GOD
… Reconciling the world unto God …
The Scripture used throughout this study is quoted from the King James Version. Any explanatory insertions by the author within a Scripture verse are enclosed in brackets [ ]. |
© 1996 by Vincent C. Finnegan
P.O. Box 3098, Latham NY 12110, USA
Speaking in Tongues
On Pentecost the supernatural manifestation of speaking in tongues confounded the multitude at Jerusalem. Almost 2,000 years later some people are still troubled in mind regarding speaking in tongues. What is speaking in tongues? Does God want me to do this? Do I have the ability? Why are some able to speak in tongues while others seemingly cannot? How is it to be used? Perhaps the biggest question: How do I speak in tongues? These are some of the many questions people ask.
God’s Word makes known to us all things that pertain to life and godliness (II Peter 1:3). Regarding the spiritual matter of speaking in tongues, as well as all the manifesta tions of holy spirit, God specifically and pointedly states: “Brethren, I would not have you ignorant” (I Corinthians 12:1). God wants us to know, and He clearly states in I Corinthians 14:5, “I would that ye all spake with tongues.”
The most comprehensive teaching Jesus Christ gave his disciples about the gift of holy spirit, which they would receive after his passion, is recorded in the gospel of John chapters 14 through 16. We will focus on one specific, shocking statement he made.
John 14:12:
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
We can do the works he did and greater! As his teaching continues, it informs us the gift of holy spirit is that which will enable us to do great works. At the time he spoke, the disciples would have to wait until Pentecost to be empowered. Since Pentecost, no one ever has to wait again because the holy spirit is now readily available to all who believe. After his resurrection and before his ascension, he spoke often about holy spirit and the power with which it would enable men.
Luke 24:49:
And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
The “promise” of the Father was to be “endued with power from on high.” The word “endued” means to be clothed with, transfused, or endowed with. “Endow” means to furnish or equip gratuitously. We are transfused with power from on high.
This power comes with the gift of holy spirit.1 This power is so powerful that we are able to do the works Jesus Christ did and more. We have power! Every born-again believer is completely endued with power from God. As Christians we do not need to pray for more; we have no deficiency. We need only to learn to use that which we already have.
We have the ability and authority to speak in tongues as well as many other supernatural evidences.
Mark 16:17 and 18:
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.
On the day of the ascension Jesus Christ again taught about holy spirit and the power it would bring.
Acts 1:4 and 5:
And, being assembled together with them, com manded them that they should not depart from Jerusa lem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
In Luke the promise of the Father was to “be endued with power from on high.” Here in Acts the same promise is referred to as to be baptized with the gift of holy spirit. With the gift of holy spirit comes power enabling us to be witnesses unto Him.
Acts 1:8:
But ye shall receive power, after [when] that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
The first time in history that the gift of the new birth spirit was given was on Pentecost in the temple at Jerusalem.2 The twelve apostles were together in the temple for the early hour of prayer. The spirit was given sometime between 6:00 and 9:00 a.m. The promised power they manifested was speaking in tongues.
Acts 2:1-4:
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The events of this Pentecost made it a grand and highly significant day. Acts 2:1 says, “when the day of Pentecost was fully come.” From the fall of man in Genesis chapter three till Pentecost, God made provisions to accomplish that which began on this great day. These plans included the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of His son, Jesus Christ. Because of Christ’s accomplishments, the redemption of man was complete. For the first time in history, God could have children born-again of His spirit, filled with power from on high. The dynamic significance of the words “fully come” can only be grasped by understanding the entire scope of the Bible. The Old Testament and Gospels were all pointing towards this day, and now the day had arrived. “When the day of Pentecost was fully come” is a very powerful state ment.
God is God! He is all powerful and could have done whatever He pleased on this notable day. I suppose if He wanted, He could have rattled the whole planet and yelled, “Hallelujah! Look what’s happening at the temple!” We may never understand that which He could have done, but that which He did is clearly written so that we may know.
