Note: I use Understanding Spiritual Gifts by B E Underwood as a resource.
Title: Three kinds of Tongues & the Importance of Tongues
Theme: To show the three kinds of tongues in the Bible and show the importance of each.
Text: 1 Cor 14:1-2
But covet earnestly the best gifts: (1 Corinthians 12:31 AV)
Spiritual Gifts: 1 Cor 12:8-10,28
For to one is given by the Spirit the (1) word of wisdom; to another the (2) word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another (3) faith by the same Spirit; to another the (4) gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the (5) working of miracles; to another (6) prophecy; to another (7) discerning of spirits; to another (8) divers kinds of tongues; to another the (9) interpretation of tongues: (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.(especially desire the gift of prophecy) 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification (strengthening), and exhortation (encouragement), and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:1-5 AV)
Three types of tongues:
1) Spiritual (from God) 2) Psychological (from flesh) repetition of what is heard from others 3) Demonic (from Satan)
I. Initial Evidence 5 of 6 times mentioned in Acts
1) Day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4 Acts 2:4
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 2) Samaritan Acts 8:14-19 How did Simeon know that they were filled with the Spirit?
Acts 8:18-19 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost
3) Paul's filling Acts 9:17-19 Paul wrote in 1 Cor 14:5, 18
1 Cor 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
4) Caesarea Acts 10:44-46 Acts 10:46
Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 5) Ephesus Acts 19:1-6 Acts 19: 6
Acts 19:6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Other fruit that comes from the Spirit Baptism
a) personal boldness and power to accomplish mighty works in the name of Christ (Acts
1:8; 2:14-41; 4:31; 6:8 ROM 15:18-19; 1 Cor 2:4) b) prophetic utterances and praise (Acts 2:4,17; 10:46; 1 Cor 14:2 c) sensitivity to sin and desire for holiness (John 16:8; Acts 1:8) d) life which glorifies Christ (John 16:13-14; Acts 4:33)
e) new visions (Acts 2:17)
f) manifestation of the various gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:4-11)
g) greater desire to intercede and pray (Acts 2:41-42; 3:1; 4:23-31; 6:4; 10:9; ROM 8:26)
h) a deeper love and understanding of God's Word (John 16:13; Acts 2:42)
i) an increasing awareness of God as one's Father (Acts 1:4; ROM 8:15; Gal 4:6)
II. Devotional Tongues
a) praying in tongues a deeper devotion with the Lord a heavenly language
Eph 6:18a Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
Jude 1:20b praying in the Holy Ghost,
1 Cor 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Most important making sure that our prayer comes in perfect harmony with that of the Spirits.
b) Praising in Tongues
the tongues on the Day of Pentecost proclaims "the wonderful works of God"
Ac 2:11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
1 Cor 14:14-15 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
c) Singing in Tongues Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (Ephesians 5:19 AV)
d) intercession in tongues ROM 8:26,27
ROM 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groan-ings which cannot be uttered.And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
III. Manifestation Tongues
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. (1 Corinthians 14:26-31 AV)
a) Edifying the Church most important goal
b) Interpretation Required: to edify the church 1Cor 14:4,5
c) otherwise keep Silent 1Cor 14:19
d) limit to the number of manifestations 1 Cor 14:27
e) must be judged 1 Cor 14:29
f) forbid it not vs. 39b
Importance of tongues:
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh . . . unto God
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2 AV)
A. Tongues are addressed to God
A person who speaks in tongues has a special language that is addressed to God himself and the only one who can interpret or understand it is God. It is a special language. Not for the church but for God and as we will see for the edification of the person who receives the gift.
B. Prophecy is addressed to men for their edification, exhortation, and comfort
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3 AV)
Prophecy is the gift to be desired most because it is the one for the church and the one that the church will understand the most. Prophecy is the interpretation of the tongues. The interpretation of the message that God wants to give. The assurance to the church that is still working. It may be a message of condemnation, warning, or encouragement but it is for the Church.
Paul tells us in verse 22 that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. Because it is a language that is spoken to God it is to show unbelievers that God is still on the throne. He is still God. He is in control and all powerful and “in the house”. Yet when it is interpreted it is for the church to hear, maybe a gift of encouragement, but also for the unbeliever in yet there could be the speaking of condemnation of sin. The revealing of sin in the life of the unbeliever.
The sinner knows that God is in the house because he hears his sin renounced.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh mysteries
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (1 Corinthians 14:2 AV)
“secret truths and hidden things (not obvious to the understanding)”
Unless God gives us the gift of interpretation it is not for us to try to understand what these mean. We are not to write them down and analyze them but yet we are to know that they are a mystery yet to God. They are hidden.
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (1 Corinthians 14:4 AV)
A. 1 Cor 14:4
A person who speaks in tongues edifies himself. It is not for others to edify them but yet for them to be edified. I have said many times after I have preached a message or during a sermon I will speak in tongues. Do you hear it? Well I don’t know it is not my desire for you to hear it. I have nothing to prove it is God’s approval on the message that I have. I don’t want you to build me up but to build up God.
We don’t judge people by how much they speak in tongues anyway. But by the fruit in their lives. Sometimes we have missed the boat on this.
B. Jude speaks of the uplifting of Holy Ghost
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, (Jude 1:20 AV)
C. Isaiah spoke of this as a refreshing
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. (Isaiah 28:11-12 AV)
Paul uses the same language of Isaiah and from this passage we understand that it is a time of refreshing. Maybe a renewal of the Holy Ghost. Maybe a rest in the Lord.
D. Personal Edification
This edification does not involve the mind since the speaker does not understand what he has said. It is a personal edification in the area of the emotions, of deepening conviction, of fuller commitment and greater love.
He that speaks in tongues prays with His Spirit
It is hard to understand
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (1 Corinthians 14:14 AV)
Jesus told the Samaritan woman that there was going to come a time when our worship would not depend on the place nor the ritual but we would worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Paul carries this same thought in the next verse
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 1 Corinthians 14:15 )
Man is body, soul and spirit
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thes 5:23
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
The Holy Spirit can transcend our thought process and make intercession for
us.
ΒΆ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-27)
He that speaks in tongues gives thanks well
The highest form of praise
A. God is a spirit so we really worship him the best with our spirit
What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
1 Cor 14:15-16
Getting in tune with the Spirit of God and praising him with your spirit. God is a God of praise and worship. We must worship him and give him the thanks that he so richly deserves.
B. Mary saw this early
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47 AV)
C. Acts 10:46 tells us
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. (Acts 10:46)
He that speaks in tongues edifies the church when the tongues are interpreted
A. The interpretation of tongues becomes prophecy or its equivalent
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:5 AV)
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
(1 Cor 14:13 )
Conclusion
We are not desiring for the tongues but we are is a barometer in which we can judge how we are doing. How we are progressing. Are we drawing closer to the Lord? Are we achieving to God’s fullest? Are we living the “Victorious Christian Life”? Are we living the abundant life?
When is the last time you have spoken in tongues? It was so important to Paul? “I would that ye all spake with tongues,” Why? We have an opportunity to be ministered to and to minister to others.
