Category: Tongues

Mature In Christ

7/16/2015

1 Corinthians 14:1-4 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. (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, and exhortation, and comfort. (4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. (KJV)

Paul ended chapter 13 by talking about childish things, and then begins chapter 14 here teaching about love and how to operate in the love of God. Again verse 1 uses the term gifts, which is an added word not in the original text. Everything we have been talking about this week points back to the gift of Christ, and how we as believers can allow His Spirit to manifest through us for our profit. One of the childish things Paul saw happening in the Church was the speaking in tongues and the improper use of it. While many were just rattling off in tongues to the congregation, as I still see going on today, few knew the importance of prophesying; which simply means to speak under the inspiration of the Spirit. Basically what was being asked is, what is going to be the most edifying to the body, speaking words of life that will build up or speaking something that is not understood and of no avail.

1 Corinthians 14:5-6 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. (6) Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (KJV)

It’s not that Paul was forbidding the manifestation of tongues in the Church, it was that he was trying to instruct them on how it was to be done decently and in order; something that would be from the motive of love to build up the Church and not to confuse it. So unless there is an understanding to what is being spoken then there should be nothing said.

Romans 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 groanings which cannot be uttered. (27) 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. (KJV)

The Spirit will pray through you with groanings or utterances, which without an understanding should not be uttered. Though these may be in the form of a tongue or an unknown language to the believer, it is the Spirit within you praying to the Father on behalf of all His people. So unless you’re sure what is being spoken, Paul is saying, it is best to keep it to yourself.

Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (19) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, (20) For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (KJV)

Again, Paul wasn’t forbidding the use of tongues, but rather was teaching them how to effectively operate with a new tongue which is a result of the new heart. Paul knew how to pray and communicate with God, as well as allowing God to communicate His message of salvation back through Him to reveal the mystery of the gospel. His desire was one of love, one to speak boldly, so that it would point the people to God and build them up, giving them an understanding into the mystery of Christ.

1 Corinthians 14:7-12 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? (8) For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (9) So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (10) There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. (11) Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (12) Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (KJV)

Thayer’s definition for barbarian:
915 barbaros-
1) one whose speech is rude, rough and harsh
2) one who speaks a foreign or strange language which is not understood by another.

Again, what is your motive when you come together? If you are trying to impress others then you will be like a barbarian to others, or like someone from a foreign country who is trying to communicate a message that is not discernable. Like verse 12 alludes to, desire Spiritual; something that will build up the Church and not self.

1 Corinthians 14:13-20 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (14) For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. (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. (16) 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? (17) For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (18) I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: (19) Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. (20) Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. (KJV)

If you are unable to interpret a tongue, whether it is in the form of a doctrine or what someone considers knowledge or any other utterance, unless it is done with understanding then they should keep silent. In other words quit acting like a bunch of children with a new toy; if you don’t know how it works you will end up causing more harm than good. Like Paul said, he would rather speak five words that would build up and edify, than sounding off like some auctioneer that makes a lot of noise without any substance.

Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: (4) That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. (KJV)

The most important gift that we can covet and hold to is the gift of Christ, and all that we have access to through His name. For those that are going to mature in Christ and effectively allow the Spirit to manifest through them will be those who have learned how to speak and teach the mystery of Christ from the motive of love. Let’s put away childish things, and come to a loving and mature understanding of God and how He desires His people to operate and speak on His behalf.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now You're Talking

7/13/2015

Mark 16:16-17 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (KJV)

Not only does the Bible tell us about believing and baptism (which by the way were not just talking about the water one, but is now making reference to a spiritual baptism), but it also clearly tells us that we will speak with a new tongue. What you need to realize is that once one is born again into the realm of the Spirit they are transformed, a change of heart if you would, into a new realm, the realm of the Spirit. So being that we are now considered a new creation, old things being passed away, we are now going to be speaking of the things in the new realm, things that pertain to the new creation in Christ. So again, the fact that the tongue is an extension of the heart it would only be fitting to say that you are now and should from this point forward be speaking the things of God, things that are spiritual and will bring life to ourselves and those around us.

Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was 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 all the house where they were sitting. (3) And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)

Those who are being referred to in the above verses are the disciples of the Lord, who were instructed to wait in Jerusalem until they were endowed with the Holy Spirit. What we see first here is what was described in Matt 16:16, baptism, which is not referring anymore to the physical one of water but rather one of Spirit.

Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV)

What we see is an illustration of what the Lord said in the book of John also, that God is a Spirit, and those that were going to worship and reverence Him, which is a description of worship, must do so in spirit and in truth. So the only way that was going to be accomplished was by the pouring out of the Holy Spirit; which the disciples were baptized with spiritually in the day of Pentecost. So once they were filled with Holy Ghost they then began to speak with tongues, and were now able to give utterance as the Spirit led them.

Acts 2:5-8 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. (6) Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. (7) And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? (8) And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? (KJV)

Now rather than make a lot of noise and gibberish as we talked about yesterday, they let the Spirit give utterance in a way that got the message of God across, no matter what group of people were there or what their own native language was. They were able to do things decently and in order, which was building the others up around them rather than putting on a show. Can you imagine how much more effective God could work through you if you let His Spirit have its way, and spoke those things that He wanted spoken? Here is a perfect example of speaking with a new tongue; basically, anytime we speak the things of God are we not also speaking with a new tongue?