Acts 2:4:
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The first time in history when people were filled with the gift of holy spirit THEY SPOKE IN TONGUES. The Spirit, God, gave them the utterance, and each man spoke in tongues. This was the first time but absolutely not the last. The original outpouring given on Pentecost sets a precedent for that which God wants every time someone is born-again. Some things which happened were unique and were never repeated, such as the “cloven tongues like as a fire” recorded in verse three. However, throughout the Book of Acts we see the usual procedure for all those born-again was to evidence this supernatural manifestation.
The Book of Acts recorded the unfolding of the Christian church in the first century. Cloven tongues like as of fire is never repeated, nor is it even spoken of again. However, speaking in tongues was common to all those who were born again. The cloven tongues were a one-time sign, whereas speaking in tongues is the continuing sign to those who manifest. God gives speaking in tongues as evidence in the sense’s realm of the internal presence of the holy spirit. When a person speaks in tongues, he knows that he is born again because he has undeniable, supernatural proof.
On Pentecost thousands were in Jerusalem to honor the feast of Pentecost. When people heard the apostles speak in tongues, news spread quickly, and multitudes congregated at the temple to see and hear about the supernatural manifesta tion. The apostles, now filled with and manifesting power, spoke boldly about Jesus Christ and his resurrection. Their words pierced the hearts of those listening to the degree that they yelled out, “What shall we do?” Peter responded.
Acts 2:38 and 39:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
All who received that day were Israelites in background, yet the promise was to “all that are afar off ” which included the Gentiles. In Acts 10 the Gentiles finally received holy spirit.
God honored the prayers and alms of Cornelius, the Roman centurion. In a vision he received instruction to send for Peter the apostle. At the same time, Peter also received a vision preparing him to go to Cornelius’ house. He received this vision three times because going to the Gentiles was totally unacceptable to him. Peter obeyed and went to Cornelius’ house. He took six Judean brethren with him who then became witnesses of the Gentile’s conversion.
When Peter arrived at Cornelius’ house, he was received by very meek people who wanted to hear “all things that are commanded thee of God” (Acts 10:33). Peter held forth the message of salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ. As he spoke, the Gentiles believed and manifested the same power that Peter did when he believed.
Acts 10:44-46:
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed [the six Judean brethren] were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God …
The undeniable proof that the Gentiles were born again was speaking in tongues. Nothing else would have convinced the Judean brethren of their conversion.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
When Paul arrived at Ephesus he asked the disciples if they had manifested holy spirit. They told him that they had only known John’s baptism. He then told them about Christ and the baptism of holy spirit.
Acts 19:5 and 6:
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Paul himself spoke much in tongues. We know this from his statement in I Corinthians.
I Corinthians 14:18:
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Speaking in tongues was so common in the first century that when someone did not manifest tongues, it stood out as odd. In Acts chapter eight, Philip led the Samaritans to the new birth, but they did not automatically speak in tongues. Peter and John came all the way from Jerusalem because of this unusual occurrence. When they arrived, they prayed for the Samaritans that they might receive holy spirit into manifestation.
They laid hands on them, and they did receive into manifestation. This we know because Simon, the converted sorcerer, saw the power received. The only way he could have seen was evidence in the senses world, their speaking in tongues.
Jesus Christ had told his disciples that they would be endued with power when the holy spirit would come. He had told them they would speak in tongues, and on Pentecost they did for the first time. The Book of Acts clearly shows God’s intention for every person born again to operate his or her God-given supernatural power by speaking in tongues.
Manifestation of the Spirit
The most comprehensive teaching on spiritual matters provided in the seven Church Epistles is contained in I Corinthians 12 through 14. The first verse reminds us that this section is written to the brethren, those born from above, filled with the spirit.
I Corinthians 12:1:
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
Words that are italicized in the authorized King James Version of the Bible were added in translation to help the reader’s comprehension. However, at times these words wrongly influence the meaning and mislead the reader. Such is the case with the word “gifts.” “Spiritual” (pneumatikos) means spiritual matters. This section is concerning spiritual matters which include gifts but also much more than gifts.
