Last week, we began a brief look a the gift of tongues, which has been a stumbling block for many who were considering the supernatural gifts of the Spirit. I have visited with a number of individuals who actually attend our church from faith backgrounds that minimized the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Many of them are cautiously open to prophecy and healing and even deliverance but balk at the idea of tongues because to them it seems so “weird.” Actually the word “weird” is defined as unusual, unexpected or not natural. So, tongues, as well as any other gift of the Spirit, qualifies as weird. But the question for most is, “What is the point of tongues?”
Last week we looked at the manifestation of tongues as a human language not known previously by the speaker…such as on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. The advantage of such a gift for evangelism is clear. But what about the manifestation of tongues as a “spiritual language” that is not understood as a human language by anyone? This form is what some have called “ecstatic utterances” and these utterances are directed to God rather than men. Paul says, “For anyone who speaks in tongues does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit” (1 Cor. 14:2).
He goes on to say that we may pray in tongues as well as speak in tongues. “For this reason, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 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 understanding. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding” (1 Cor. 14:13-15). In summary, Paul will command the church to only speak in tongues (speaking to the church), if there is someone present who has the gift of interpretation of tongues. Otherwise, no one is strengthened or encouraged because they have no idea what has just been said and all gifts are given to build up the body of Christ. So why tongues at all?
The value of tongues is found in the phrase, “they utter mysteries by the Spirit.” In other words, it is the Spirit himself who is prompting our utterances. It is the Spirit who is speaking through us or praying through us. Remember in Romans 8, Paul declares, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Rom.8:26). When we speak or pray in tongues, we are stepping aside and surrendering control to the Spirit. We are letting him speak to the church or pray through us. Sometimes, the Spirit is praying for us as we pray in tongues and sometimes he is prompting us to pray for others that the Lord wants to touch. Either way, tongues makes us more sensitive to the Spirit and allows us to practice submitting to him and letting him have his way,
When tongues are interpreted for the church, everyone is built up in the same way a prophetic word for the church builds them up. When we pray in tongues, we are built up personally as the Spirit prays for us and intercedes for us. Paul teaches us that speaking or praying in tongues edifies (builds up, strengthens, encourages) the speaker (1 Cor. 14:4). Jude 20 also suggests that we build ourselves up by praying in the Spirit. So as we speak or pray in tongues, we are “edifying” ourselves. The Greek word is oikodomeo. It means to build as a house, repair, construct, strengthen, promote growth, make more able, or embolden. It appears that as we surrender our mind and tongue to the Holy Spirit, he is doing a work in us that matures, emboldens, and even repairs some things that need his touch.
As we surrender to the Spirit through the gift of tongues, we also experience an intimacy with the Spirit that may come in no other way. We sense his leading and even his emotions as he speaks through us. In doing so, I am more aware of his move at other times. I will also confirm that when I pray in tongues on a regular basis, my understanding of the word increases along with my recall of scripture. My times of praying with the understanding seem more effective and wisdom in counseling seems more readily available. Praying in tongues is a way to actively spend time in the presence of the Spirit so that our anointing increases as well.
There is much more I could say about tongues, but this is sufficient for now. The gift of tongues has a ministry aspect as well as a personal edification aspect. The ministry aspect may not be a gift everyone receives, but I am convinced that God wants each of his children to have the gift of praying in tongues. If you do not have a prayer language (praying in tongues), I would encourage you to seek it. Ask the Spirit to release that gift in you. Ask others who already possess a prayer language to lay hands on you and ask the Spirit to give you that gift. It is the only spiritual gift that is specifically designated to build us up as we exercise it. It is also a gift that requires surrender to the Spirit in a way that aids us in surrendering to him at other times. If you ask for it, but don’t receive it right away, keep asking. In the kingdom, those that are hungry get fed. If you hunger for all God has for you, you will keep asking and he will answer.
Blessings in Him and in His Spirit.