ministry of prophesy. On a particular day, the Spirit wants to communicate a certain message, but the prophet is not there. Does that mean that the Spirit will not give the message through any other person? No. He will, to whoever has desired and has opened up to receive the message, who desires the gift. Does it mean that the person who is used then has been given the ministry of prophesy? No. the person may have a different calling and ministry e.g. healing, teaching, exhortation, helps, administration etc., but at that moment they can be given a word of prophesy for that particular church.

Again, according to 1 Corinthians 14:5, everyone can speak in tongues, and every one can prophesy. This is also evidenced in Mark 16:17, that narrows it down to anyone who believes or has faith, will speak with new tongues. Again, saying that only those given the ministry of prophecy can and should prophesy is like saying since there is a ministry of healing, faith, miracles, discerning of spirits, no one but those given these ministries should heal, walk in faith, perform miracles, and discern spirits. Taking healing alone, Jesus said that whoever believes will lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mk. 16:17-18). So, even though there are assigned ministries, we can all operate in these gifts once in a while, as the Spirit requires and leads. The ones given these ministries operate in these specific gifts full time, but can also operate in the others. For example, one given the gift and ministry of prophecy can also heal, perform miracles, discern spirits etc.

Importance of speaking in tongues

Read 1 Corinthians 14:2,4,14

² For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 

⁴ He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 

  

¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

Jude 20 

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit ²¹ keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

  

1.      Revealing the wisdom of God. According to 1 Corinthians 14:2, the one who speaks in tongues speaks mysteries. I believe these mysteries are the ones mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:6-12, that is the hidden wisdom of God, the things God has prepared for those who love Him since the beginning of the world, for our glory. These mysteries and wisdom are hidden from men and can only be revealed by the Holy Spirit. Our spirits know all things (1 John 2:20, 1 Corinthians 2:10), and so when we speak in tongues through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we are usually speaking these mysteries/ hidden wisdom of God, which is why Paul urges for interpretation of these tongues to be sought (1 Corinthians 14:5,13). These mysteries are also regarding what God has freely given us, but they are hidden and the only one who can help us to unveil/ reveal them is the Holy Spirit, which I believe He does when He inspires us to speak in tongues. You can be stuck in a certain area that no human wisdom/ knowledge can help, but by speaking in tongues you can tap into your spirit that knows all things by the help of the Holy Spirit and get a solution for every dilemma. Paul said that He speaks in tongues more than the whole church of Corinth (1 Cor. 14:18). Considering that speaking in tongues is speaking the wisdom of God, and Paul knew this secret, we can see why He knew so much of God, and wrote so many epistles; He had constant access and communion with the wisdom of God through speaking in tongues and interpreting it. 

2.     Edification. 1 Corinthians 14:4: Speaking/ praying/ singing in tongues edifies the one speaking/ praying/ singing in tongues. Verse 14 of the same tells us that it’s your spirit that prays. This means that you become more spiritually minded when you pray/ speak/ sing in tongues, and your spirit-man takes charge. Praying/ speaking/ singing in tongues helps you to be more spiritually minded (Romans 8:5-6). You draw out virtue from the spirit-man when you speak in tongues. Since the one who prays in tongues allows the spirit man to pray, the easiest way to allow the spirit man to take charge of your body is to speak in tongues. It is the easiest way to transition to the spiritual realm. The more you speak in tongues, the more you allow the spirit man to live through the body, and influence your soul. When you are struggling with your flesh, the easiest way to override it and walk in the spirit is to speak in tongues.

3.      Building ourselves in faith. According to Jude 20, praying in the Holy Spirit, which is praying in tongues, helps us to build ourselves on our faith. The faith we got is the faith of Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16, 20 KJV and Romans 12:3), which is why it is called “holy faith”. Once we got this faith, it is the assignment of every believer to build themselves on this faith, and to make it work for them (1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Hebrews 6:1-3). Praying in tongues is one way of building ourselves on our faith, which happens when we draw on wisdom, power, knowledge and virtue from our spirits which have been made perfect and complete, one with Christ (Hebrews 10:10, 14, 1 Corinthians 6:17, 1 John 4:17). The fruits of the Spirit are in our spirits, and when we walk in the Spirit and speak in tongues then we dip in and draw them out, for the edification of our souls. When you are not operating in faith, or are struggling with unbelief, and speak in tongues, you release faith form your spirit, which is a fruit of the Spirit, to your soul. Thus, you get to build yourself up in faith.

