Post by Tom Green on Mar 25, 2007 20:33:55 GMT -5
The Gift of Tongues
The Gift that Divides
Of all the Christian practices, speaking in tongues is second only to baptism in causing divisions in the body of Christ. And ironically, most of the instruction about this subject comes from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians where he was sternly correcting them for misuse of the Spiritual gifts. Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about speaking in tongues.
History of Tongues
Until the episode at the tower of Babel (recorded in Genesis 11), everyone spoke in one language. But by creating that tower, man demonstrated his fallen nature --the desire was to make himself important; --elevating himself; --attempting to become like God. It was there that God took away his influential power by confusing the language which caused divisions between the people.
More ...
What Are Tongues?
The tongues described in the Bible are all known and used languages. Every tongue is a language that has meaning to a people somewhere in the world. None are merely a rambling of gibberish sounds that someone calls a tongue.
More ...
Can Every Christian Speak in Tongues?
Just as God chooses who He wants to be a teacher in the church, He also chooses who He wants to speak in tongues. He doesn't give everyone the same gift. There are many gifts for the many functions of the body of Christ.
More ...
What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts have one, and only one, purpose. They are for the common good of the body of Christ --not for the benefit of the individual. That would only inflate the ego of the one who claimed to have the gift!
More ...
Can It Be Beneficial?
Speaking in tongues can be beneficial, but only if it is used as intended. The purpose of speaking in tongues is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. But we Christians haven't picked up on the fact that God has already determined the specific audience He has targeted for tongues to reach with that gospel.
More ...
What About Praying in Tongues?
There is only one Scripture passage that talks about praying in tongues. For being such a supposedly important gift, it is described as being unfruitful! It has no fruit --no benefit. What more needs to be said? Yet it continues to be flaunted by so many Christians.
More ...
In Summary ...
With only a short time available in church, speaking in tongues isn't the best way to use that time. Rather speaking what the Bible says (prophesying) is much more beneficial to the body. Speaking in a foreign language shows off the speaker's gift because only God understands him.
More ...
Next: The History of Tongues
Put Your Identity In Christ
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 - NIV)
The History of Tongues
Until the episode at the tower of Babel (recorded in Genesis 11), everyone spoke in one language. But by creating that tower, man demonstrated his fallen nature --the desire was to make himself important; --elevating himself; --attempting to become like God. It was there that God took away his influential power by confusing the language which caused divisions between the people.
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel-- because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:4-9)
From that time on, nations have been unable to effectively communicate with each other because of the difference in their languages. However, at Pentecost God broke through the language barrier supernaturally by using the apostles and others to speak in foreign languages they didn't know.
Next: What Are Tongues?
Put Your Identity In Christ
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 - NIV)
What Are Tongues?
The tongues described in the Bible are known and used languages. Every tongue is a language that has meaning to a people somewhere in the world.
Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. (1 Corinthians 14:10-11)
The passage in chapter two of Acts pictures Jews who came from every country under heaven and gathered to listen to the apostles tell about the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the apostles spoke, each man clearly heard and understood the gospel message in his native spoken language --not mere babbling, but in his own familiar language.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (Acts 2:5-11)
We're told in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in tongues is a sign to the unbelieving Jew; and God's purpose was to communicate the Gospel to him. It's to bring the lost Jews to Christ.
In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
Tongues are not for the saved, especially not in their assemblies. In fact, if a lost sinner were to walk in while someone was speaking in a tongue (a foreign language), he would think the whole group to be crazy.
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (1 Corinthians 14:23)
God has provided another way for believers to communicate in their assembly: Prophecy. That's merely speaking what God has told us through His Son. --It's all recorded in the Bible.
But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)
Next: Can Every Christian Speak In Tongues?
Put Your Identity In Christ
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - NIV)
Can Every Christian Speak in Tongues?
Just as God chooses who He wants to be a teacher in the church, He also chooses who He wants to speak in tongues. He doesn't give everyone the same gift. There are many gifts for the many functions involved in building up the body of Christ.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
Ironically, we Christians have made speaking in tongues a big issue, yet it is last in the list of the gifts of the Spirit.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-30)
There are much more important gifts than speaking in tongues, such as administration and helping others. But everyone should desire the greatest gift of the Spirit: To communicate God's love --His good news-- to others.