God does not want us ignorant concerning spiritual matters, but He acknowledges that man has the freewill choice to remain ignorant. The section ends in I Corinthians 14:38 by saying: “If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Certainly God wants us to be meek to His Word and change, but if we choose to stay ignorant, He will honor our freewill decision, however stubborn. Regrettably, the Church today has great ignorance regarding these very important spiritual matters.
In Corinth, those who were previously Gentiles worshiped dumb idols because that is how they were led.
I Corinthians 12:2:
Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
Few seem to go further than they are led. These Gentiles, as many people today, had wrong understanding pertaining to speaking in tongues and consequently were saying wrong things.
I Corinthians 12:3a:
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed …
“Speaking by the spirit of God” is speaking in tongues. They were saying, as some do today, that speaking in tongues was cursing Jesus. God says no! Then, He immediately clarifies.
I Corinthians 12:3b:
… and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
When a person speaks in tongues, he has proof in the sense’s realm that Jesus Christ is his Lord. Someone must have the spirit in order to speak in tongues. The only way to receive the spirit is to have Jesus as Lord.3 Speaking in tongues is the outward manifestation in the senses’ realm of the internal presence of holy spirit. Therefore it is proof that Jesus is your Lord.
When we speak in tongues, we know that we know that he is our Lord and never have to doubt it again. This was undeniable proof for the apostles in Acts 2, for the Judeans with the Gentiles in Acts 10, for the twelve at Ephesus, for Paul and the Samaritans. Speaking in tongues starts a wonderful chain reaction of confirmation in the believers’ minds. As we speak, we have proof that the holy spirit is within, which means Jesus is our Lord, which means we are God’s sons, which means we are His heir and joint heirs with Christ and will be glorified together with him.
Romans 8:16 and 17:
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint- heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
The chain goes: speaking in tongues — holy spirit — Lord Jesus — God’s sons — God’s heirs — joint heirs with Christ — glorified together.
Many Christians are never really sure if Jesus is their Lord. Doubt, worry, anxiety, and condemnation are all too prevalent because they lack the proof that speaking in tongues provides. When you speak in tongues, you never again have to doubt God’s promises for you.
When they referred to “speaking by the spirit of God” as calling “Jesus accursed” (I Corinthians 12:3), they were very much off the mark as God quickly informed them. Speaking in tongues is the greatest assurance the Christian has that Jesus is Lord.
Speaking in tongues is one of nine manifestations given to every believer with the gift of holy spirit. Corinthians emphatically communicates that each believer has the same gift of holy spirit and is therefore endued with power and authority to operate all nine manifestations.
I Corinthians 12:7-11:
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
This section begins by saying “manifestation of the spirit is given to every man” and concludes by saying “one and the selfsame spirit dividing to every man.” Every believer has the same gift and power. However, not everyone utilizes that which he has received since all manifestations are operated by the freewill choice of each believer. They are divided or distributed to every man severally as he, the man, wills. “Severally” is idios meaning “his own,” “ ...to everyman severally [his own] as he [the man] will.” The reason many Christians do not operate speaking in tongues and the other manifestations is either they do not know that they are available or do not know how to use them. The deficiency is a matter of ignorance or willingness, not spiritual ability. Every Christian has the God-given ability to speak in tongues.
Verse 7 tells us the spirit is given to every man; verses 8-10 tell us the same spirit enables us to operate all nine manifestations; and verse 11 says “one and the selfsame spirit” emphatically communicating that every believer has the spirit with the God-given abilities and right to operate all nine manifestations. If a person does not speak in tongues, the reason is not due to lack of ability!
Speaking in the Church
Speaking in tongues is a supernatural communication that God enables man to do and which is directed back to God.
I Corinthians 14:2:
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man under- standeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
The italicized words “unknown” and “him” should be omitted to gain proper translation. When a person speaks in tongues, he does not understand the words he is speaking. Someone else may understand, but the person speaking never understands. On Pentecost others understood the apostles, but the apostles themselves did not. If the one speaking under stood the words spoken, they would be from a known language and not speaking in tongues.
