Speaking In Tongues Edifies The Speaker
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
The Bible says when we speak in tongues, our spirit prays, but our mind is unfruitful . So, when we talk about being edified by praying in the Spirit, we arent talking about our mind being edified. It is our spirit that receives the edification.
So, what is the benefits of the spirit being edified?
The book of Jude has the answer. Jude reveals to us that we build ourselves up in our most holy faith and that we keep ourselves in the love of God.
Using The Gift Of Tongueshow When And Why
When I shared my experience of speaking in tongues with a friend, headvised me to use the gift in three scenarios only:
Over the years, Ive realised the immense wisdom in this piece ofadvice. Ive also repeated it to others who received this gift. To clarifyfurther, heres my take on how we can use the gift of tongues:
Personal Prayer
Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one whoprophesies edifies the church.
So, we understand that the primary benefit or purpose for the gift oftongues is personal edification.
When we speak in tongues, we build ourselves up. Predominantly, we usethis gift in personal prayer.
However, St. Paul also states an exception to this: The one whoprophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unlesssomeone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Heres where another gift of the Holy Spiritinterpretation of tongues comes in. If someone has it, then there are times when a prophecy can also come out in tonguesfor the interpreter to speak out the meaning. In such instances, tongues can edify the community too. Therefore, St. Paul encourages us to pray for the gift of interpretation alsoif we want to use it in public church .
Praying Together
We use the gift of tongues with or without interpretation as a communityif all or most of the people present have the gift.
Why?
Praying Constantly
Was The Miracle At Pentecost One Of Speaking Or Of Hearing
I believe the realty of this gift from God will allow us to speak languages that people have not yet learned as a means of proclaiming the gospel.
There is, however, a question as to whether tongues are found as an existing foreign language.
Was the gift one of speaking or of hearing or both?
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 that each of us hears them in his own native language?
Acts 2:6-8
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What Does The Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues 25 Inspirational Bible Verses
Speaking in tongues is a common experience among Christians, whether they have grown up in the church or are just beginning their faith journey. The truth is that most Christians have no idea what it means to speak in tongues, how to do it or even if they should be doing it.
It is in some instances a controversial subject. Some people believe that it is no longer valid, while others believe that it should be practiced by everyone. Still others have never heard of the practice at all but are curious about what the Bible says about speaking in tongues.There are many Bible verses about speaking in tongues. If youre not sure whether you should be speaking in tongues or want some background information on this topic, heres a quick look at 25 Bible verses about speaking in tongues.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
But you, beloved, building yourselves upin your most holy faithand praying in the Holy Spirit.
For by people of strange lipsand with a foreign tonguethe Lord will speak to this people.
And divided tongues as of fire appeared to themand rested on each one of them.
the whole church comes togetherand all speak in tongues,and outsiders or unbelievers enter,will they not say that you are out of your minds?
Should All Believers Speak In Tongues
Since the Holy Spirit gives the gift of tongues to whom he decides, as well as any other gift, then every Christian will not speak in tongues. It is, therefore, not necessary to believe that you, as a Christian, must speak in tongues to show a level of spirituality, acquire power from God, etc.
1 Corinthians 12:2830 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
Why not teach that all believers should work miracles, have the gift of healings, have the gift of administrations, etc.? Why isnt there more teaching on healing or how to have faith in the church? Instead, people put their focus on a false doctrine that is easy to fabricate. Anyone can start speaking gibberish and say they are speaking in tongues or a prayer language, and then interpret it any way they want.
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The 3 Types Oftongues
1. Angelictongues
Angelic tongues are also referred to as heavenly tongues they are tongues of the Angels or of heaven.
1 Cor 13:1 If I speakin the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love
This is the tongueAngels speak in heaven remember we will be like the Angels in heaven thus speaking in Angelic tongues is a shadow/taste of heavenon earth.
Angelic tongues are used to speak only to God and that isthe tongue Paul the Apostle of Jesus was speaking of saying,
For he who speaks in atongue does not speak to men, but to God. Indeed, no one understands him he utters mysteries in the Spirit
Even yourself you do not know what you are saying in Angelictongues
1 Cor 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding unfruitful
Because Angelic tonguesare for you to speak only to God, the Holy Spirit will only enable you to speakin an Angelic tongue when in secret, in prayer, for our God is in secret and wedo not pray as the heathens
You cannot be in public, speaking to men and you speak inangelic tongues that is a lie!
Even when Angels are send to humans to speak to them, theydo not speak in Angelic tongues but in a tongue you understand, the tongues ofmen.
A human being has no control of Angelic tongue but they areonly under subjection of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who takes overyour tongue at His Will, appropriate time and place for you to speak only toGod.
2. Tongues of men
The tongues of men are from God God is the creator
Use For Tongues: Empowerment
We find the three explicit occasions in the Bible when the Holy Spirit comes upon them in power from on high and gives His people tongues.
At Pentecost:
They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 2:3-4
The Gospel goes to the Gentiles:
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.
Acts 10:44-47
On the Disciples at Ephesus:
In these verses, we find specific terms used to describe this work of the Holy Spirit.
- At Pentecost, they were filled with the Holy Spirit
- The Gospel goes to the Gentiles, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message
- The Disciples at Ephesus, the Holy Spirit came on them
These are the terms that describe the way the Holy Spirit works.
The first time the Holy Spirit falls on a person in connection to being called to witness and service, may be called a Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
We also may call this experience:
- Receiving the Holy Spirit
- Being filled with the Holy Spirit,
- The Holy Spirit falling upon a person.