4.      Keeping ourselves in the love of God. Continuing on to Jude 21, we see that praying in tongues is a way of keeping ourselves in the love of God. The love of God abides in us and within us as long as we are in Him (Rom. 5:5, 1 John 4:8, 16, 19), but we can be devoid of the manifestation of God’s love, or the awareness of it. The more we are aware of and understand God’s love, the more we will experience it, and the more we’ll be full of God (Eph. 3:16-19). The more we are aware of, understand and experience God’s love, the more our faith will work, as faith works through love (Gal. 5:6). The best way to be aware of, understand and experience God’s love is by praying in tongues. This is because God is spirit; God is also love; praying in Spirit is a spiritual act; so when we pray in Spirit, we will be spiritually tapping into God’s love, and remain connected to it.

5.      Allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede for us. Romans 8:26-27: The Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we speak in tongues, according to the will of God. We can pray exactly according to the will of God at any time and in any situation when we speak in tongues, according to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We can pray for things we do not know and pray as we are supposed to, when we pray in tongues. In understanding we are limited to what we know and how we are supposed pray, but when praying in tongues there is no limitation as the Holy Spirit is the one who intercedes for us. We are told that the disciples, when they received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4). When you speak in tongues, the Spirit is the One giving you utterance. These utterances are His intercession for us, and since He knows all things and is acquainted with the perfect will of God, when we speak in tongues we allow Him to intercede for us according to the perfect will of God, thus aligning us to the same. We shouldn’t just rely on praying in our known languages when praying, as we’ll be limiting the Holy Spirit. At the same time, we should balance between praying in our known language and praying in the Holy Spirit. Sometimes our minds may limit us when praying, as when the Spirit of God reveals the wisdom and will of God to our minds we may struggle with it. So to overcome this weakness, we speak in tongues, as when we do so we bypass our mind and pray according to the will of God, as the Word says he the mind of the one who prays in tongues is unfruitful, or does not understand what he is saying. Combining this with interpreting tongues helps us to release and receive the wisdom of God unhindered, to our hearts. This is why Paul says, “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” 1 Cor. 14:15.

6.      Receiving rest/refreshment. Isaiah 28:11-12. When we speak in tongue, we release refreshment and rest from our spirits, and allow it to manifest to our souls and bodies. A times we may feel physically fatigued, or wearied in our souls/minds, and it is at such times we need to speak in tongues. The spirit man is never tired, as it is just as Jesus is, in His glorified body (1 Jn. 4:17). So we can get to experience and manifest the rest our spirit is experiencing, by speaking in tongues. Often while on my way to minister or serve somewhere and I have felt fatigued from work or just wearied, I have prayed in tongues, and a sudden refreshment arises from my spirit, and all of a sudden I receive refreshment and strength to last me the whole period, till when I go to bed later I have needed to pray for sleep.

If you are not filled with the Holy Spirit, you do not know what you are missing. Go to my teaching on The Holy Spirit: The Game Changer, Part 1 and Part 2, and learn on Who the Holy Spirit is, His work, and how you can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Feel  free to also contact me for help and prayer, on my addresses at the end of the teaching (click on either the mailbox, facebook or twitter icon, under my name).

If you are filled with the Spirit and have not been speaking in tongues as often as you should, please start doing so. This is a gift God gave us, and we ought to maximise on using it. The Bible says that whoever comes to and believes in Jesus, out of him will flow rivers of living water, referring to the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). In you resides rivers of wisdom, refreshment, strength, power, faith, peace, joy etc. The key to drawing from these rivers and releasing them is speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues bridges the gap between your physical and intellectual realm, and the spiritual realm. It is the easiest and most assured way of accessing and releasing what is in your spirit. purpose to speak in tongues more every day.

Grace and peace to you!

-- Sam Gitonga.

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Sunday Service Sermon, Teaching Transformation Ministry.

Brother Sam is the Youth Leader, at Teaching Transformation Ministry. We are located along the Thika-Ruai Flyover Junction (at the Thika Rd./ Bypass intersection), Next to Eastgate Restaurant.