I believe in the spiritual gifts. This includes the gift of tongues, and the gift of interpretation. Many think that to speak in tongues is to rattle like a clanging cymbal. Others believe that not speaking in a tongue is to miss the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This article will not argue the point of baptism by the Holy Spirit. This occurs once, at the moment of salvation, and never again. However, in every Christian’s life, there is an ongoing and ever present infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Speaking in a tongue is not the evidence of salvation, though it may accompany the miracle. . It is the changed heart of a sinner that evidences the power of Christ given salvation in our lives. Now, on to a discussion of what is expected of those who speak with the gift of tongues.

“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost,” (1-Corinthians 12: 3)

I don’t like religion. I reject denominational pride. And I despise petty arguments. Thus let no one infer more to this letter than what is stated. I am neither defending nor opposing any specific division of Christian worshippers. I merely write what I am given to write.

In 1-Corinthians, chapter 12, verse one the word “Now” is used to mark a stepping forward into the writer’s next subject of interest. In specific, Paul is now opening Christian minds to a Holy Ghost inspired explanation of spiritual gifts, their values, and how each can fit into the workings of the body of Christ. He does this so that men will not be ignorant concerning these matters.

In verse two, Paul reminds his Corinthian readers, and us, of how men permit dumb idols to excite their flesh. Although not described in detail, we can understand (by the content of verse three) that this carnal frenzy includes a senseless uttering of sounds. A modern day football game releases the same delirium. When a team of carnally charged players rushes onto the turf, helmets raised and waving, wild and ludicrous chants hot on their tongues; they are carried away by their idols. And fans look on, also becoming involved, also being carried away by the storm of the flesh. This is Paul’s intent of understanding.

Now this is not a statement that condemns football. It is a statement that worship is not a sport, nor a Beatles music festival, or a coliseum tractor-pull. Paul is merely reminding us that worship is a time for order and self-control.

Thus when the Corinthian Christians began to display an uncontrolled use of the gift of tongues, many (and of a certain those who had not received this particular gift) must have questioned the sincerity of those who uttered such seemingly unintelligent words. They were worried about deceivers. How is one to know what is truth and what is self-glory. Perhaps those who made claims of revelation from God were in fact delivering false messages. For this reason, Paul wrote the words in verse three. Let it be certain that those who speak from the Spirit of God speak earnestly.

The following paraphrase does this scripture much justice:

“But now you are meeting people who claim to speak messages from the Spirit of God. How can you know whether they are really inspired by God or whether they are fakes? Here is the test: no one speaking by the power of the Spirit of God can curse Jesus, and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” and really mean it, unless the Holy Spirit is helping him,” (1-Corinthians 12:3, The Way, 1974).

At this point, Paul steps into a discussion of the other gifts of the Spirit. Be certain that he will later condemn such uncontrolled use of this gift of tongues (chapter 14). But note also that the Spirit uses this same chapter to make command that women keep silent in the churches (14:34). Now if we will live by the letter of the law, let us not try to rearrange the words of verse 34 so that ladies may have a higher authority. To hinder one verse is to hinder every verse. This means that God has never used the written word as a taskmaster, but rather as a schoolteacher. If we will walk in the Spirit, we will live by the thoughts and intent of the word, thereby pleasing God by having a bible balance that can adjust to any unique situation.

Though I often pray in the Spirit, and on occasion interpret, I find much immaturity and pride in those who are quick to speak in an uncontrolled manner. Be it that of a tongue not interpreted, or be it words of distinct meaning but lacking wisdom, foolish talk is foolish talk.

Yet to be complete, we must look at the end of this particular discussion. In chapter 14:37-40, Paul includes a comment that we are not to forbid the speaking with tongues. Now I understand that this is to be taken in light of the previous discussion. Yet I also know the personal and spiritual value of praying in a tongue. By opening myself to the voice of angels so that the Spirit of God can better plea my cause before the Father, I have seen the doors of great comfort and strength flung open wide. I received this gift in a service that some might conclude was out of control. I would that everyone could get a little wild for God.

Grace, mercy, and peace in the blessed name of Jesus our Lord.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About The Author:

Hi, rmharrington here

Thank you for reading my articles and stories. My goal is to glorify God, lift up the name of Jesus, and to provide quality-reading material.

Read how to “Building Bible Faith One Wrong Door At A Time” (www.jobshopesolutions.com/index.php?page=article&article_id=21465).

Or

How to be free from anxiety disorders (www.jobshopesolutions.com/index.php?page=article&article_id=22812).

Thank you again.