1 Cor 14.doc
GOOD ADVICE TO A GROWING CHURCH _____________________________________________
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT SPEAKING IN TONGUES - 1 Corinthians 14:1-40
"I would that ye all spoke with tongues" ? I Corinthians 14:5
In chapter 12 Paul gave a lengthy discussion on the use of gifts within the church. He listed a number of gifts which was not a complete list.
In chapter 13 he spoke about the most important gift – the gift of love.
Now… in chapter 14 he gives some clarification on a specific gift – the gift of tongues. Apparently this gift was bringing confusion to the Corinthian church.
This gift is still bringing confusion to the church.
People try to avoid talking about it because they don’t understand it.
Some time ago … I sat with some Christian educators who asked me to present the Pentecostal view of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues.
I challenged them to prove to me “why” they didn’t believe it was valid today. I then asked if I could “prove” to them that it is still a valid gift.
They went to 1 Corinthians 13:8 and showed me the scripture that says that “tongues will cease.”
I pointed out in that scripture that it also says that “knowledge and prophecies will cease.”
I asked them if those two things had ceased also. They answered no.
I then asked them to show me where the Bible says that it will cease.
They then told me that this was just a gift for the New Testament church of which I asked them where in the Bible does it state that? Again… they didn’t have an answer.
They couldn’t refute the scriptures.
For some of you… this chapter is going to stretch you. Men have taught you things that are from their understanding and NOT God’s Word.
Please open your minds today and let’s look at God’s Word and what it says.
1. THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A. The Promise Of The Holy Spirit From The Old Testament.
Joel 2:28-29
28 ""And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
29 And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.
In the Old Testament we read about men like Moses, David, Samson, Elijah and Elisha who received a special anointing of the Holy Spirit for a particular time and ministry.
But in Joel, God promised that there would come a time when His Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, and not on just a few chosen ones.
B. The Promise Of The Holy Spirit From The New Testament...
John 16:7 ""Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
Luke 24:49 ""Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.’’
In these and other scriptures Jesus promises again what was promised by the prophet Joel.
Jesus gave explicit instructions that his disciples were not to begin their ministries until they had received the promised Holy Spirit.
Jesus knew the importance and necessity of the Spirit’s anointing, for all the miracles that He performed in His earthly ministry were done by the power of the Holy Spirit.
C. The Promise Of The Holy Spirit From Jesus.
Acts 1:5 "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
Acts 1:8 "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
2. THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROMISE
Acts 2:1-17
1 Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance...
12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ""Whatever could this mean?’’
13 Others mocking said, ""They are full of new wine.’’
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, ""Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words.
15 ""For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.
16 ""But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; ... (NKJ)
Peter instructs them that there were to be three things that they were to do in v.38...
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, ""Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJ)
1- Repent - a turning away from our sins and our former way of life. Jesus tells us that unless we repent of our sins we will perish - Luke 13:5).
2- Water Baptism - Jesus was baptized in water by John the Baptist - (Matthew 28:19-20). He also taught His disciples to baptize their converts - (Matthew 28:19-20).
3- Receive the Holy Spirit - Jesus was filled and anointed with the Holy Spirit and promised the Holy Spirit to those who believe.
There is a lot of confusion over this doctrine.
D. Churches are sharply divided
E. Churches move in extremes in regard to this doctrine
3. WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCES OF BEING BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gal 5:23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
Acts 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Acts 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
We’ll look at all the references to speaking in tongues from Acts in just a moment.
Some think that “tongues” are stupid and “foolishness.
1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
1 Cor 1:26 For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.
1 Cor 1:27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;
How many know that if God gets a hold of our tongue – we’re in good shape?
Let’s keep an open mind today as to what the scriptures teach.
1 Cor 14:1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.
Paul reminds them that they must pursue love in whatever gift that we might have.
4. Objections To Speaking In Tongues
F. "I’ve Heard That Tongues Is Of The Devil?"
"Is It Possible That People Who Speak In Tongues Are Given Over To Satanic Influence?"
Story of Ron Rearick in prison.
Satan will always counterfeit the real in order to stop people from receiving the fullness of Christ.