Acts 2:9-12 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, (10) Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, (11) Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. (12) And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? (KJV)

Suddenly a bunch of people that were what many considered unlearned and uneducated in the things of God were suddenly speaking about the wonderful works of God. Isn’t that what happened with you as well; suddenly something new happened in the heart and brought new life, and enlightened you to a new realm, something that you just couldn’t help but speak and share with others? So while many limit God and think the only way one is spiritual is if they can speak in a tongue or a language that is not discernable, the simple truth is anyone speaking the things of God in truth are now operating with a new tongue because of a new heart.

John 4:25-29 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. (26) Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (27) And upon this came his disciples, and marvelled that he talked with the woman: yet no man said, What seekest thou? or, Why talkest thou with her? (28) The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, (29) Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ? (KJV)

If you go back and read the whole account you will see a perfect demonstration of our Lord speaking with a new tongue; because Jesus Christ of Nazareth was the first born of all mankind to set the example of how to operate in the newness of life, a life in the Spirit. How effective are your words today; are you speaking words of life and letting the living waters flow though you, or are you limiting God to your own ways and understanding?

Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (16) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (KJV)

From this point forward it’s a matter of learning how to speak the truth of God’s word with the pure motive of love so that the Church can grow up and mature in Christ. Not only have you learned how to edify yourself in the things of God, but you have learned how to speak with a new tongue the words of life which will build up and edify others; now you’re talking.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Mumbo Jumbo

7/10/2015

1 Corinthians 13:1-2 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (KJV)

Ever pick up an instrument when you were younger, or watch a child handle a new instrument, say a guitar or a set of drums? They will strum the guitar or beat away at the drums, which eventually gets to the point of irritation to the listener. The same holds true in the Church as well. There are people who think speaking in tongues makes them more spiritual or something, which is what Paul dealt with and spoke of in the above verses. Now to listen to someone who is trained and practiced with an instrument it can produce a sound that is familiar and easy to listen to, while the flip side can be something loud and boisterous, something or someone that gets old fast, and not pleasant to be around. If our motives for the things that we do are anything other than a pure motive of love, then we too will be nothing more than an instrument that is making sounds but nothing worth listening to. Love means that we are more interested in the edifying of someone else rather than trying to draw attention to ourselves and make ourselves seem so spiritual because we can speak in an unknown tongue.

1 Corinthians 14:7-11 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? (8) For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? (9) So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (10) There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. (11) Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (KJV)

Again we see that when one goes to attend a fellowship of believers, whether it is a Bible study or a church service, you are going there to get built up and edified, not to put on a show. If you want to make a lot of noise and act like a child rather than go to the church service, you would be just as well served to hang out in the day care center with the other younger noise makers, who at least have an excuse. So before you get all caught up in the commotion of trying to prove yourself some spiritual giant, it would do you well to be quick to hear and slow to speak, something that bodes well with any of our daily encounters.

1 Corinthians 14:23-25 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (24) But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: (25) And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. (KJV)

I am kind of jumping around here with the scriptures, but we will get back to the point on this subject. I can tell you for myself and from what others have shared with me over the years concerning an organization they were checking out, nothing turned them off quicker, and quenched the Spirit faster, than having a bunch of childish people rattling off in tongues; because the people doing it were not using wisdom, but rather putting on an outward show.

Thayer’s definition for mad:
3105 mainomai- to rave as a maniac, to be mad, to rave; used of one who so speaks that he seems not to be in his right mind

Is this really the first and possibly last impression one would want to make with someone seeking truth? This would be like going to a foreign film at a theatre and not having any captions to explain the dialogue. How about if you paid to go to a concert and the person that got up on the stage didn’t have a clue how to play an instrument, wouldn’t you be dissatisfied to say the least? So how do you think the so called Christians come off when they act like a bunch of lunatics in the name of Christianity, would it be something our Lord would approve of? If you are motivated by anything other than the love of God, it doesn’t make any difference how much faith you have, or how many scriptures you can rattle off, or how much you think you are accomplishing for the Lord, it’s all for naught unless it is brought forth in love. Greater love has no man than to lay down his/her life for the brethren, fellow believers, putting their needs before your own.

1 Corinthians 12:28-31 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (29) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? (30) Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (31) But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (KJV)

God has set an order in His church, which He describes as the body of Christ. If you are called to be a teacher, don’t try to be an apostle or prophet. Do you have an understanding as verse 30 refers to in the area of tongues or the interpretation of them, or are you just imitating someone else by thinking the more you can speak in tongues and the louder you are, the more others will think you are spiritual? The best gift we can covet and hold to is the gift of Christ, and everything in the above verses is a result of the manifestation of Him. So now it is a matter of learning how to operate effectively in the Spirit so that we can provide the need not only for ourselves, but be able to build up those that are seeking as well.

Proverbs 15:2-4 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (3) The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. (4) A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. (KJV)

The tongue is an extension of the heart; so what is in the heart is what the mouth will speak. Before you act, before you speak something into existence, ask yourself, ‘is this something that is spiritual and will bring life to the hearers, or is it something that is confusing, and rather than lead someone closer to the Lord it will drive them away?’ So if something is not peaceable then it is not of God; and I can assure you that a lot of this mumbo jumbo stuff sounds more like a voodoo chant than something that is going to build up and edify someone.

God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 John 9

Mature In Christ

Now You're Talking

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