And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3)
Next: The Purpose of Speaking In Tongues
Put Your Identity In Christ
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 - NIV)
What Is The Purpose of Speaking In Tongues?
Here it is once more --that same 1 Corinthians passage. Notice that it states that spiritual gifts --including speaking in tongues-- have one, and only one, purpose. They are for the common good of the body of Christ --not for the good of the one who has the gift.
Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant ... There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-6)
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Again, spiritual gifts are not just for the good of a particular individual or assembly of believers, but for the good of entire body of Christ. So if you come in contact with a group of believers that focuses its attention on practicing spiritual gifts, you might ask yourself: According to the Bible, are they really using or misusing those gifts?
Next: Can Speaking In Tongues Be Beneficial?
Put Your Identity In Christ
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2:9-10 - NIV)
Can Speaking In Tongues Be Beneficial?
Speaking in tongues can be beneficial, but only if it is used as it is intended. But don't let the desire for it to overshadow the much greater gift --one that can be much more beneficial to the body of Christ-- that is prophesying.
Prophesying is speaking forth God's word. He spoke directly to prophets before Jesus was born. They in turn told others what He wanted them to say. Since that time, He gave us the Living Word --Jesus-- and His life and influence have been recorded in the written word. Now that we have God's written word --the Bible-- we are to speak forth what that it says.
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Remember what we read previously in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22. The purpose of speaking in tongues is to tell the gospel of Jesus to unbelieving Jews. Then what is the purpose of speaking in tongues in an assembly of believers? If there happened to be an unbeliever in the midst, there might possibly be some benefit. But most people there --including the speaker-- won't be able to understand what is being said. According to Paul, it is much better if the body understands what is being said than to speak in tongues.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. (1 Corinthians 14:18-19)
God still has a purpose for men to speak in foreign languages (tongues). Although it is misused in churches today, we aren't to forbid it. God will use it in the way He chooses; and that is to reach His people.
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1 Corinthians 14:36-40)
Paul had a special place in his heart for his country men, even to the point of being willing to give up his own salvation if it could save them. To help to fulfill that desire, Paul instructed us to not forbid communicating the gospel to those lost Jewish brothers through the supernatural use of foreign languages as it was at Pentecost those many years ago. There the gospel was understood by God-fearing Jews from every nation [speaking every language] under heaven. (Acts 2:5)
Next: What About Praying in Tongues?
Put Your Identity In Christ
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - NIV)
Praying In Tongues
There is only one Scripture passage that talks about praying in tongues. For being such a supposedly important gift, it is described as being unfruitful! It has no fruit --no benefit. What more needs to be said? Yet it continues to be flaunted by so many Christians.
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. (1 Corinthians 14:14-17)
If a person is praying in a language that is foreign, then the prayer is not edifying the body of Christ but rather the one praying. And the only one who could possibly understand what is being said (in that foreign language) is God. The prayer doesn't even help to renew the person's own mind. Remember, God has chosen to use tongues as a sign to unbelievers, not to the body of Christ.
For some reason "the tongues of angels" usually accompanies this topic. If there are languages of angels, then angels use them to communicate with each other. It's the same for the languages of men; they are used for communicating with each other. In both cases those languages have real meaning to the hearer and also to the speaker --they are not just gibberish.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Did you notice that the emphasis in this passage? It is the single passage mentioning the tongues of angels. And the emphasis is not on speaking in tongues --not angel's or any other kind. It's on communicating God's love through the interactions of our lives with others rather than through the many --and often empty-- words we speak.
Next: Summary
Put Your Identity In Christ
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 - NIV)
In Summary ...
With only a short time available in church, speaking in tongues isn't the best way to use the time. Rather speaking what the Bible says (prophesying) is much more beneficial to the body. Speaking in a foreign language shows off the speaker's gift because only God understands him.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:2-5a)
He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? (1 Corinthians 14:5b-6)
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? (1 Corinthians 14:7-8)
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. (1 Corinthians 14:9-11)
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. (1 Corinthians 14:12-14)
Even if there is an interpreter present, its better by far to tell others what God has taught you and how it has made a difference in your own life.
Next: Top of Tongues
Put Your Identity In Christ
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 - NIV)
The Gift that Divides
Of all the Christian practices, speaking in tongues is second only to baptism in causing divisions in the body of Christ. And ironically, most of the instruction about this subject comes from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians where he was sternly correcting them for misuse of the Spiritual gifts. Let's take a look at what the Bible has to say about speaking in tongues.
