In this post, I am addressing one of the biggest points of confusion that I find when discussing the Baptism with the Holy Spirit with people.\u00a0 It is the misunderstanding of the use of speaking in tongues.<\/p>\n
There is an entire chapter devoted to this subject in the Bible, and it should not be confusing at all.\u00a0 However, because of wrong teaching (or a lack of teaching) there seems to be a large number of Christians that really do not understand this very important subject.<\/p>\n
I believe that once you see and understand it the first time you will say “…this is so simple, why did I not see this before?”<\/p>\n
Let’s begin with a couple of definitions that will help make things clearer.<\/p>\n
(Note:\u00a0 Although the term “prayer language” is not completely accurate, I am using it here because so many people are familiar with it.)<\/em><\/p>\n When a Christian receives the Baptism with the Holy Spirit, he (or she) receives the power and ability to speak in tongues (Acts 1:5, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:4) any time he or she wishes (1 Cor 14:14-15).\u00a0 It is a new way for us to speak and to communicate with God (1 Cor 14:2) that goes beyond our natural intellect (1 Cor 14:14).\u00a0 For this reason, many people also call this a “prayer language” even though it can be used for things other than just prayer.<\/p>\n The Bible tells us in several places that we should make use of this ability as often as possible (1 Cor 14:14-15, Eph 6:18,\u00a0 Jude 1:20, etc).\u00a0\u00a0 It also tells us of many ways that it benefits the person that is doing it.<\/a>\u00a0 We are specifically told that no one will understand this language. \u00a0It is meant for communication between you and the Lord.<\/p>\n 1 Corinthians 14:2<\/strong> – For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him <\/em><\/span>; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n This is a faith activity between you and God.\u00a0 If other don’t people understand what you are saying, it is not an issue because what you are saying is not intended for them.\u00a0 When you are using your “prayer language,” no interpretation is required or expected.\u00a0 If someone complains, just say “I wasn’t talking to you.”<\/p>\n In the Bible, we are told that sometimes in our midst there will be people that don’t understand, or that don’t believe.\u00a0 It says that people like this may think we are “out of our minds” when we are doing this.\u00a0 The implication is that it would usually be better to avoid doing this in front of them (1 Cor 14:23).<\/p>\n But, on the other hand, if you are around other Christians that understand and believe the Bible, then it is OK to do it in a group setting (Acts 19:6-7) – assuming that you are doing it for the right reasons.\u00a0 Personally, I don’t do it in front of non-Christians, and I don’t go out of my way to do it in front of Christians that don’t understand it.\u00a0 But a group of Christians that believe the Bible should be comfortable with this.\u00a0 If not, then something is wrong somewhere.<\/p>\n According to 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, there are nine gifts of the Holy Spirit that are called “manifestations of the Spirit.”\u00a0 These are instances where the Holy Spirit makes Himself known to us in supernatural ways.\u00a0 He gives you a temporary “burst of power” to do something that goes beyond your normal ability in order to accomplish something for Him.<\/p>\n 1 Corinthians 12:7<\/strong> – But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n When one of these “gifts” (aka manifestations) is given to a person, and that person exercises that gift in faith, then other people receive a divine benefit.\u00a0 The purpose of these gifts are for the believer to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bless others.<\/p>\n Included in these nine “manifestations of the Spirit” or “spiritual gifts” are three that are have been called the “speaking” or “vocal gifts.”\u00a0 These are:<\/p>\n These three temporary abilities only come when the Holy Spirit gives them to someone to use them (1 Cor 12:11).\u00a0\u00a0 The purpose of these temporary abilities is to bless other people (1 Cor 12:7).<\/p>\n When the gift of prophecy is given, a person will generally speak a message from God under divine influence, and the message will be given in the language of the intended audience.<\/p>\n In general, when the gifts of “diversities of tongues” and “interpretation of tongues” are given, a person will speak a message from God under divine influence, but it will usually be a language unknown to the intended audience.\u00a0 This is “diversities of tongues.”<\/p>\n Then that same person (or someone else present) will be given the meaning or “interpretation” of that message by the Holy Spirit.\u00a0 That person will then speak out the interpretation in the language of the intended audience.\u00a0 The end result is that the people get a message from God that they understand.<\/p>\n In both cases, a message from God is delivered through<\/em> a person to another person or to a group of people.\u00a0 The message will come from God, but it will be delivered by the person(s) that received the gift(s).\u00a0 The result is that others are blessed by the Lord.\u00a0 God speaks through someone in order to bless another person or a group of people.<\/p>\n In both the “prayer language” and the “spiritual gift,” the speaker will be speaking in a language that he\/she does not understand.<\/p>\n Both the “prayer language” and the “spiritual gift ” will require the speaker to act in faith.<\/p>\n In the “prayer language,” you are the one that usually initiates it.\u00a0 In the “spiritual gift” it is the Holy Spirit that initiates it.<\/p>\n In the “prayer language” the speaker is the main beneficiary.\u00a0 In the “spiritual gift, other people are the main beneficiaries.<\/p>\n In the “prayer language” you are talking to God.\u00a0 In the “spiritual gift” God is talking to others through you.<\/p>\n In the “prayer language” you are encouraged to do it all the time.\u00a0 In the “spiritual gift” you only do it when the Holy Spirit tells you to.<\/p>\n In the “prayer language” no interpretation is needed or expected because God is the intended audience and He understands it.\u00a0 In the “spiritual gift,” the gift of interpretation of tongues will likely be given so that the people can understand the message and receive the benefit God intended for them.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n >> Back to\u00a0SERIES HOME<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nTongues as a “Spiritual Gift”<\/h2>\n
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Similarities between the two<\/h2>\n
Differences between the two<\/h2>\n