When we are born-again, we receive the gift of holy spirit. God, Who is Spirit, gives the utterance to the holy spirit within us which is manifested forth as we move our mouth, tongue, throat and speak. God gives the utterance as we speak and not before nor after; but rather at the precise moment we act, the utterance is there.
The Corinthian Church had a great zeal for spiritual matters, but often lacked wisdom on how to operate the power correctly in the Church. All the manifestations have a proper way to be used. Everything done in the Church must be decent and in order with the purpose of edification of the Body. Their zeal had overshadowed the proper use of speaking in tongues. They were speaking out loud in the Church without interpreting, which is wrong according to I Corinthians 14. Remember italicized words were added in translation and pneumatikos means spiritual matters.
I Corinthians 14:1-3:
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual [pneumatikos] gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understand eth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edifica tion, and exhortation, and comfort.
Speaking in tongues is speaking to God, not men. Prophesying is speaking to the people words which edify, not to God, but for God. Prophecy in the Church is more proper than tongues because it edifies the hearers while tongues edify the individual speaking only.
I Corinthians 14:4:
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
God wants every believer to speak in tongues. However, in the public church meeting, He prefers that we prophecy unless we also interpret.
I Corinthians 14:5:
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.
Each manifestation has its own unique profit. Speaking in tongues is designed to edify, build up, the individual speaking. Prophecy and speaking in tongues with interpreta tion are messages from God in the language understood by the listeners. These messages edify, exhort, and comfort.
Therefore, speaking in tongues is to be used in an individual’s private life, not in the Church, because it is unprofitable to the Church. When the Church is gathered together, the most important concern should always be the edifying of all those present. If you want to speak in tongues in the Church, then learn how to interpret.
I Corinthians 14:13:
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
Speaking in tongues is praying in the spirit.
I Corinthians 14:14:
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
The reason the understanding is unfruitful is that speaking in tongues is a language of men or angels (I Corinthians 13:1) which is never understood by the person speaking. Verse two in I Corinthians 14 says, “for no man understandeth....” If tongues were an understood language, it could have been learned by one’s own intellectual abilities. The speaking in tongues is not understood by the speaker himself because the utterance is given by God and, as such, is supernatural.
We have the choice either to speak in tongues when we pray or pray with our understanding.
I Corinthians 14:15:
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.
Speaking in tongues is perfect prayer but is profitless prayer to others when given in the Church without interpreta tion because they do not understand. Though speaking in tongues is giving thanks well, it should only be used in our private prayer life.
I Corinthians 14:16 and 17:
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?
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
Paul thanked God that he spoke with tongues more than the whole Corinthian church, but explained that, in the Church, speaking in a language understood by all is more proper.
I Corinthians 14:18 and 19:
I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
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.
Answers
God’s Word has clear and simple answers to the questions we have about speaking in tongues if we will study it. The Bible should be our only reference for truth regarding this important subject matter because this is the way God chose to inform us. People’s opinions and theories are meaningless and often only confuse those who want to know the truth.
What is Speaking in Tongues?
Jesus Christ prophesied that Christians would do the works that he did and greater works because he was going unto the Father (John 14:12). He elaborated later that these works would include speaking in tongues (Mark 16:17). Jesus Christ did not speak in tongues; therefore, it is part of the greater works of which he spoke.
Jesus Christ said the promise of the Father was to be baptized with the holy spirit (Acts 1:5) and to be endued with power from on high (Luke 24:49). Also he told the apostles they would manifest this power when the holy spirit was come upon them (Acts 1:8). This happened on Pentecost, and that which they manifested was speaking in tongues. Therefore, speaking in tongues is the outward manifestation in the senses’ realm of the internal holy spirit.
The events on Pentecost set the precedent for receiving the holy spirit which followed throughout the times of the Book of Acts. When people accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and believed God raised him from the dead, they were saved. With salvation came the gift of holy spirit and the manifesta tion of speaking in tongues.