History of Tongues
Until the episode at the tower of Babel (recorded in Genesis 11), everyone spoke in one language. But by creating that tower, man demonstrated his fallen nature --the desire was to make himself important; --elevating himself; --attempting to become like God. It was there that God took away his influential power by confusing the language which caused divisions between the people.
More ...
What Are Tongues?
The tongues described in the Bible are all known and used languages. Every tongue is a language that has meaning to a people somewhere in the world. None are merely a rambling of gibberish sounds that someone calls a tongue.
More ...
Can Every Christian Speak in Tongues?
Just as God chooses who He wants to be a teacher in the church, He also chooses who He wants to speak in tongues. He doesn't give everyone the same gift. There are many gifts for the many functions of the body of Christ.
More ...
What Is the Purpose of Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts have one, and only one, purpose. They are for the common good of the body of Christ --not for the benefit of the individual. That would only inflate the ego of the one who claimed to have the gift!
More ...
Can It Be Beneficial?
Speaking in tongues can be beneficial, but only if it is used as intended. The purpose of speaking in tongues is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus. But we Christians haven't picked up on the fact that God has already determined the specific audience He has targeted for tongues to reach with that gospel.
More ...
What About Praying in Tongues?
There is only one Scripture passage that talks about praying in tongues. For being such a supposedly important gift, it is described as being unfruitful! It has no fruit --no benefit. What more needs to be said? Yet it continues to be flaunted by so many Christians.
More ...
In Summary ...
With only a short time available in church, speaking in tongues isn't the best way to use that time. Rather speaking what the Bible says (prophesying) is much more beneficial to the body. Speaking in a foreign language shows off the speaker's gift because only God understands him.
More ...
Next: The History of Tongues
Put Your Identity In Christ
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 - NIV)
The History of Tongues
Until the episode at the tower of Babel (recorded in Genesis 11), everyone spoke in one language. But by creating that tower, man demonstrated his fallen nature --the desire was to make himself important; --elevating himself; --attempting to become like God. It was there that God took away his influential power by confusing the language which caused divisions between the people.
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building. The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel-- because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. From there the LORD scattered them over the face of the whole earth. (Genesis 11:4-9)
From that time on, nations have been unable to effectively communicate with each other because of the difference in their languages. However, at Pentecost God broke through the language barrier supernaturally by using the apostles and others to speak in foreign languages they didn't know.
Next: What Are Tongues?
Put Your Identity In Christ
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3 - NIV)
What Are Tongues?
The tongues described in the Bible are known and used languages. Every tongue is a language that has meaning to a people somewhere in the world.
Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. (1 Corinthians 14:10-11)
The passage in chapter two of Acts pictures Jews who came from every country under heaven and gathered to listen to the apostles tell about the gospel of Jesus Christ. When the apostles spoke, each man clearly heard and understood the gospel message in his native spoken language --not mere babbling, but in his own familiar language.
Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (Acts 2:5-11)
We're told in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in tongues is a sign to the unbelieving Jew; and God's purpose was to communicate the Gospel to him. It's to bring the lost Jews to Christ.
In the Law it is written: "Through men of strange tongues and through the lips of foreigners I will speak to this people, but even then they will not listen to me," says the Lord. Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. (1 Corinthians 14:21-22)
Tongues are not for the saved, especially not in their assemblies. In fact, if a lost sinner were to walk in while someone was speaking in a tongue (a foreign language), he would think the whole group to be crazy.
So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (1 Corinthians 14:23)
God has provided another way for believers to communicate in their assembly: Prophecy. That's merely speaking what God has told us through His Son. --It's all recorded in the Bible.
But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!" (1 Corinthians 14:23-25)
Next: Can Every Christian Speak In Tongues?
Put Your Identity In Christ
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - NIV)
Can Every Christian Speak in Tongues?
Just as God chooses who He wants to be a teacher in the church, He also chooses who He wants to speak in tongues. He doesn't give everyone the same gift. There are many gifts for the many functions involved in building up the body of Christ.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
Ironically, we Christians have made speaking in tongues a big issue, yet it is last in the list of the gifts of the Spirit.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:27-30)
There are much more important gifts than speaking in tongues, such as administration and helping others. But everyone should desire the greatest gift of the Spirit: To communicate God's love --His good news-- to others.