However, fear of the counterfeit cannot be a proper motivation for the believer. It’s faith not fear that leads me to an experience with the Lord Jesus.
Banks deal with the counterfeit by having their workers become familiar with the real. The same goes with us.
Get to know Jesus and He’ll help you to deal with the counterfeit.
Luke 11:11 "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish?
Luke 11:12 "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
Luke 11:13 "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"
In the protection of God’s love I can be assured that when I ask for the Holy Spirit, that’s exactly what I’ll receive.
Don’t be afraid of the Holy Spirit by the bad experiences you’ve had.
G. People Who Speak In Tongues Are Only Making The Words Up And They Have No Meaning To God Or Anyone Else.
One of the reasons this doubt stumbles so many is a basic misunderstanding of the operations or functions of the Holy Spirit.
He has been given to us as the helper and as an aid. It is God’s gift of support. But He is not the Divine Doer.
The Holy Spirit helps but does not do what God is requesting that you do. God offers assistance, but He will not do anything that removes our responsibility.
Acts 2:4 ? "They spoke in tongues." Not the Holy Spirit.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say the Holy Spirit takes over the believer while He speaks in and experiencing tongues, for then He would be a doer rather then a Helper.
Example – walking in the market and praying in my heavenly language…
A. QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT AND TONGUES
A. "WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING WHEN A PERSON SPEAKS IN TONGUES?
1- First ? according to Acts ? the first disciples who spoke in tongues were telling of the wonderful works of God.
Acts 2:5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
Acts 2:6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans?
Acts 2:8 "And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?
Acts 2:9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
Acts 2:10 "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
Acts 2:11 "Cretans and Arabs; we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God."
Acts 2:12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?"
Acts 2:13 Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine."
They were praising the Lord in known languages. This facet on tongues is evangelistic.
Basically this is with missionary activity but is still happening in the world today.
Example – Costa Rica – “God, save my family.”
2 – Three Things That Take Place When A Person Speaks In Tongues Devotionally
I Corinthians 14:2?4 teaches 3 things are taking place when a believer exercises this gift for devotional purposes:
1 Cor 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.
1 Cor 14:3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
1 Cor 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
B. You are talking to God and not to men.
This is different than that of the Acts account. One is public, the other is more private ? v.2.
This is the problem a lot of people have in dealing with this subject… They don’t know what scripture is for the private use and what is for the public use.
Example of praying in tongues as a police officer/ at the accident on the Silverwood Lake Hwy.
C. You are speaking mysteries. (v.2) This means that He doesn’t know exactly what he is saying.
This is where a lot of people have problems because they want to be in control all the time.
Vs. 14?15 indicates that when a believer speaks with tongues or with his spirit that his understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
1 Cor 14:15 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.
D. Speaking mysteries can mean that I’m participating in the mysteries of God.
As I’m praying or praising in tongues, I’m speaking of things that I have not yet experienced in the life of God.
E. Speaking mysteries can also mean that I’m speaking about some mysteries that have to do with me!
There are lots of things that go on inside of me that I don’t understand.
Romans 8:26-27 says we don’t know how to pray as we ought.
Rom 8:26 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.
Rom 8:27 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. (NKJV)
I am allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede for me. It’s these times that I’m confident that I’m praying according to the will of God.
Example – praying for my children at times.
F. V.4 tells us that when a person speaks in tongues he edifies himself.
In the Greek it means to benefit, prosper, enhance, or build up.
Conflict ? verses 4?5 contrast tongues and prophesy.
1 Cor 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Cor 14:5 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.
Critics say tongues are a weaker gift and it is for weaker Christians.
Am I weak? Yes! Yes! Yes! Because only when I am weak do I depend on the Lord Jesus Christ.
So... I am enlarging myself when I speak in tongues ? "My Spirit is renewed day by day."
G. "WHAT ABOUT THE PUBLIC USE OF TONGUES?”
The public use should be interpreted.
This is a gift that has diminished it seems in the church over years.
We (at NLC) emphasize this use more in our believers service on Wednesday nights rather than at the weekend service.
Keep in mind… there is a difference between a message in tongues with interpretation and just praying in the spirit.