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Differences Betweenangelic Tongues And Demonic Tongues
1. Repetitions
God hates repetitions for He is not deaf and when speakingin Angelic tongues you cannot speak in repetitions
Demonic tongues are full of repetitions and chantings
2. Spoken publicly
Angelic tongues are for you to speak secretly only to God
Demonic tongues are publicly used for fame, pride, prestige,envy, show-off, boasting, etc
3. Not fluent and with flaws
In the same manner you speak tongues of men fluently andflawlessly, so do you speak angelic tongues under the Holy Spirit, but this isnot so with demonic tongues.
Demonic tongues are not fluent, full of repetitions, same words, same sentences and full of flaws
4. Spoken by people with no fruits of the Holy Spirit at all
Angelic tongues are spoken by those in Jesus, Baptized withthe Holy Spirit, thus fruits of the Holy Spirit are manifested in them
Demonic tongues are spoken by those without the fruits ofthe Holy Spirit, the wicked, blasphemous, hypocrites, those who deny the Powerand fight it, godliness with no power, etc.
When indeed you havethe Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you can identify a demonic tongue from milesaway
What is spoken in majorityof churches today in the name of speaking in tongues is demonic tongues
Unless a person isdelivered, many speaking in demonic tongues cannot know its demonic a prisonerknows no freedom
Jesus is coming
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Is It A Private Prayer Language
Christians debate about whether one aspect of speaking in tongues is for a person to pray to God on their own in a private prayer language. Many of those who practice this find it to be a meaningful way of connecting with God when their words elude them. While this is certainly something that God can do, I personally do not believe this is what is referred to in Scripture. Instead, Scripture refers to people being led by the Spirit to speak a real known language in a setting that allows others to hear and benefit from it. On top of this, all gifts are given for the common good , in order to build up the body of Christ. This is not accomplished through someone practicing a gift in private. That said, I dont discourage people from this practice if they have found it meaningful. While I dont see the practice being taught in Scripture, I certainly dont see it forbidden in Scripture.
Is It For You
Why speak in tongues? Apart from being the unmistakeable and personal evidence of having received the Holy Spirit, and apart from its use in meetings of the Church, speaking in tongues has further personal benefits.Paul the Apostle spoke of his personal prayer life in this way: I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also . The context makes it clear that praying with the spirit is him speaking in tongues in his prayer life. In the last of the letters to the early church in the Bible, Jude, having opened his letter with talk of the common salvation they enjoyed, gives this advice to the Church during a period when false teachers were infiltrating it: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost . You must be filled with the Holy Spirit to pray in the Holy Spirit. The advice was to spend time praying in tongues that they may be built up in their faith.Some cant see the benefit. But Paul the Apostle was glad that he spoke in tongues. So are we. Rather than rely on religious opinions, ask God to confirm your believing, with signs following. Its about having the full experience of God and his blessings.
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When Did Paul Receive The Gift Of Speaking In Tongues
Paul declares, I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you .
When did Paul receive the gift of tongues?
Was it when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus?
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?
Who are you, Lord? Saul asked.
I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.
Acts 9:3-6
Or was it when Ananias laid hands on him and prayed that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.
Placing his hands on Saul, he said, Brother Saul, the LordJesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming herehas sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Immediately, something like scales fell from Sauls eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized
Acts 9:17-18
There is no reference in Scripture for the gift of tongues to be a part of Pauls initial experience of the infilling with the Holy Spirit.
I know it is an argument from silence, but there is a possibility that Paul received this gift of speaking in tongues sometime later.
All we know for certain is that Paul declared he spoke, prayed, and sang in tongues.
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And These Signs Shall Follow Them That Believe In My Name Shall They Cast Out Devils They Shall Speak With New Tongues They Shall Take Up Serpents And If They Drink Any Deadly Thing It Shall Not Hurt Them They Shall Lay Hands On The Sick And They Shall Recover
How to speak in tongues bible. Firstly, what does it mean to speak in tongues in the bible? 1 corinthians 13:8 | view whole chapter | see verse in context charity never faileth: And if i have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if i have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, i am nothing.
What the bible says about tongues. The holy spirit is the one who gives us gifts and. And there are varieties of service, but the same lord
Here is the practical application of the general rule just laid down to the exercise of the gift of tongues. Here are the 30 most important bible scriptures on speaking in tongues. When believers speak to god.
Opponents of tongues cannot give a solid biblical argument against speaking in tongues, because the bible is for speaking in tongues, not against it. Praying & speaking in the spiritual gift of tongues: They will lay their hands on the sick, and.
if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with Many churches and denominations have different opinions on the gift of speaking in tongues. In my name they will drive out demons
In the same manner you speak tongues of men fluently and flawlessly, so do you speak angelic tongues under the holy spirit, but this is not so with demonic tongues. They will speak in new tongues Our tongues can be the most difficult thing to control and leave us with great regret if we use our words to hurt.
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God Does Not Control Your Mouth To Speak In Tongues
Lets look at a couple verses that prove this point.
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Notice in these two verses it was the believer who does the speaking. Paul said in the first passage, I will pray. It has to be your will to pray in tongues. The Holy Spirit only guides the words coming out of your mouth, He does not control them.
God is not a God who controls. He will never take over your body and make your mouth move. If He did this, you could not possibly be in faith.
Faith is cooperation with God, and it requires action , and remember nothing can please God but faith .
If you wish to receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues see the article titled, Baptism in the Holy Spirit .