And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3)
Next: The Purpose of Speaking In Tongues
Put Your Identity In Christ
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7 - NIV)
What Is The Purpose of Speaking In Tongues?
Here it is once more --that same 1 Corinthians passage. Notice that it states that spiritual gifts --including speaking in tongues-- have one, and only one, purpose. They are for the common good of the body of Christ --not for the good of the one who has the gift.
Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant ... There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-6)
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:11)
Again, spiritual gifts are not just for the good of a particular individual or assembly of believers, but for the good of entire body of Christ. So if you come in contact with a group of believers that focuses its attention on practicing spiritual gifts, you might ask yourself: According to the Bible, are they really using or misusing those gifts?
Next: Can Speaking In Tongues Be Beneficial?
Put Your Identity In Christ
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. (Colossians 2:9-10 - NIV)
Can Speaking In Tongues Be Beneficial?
Speaking in tongues can be beneficial, but only if it is used as it is intended. But don't let the desire for it to overshadow the much greater gift --one that can be much more beneficial to the body of Christ-- that is prophesying.
Prophesying is speaking forth God's word. He spoke directly to prophets before Jesus was born. They in turn told others what He wanted them to say. Since that time, He gave us the Living Word --Jesus-- and His life and influence have been recorded in the written word. Now that we have God's written word --the Bible-- we are to speak forth what that it says.
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:1-3)
Remember what we read previously in 1 Corinthians 14:21-22. The purpose of speaking in tongues is to tell the gospel of Jesus to unbelieving Jews. Then what is the purpose of speaking in tongues in an assembly of believers? If there happened to be an unbeliever in the midst, there might possibly be some benefit. But most people there --including the speaker-- won't be able to understand what is being said. According to Paul, it is much better if the body understands what is being said than to speak in tongues.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. (1 Corinthians 14:18-19)
God still has a purpose for men to speak in foreign languages (tongues). Although it is misused in churches today, we aren't to forbid it. God will use it in the way He chooses; and that is to reach His people.
Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1 Corinthians 14:36-40)
Paul had a special place in his heart for his country men, even to the point of being willing to give up his own salvation if it could save them. To help to fulfill that desire, Paul instructed us to not forbid communicating the gospel to those lost Jewish brothers through the supernatural use of foreign languages as it was at Pentecost those many years ago. There the gospel was understood by God-fearing Jews from every nation [speaking every language] under heaven. (Acts 2:5)
Next: What About Praying in Tongues?
Put Your Identity In Christ
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 - NIV)
Praying In Tongues
There is only one Scripture passage that talks about praying in tongues. For being such a supposedly important gift, it is described as being unfruitful! It has no fruit --no benefit. What more needs to be said? Yet it continues to be flaunted by so many Christians.
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind. If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? You may be giving thanks well enough, but the other man is not edified. (1 Corinthians 14:14-17)
If a person is praying in a language that is foreign, then the prayer is not edifying the body of Christ but rather the one praying. And the only one who could possibly understand what is being said (in that foreign language) is God. The prayer doesn't even help to renew the person's own mind. Remember, God has chosen to use tongues as a sign to unbelievers, not to the body of Christ.
For some reason "the tongues of angels" usually accompanies this topic. If there are languages of angels, then angels use them to communicate with each other. It's the same for the languages of men; they are used for communicating with each other. In both cases those languages have real meaning to the hearer and also to the speaker --they are not just gibberish.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Did you notice that the emphasis in this passage? It is the single passage mentioning the tongues of angels. And the emphasis is not on speaking in tongues --not angel's or any other kind. It's on communicating God's love through the interactions of our lives with others rather than through the many --and often empty-- words we speak.
Next: Summary
Put Your Identity In Christ
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 - NIV)
In Summary ...
With only a short time available in church, speaking in tongues isn't the best way to use the time. Rather speaking what the Bible says (prophesying) is much more beneficial to the body. Speaking in a foreign language shows off the speaker's gift because only God understands him.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. (1 Corinthians 14:2-5a)
He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? (1 Corinthians 14:5b-6)
Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? (1 Corinthians 14:7-8)
So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a foreigner to me. (1 Corinthians 14:9-11)
So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church. For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. (1 Corinthians 14:12-14)
Even if there is an interpreter present, its better by far to tell others what God has taught you and how it has made a difference in your own life.
Next: Top of Tongues
Put Your Identity In Christ
And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 - NIV)