Sometimes when we are praying as a church I pray in tongues quietly or hear someone else praying in the spirit.
1 Cor 14:5 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.
1 Cor 14:6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
1 Cor 14:7 Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played?
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
1 Cor 14:9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
1 Cor 14:10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance.
1 Cor 14:11 Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me.
1 Cor 14:12 Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
1 Cor 14:13 Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
V.32 admonishes us also that any interpretation of tongues must be subject to the prophets in the church.
V.32 ? "The spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets."
Example – Prophecy by woman that I was to marry “Bonnie.” I was only 16 years old.
Verses 15?19 gives a clear distinction of the use of tongues, both privately and publicly.
1 Cor 14:15 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 14:16 Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say "Amen" at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?
1 Cor 14:17 For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified.
1 Cor 14:18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all;
1 Cor 14:19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.
The key is in verses 18?19. When we are in the church services… speaking to communicate is the most important thing.
Paul gives us a balance here when he says "I will pray and sing with my spirit and I will pray and sing with my understanding." BALANCE!
Verses 22?25 indicate that the gift of public tongues is for a sign to unbelievers and prophecy is for believers.
1 Cor 14:22 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.
1 Cor 14:23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
1 Cor 14:24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all.
1 Cor 14:25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.
There is an intangible quality about this supernatural manifestation that works as a sign to the unbelievers.
The unbeliever knows in his inner person that he is being confronted with the very presence of God.
1 Cor 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
1 Cor 14:27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret.
1 Cor 14:28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.
1 Cor 14:29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
1 Cor 14:30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.
1 Cor 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged.
1 Cor 14:32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
1 Cor 14:34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.
1 Cor 14:35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church.
1 Cor 14:36 Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached?
1 Cor 14:37 If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord.
1 Cor 14:38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant.
1 Cor 14:39 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.
1 Cor 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
H. HOW DO I RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
DO I JUST KICK BACK AND WAIT?
In other words… The hearer receives an admonition to passivity. But faith is never "passive.
Faith, and there is no other way to receive the Holy Spirit except by faith, is always active!
The false picture is that if I yield enough? the Holy Spirit takes over me and speaks in tongues through me.
That… I have to get in the right mood –light the candles and turn down the lights , etc.
You don’t have to say anything unless the Holy Spirit gives you something to say!
If you understand that He isn’t going to take over, then you can begin to see that "those words" are going to come through the natural channels or your thought processes.
As you "hear" the syllables say them with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
If my mind is the mind of Christ then the words/ syllables that come to mind are from God and not myself.
Remember, the Holy Spirit is as a dove and is very gently. God isn’t out to make you do or be weird.
It’s not always like you see it portrayed on TV.
Many Christians could speak in tongues right now if they only would speak the words that are in their mind.
I. DO I HAVE TO SPEAK IN TONGUES TO RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?
In the 6 events recorded in Acts, only 3 record of tongues following the gift of the Holy Spirit.
And although there is no record in chapter 9 of Paul speaking in tongues, his testimony later is "I speak in tongues more then you all." 1 Corinthians 4:18
But do I have to speak in tongues?
In other words,, if I am asking this question I’m implying that I want to order from a menu rather then just accepting what the Lord is offering me.
Here is the more scriptural method ? "Jesus, baptize me with you Holy Spirit, I need the fullness of your life. And if that involves speaking in tongues, with your help, I’ll do it.
Conclusion ? Ephesians 5:26 ? "Be filled with the Spirit" ? It is not optional!
J. How Can I Receive The Baptism Of The Holy Spirit
First, you have to have a sincere desire for the infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in John 7:37-39 that if any man thirst for the Spirit, then he would be filled.
Second, you ask God the Father in prayer to fill you with His Spirit.
In Luke 11:13 Jesus said that the “Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.
Third, you receive the Holy Spirit by faith, not feelings.
If you have asked the Father for the Spirit, then you must believe by faith that you have received the Spirit.
Fourth, you begin to worship God in English.
As you overflow in praise and worship God for giving you the spirit, expect to speak in tongues and begin to speak the words that He gives you in your heavenly language.
Fifth, pray and praises in tongues every day to remain filled with the Spirit.