When Peter finally reached out to the Gentiles in Acts chapter 10, the Judean believers were very skeptical and even critical. When the Judean leadership challenged Peter, he said, “What was I, that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11:17). The indisputable evidence to them of God’s acceptance of the Gentiles was they spoke in tongues. This proved to them that the Gentiles were indeed born-again. They conceded, saying, “...Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life” ( Acts 11:18). Speaking in tongues is the unde- niable and indisputable proof in the senses’ realm of the internal presence of holy spirit.
As we consider what speaking in tongues is, I Corinthians 14:2 must be examined again.
I Corinthians 14:2:
For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man under- standeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mys- teries.
Speaking in tongues is communication from God and to God, not to men. The person speaking does not under stand that which he is speaking. Speaking in tongues is speaking mysteries.
Does God Want Me to Speak in Tongues?
The evidence throughout the Book of Acts provides clear proof that God wants all His children to speak in tongues. I Corinthians 14:5 plainly states, “I would that ye all spake with tongues....” This manifestation was not something man invented. This is something God Almighty, our heavenly Father, implemented and commanded us to do. Many have the opinion that speaking in tongues should not be done. We all have to decide if we believe God’s Word or something else. If speaking in tongues were not noted so often in the Scripture, perhaps people would have grounds to excuse it, but this is not the case. Why do we not just accept the Word of God as being the will of God?
Do I Have the Ability?
Speaking in tongues is one of the nine manifestations given to every believer, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” Every born-again believer receives the same, exact spirit with identical abilities to operate the power. No one receives less; no one receives more. If you have the spirit, you have the ability to operate all nine manifestations. Look at how many times God shows us that we all have the ability because we have the same spirit.
I Corinthians 12:7-11:
But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
We all have the ability to speak in tongues because we all have the same spirit with its inherent power.
Why Does Not Everyone Manifest?
Although God does not want His children ignorant of spiritual matters, He acknowledges some do choose to be so. I Corinthians 14:38 says, “But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” God has given every man free will, and He never violates this privilege. God will not force anyone to be enlightened or to operate manifestations.
If God forced people to do His will, they would not be doing it lovingly. Always, of utmost importance is love. “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” (I Corinthians 13:1). Love is available only when one operates free will. All the manifestations are done by the individual’s choosing, “dividing to every man severally [idios - his own] as he will. Speaking is tongues is always man’s freewill choice.
What is the Profit of Speaking in Tongues?
Each manifestation of the spirit has its own unique profit. The reason we were given nine manifestations and not eight or ten is because God gave us all we needed with the nine. If we say we do not need one of the manifestations, we are implying God does not know what He is doing. If we should say we need more than nine, we imply God has ill-equipped us. God gave nine manifestations because we need the profit each brings to our lives. Speaking in tongues provides profit to the believer’s lives that the other eight do not. To discount this manifestation as “unimportant” would be foolishness. The following are some of the many benefits of speaking in tongues.
- Speaking in tongues gives us the ability to worship God in spirit and truth. Jesus Christ told the Samaritan woman in John 4:24 that man’s ability to worship God was going to be greatly enhanced when the spirit was given. He said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
- The goodness of God to man is unfathomable. His grace, mercy, and kindness are unspeakable. If, with every breath, we utter thanks to Him, our words would still fall so very short of that which He deserves. With our limited vocabulary, we are hindered from properly articulating thanks and praise; however, God has assisted us in that speaking in tongues is giving thanks well (I Corinthians 14:17).
- Praying is a vital part of Christian living. Speaking in tongues gives us
the means to expand our ability to pray. We then have the added choice to pray
with the spirit. We may speak in tongues or pray with our understanding.
I Corinthians 14:15:
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.Often we do not know for what to pray. Speaking in tongues gives us the ability to make perfect intercession for ourselves and others.
Romans 8:26 and 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.
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. - The holy spirit living within our human vessels has profound impact. When
we exercise the spirit by speak ing in tongues, we edify ourselves.
I Corinthians 14:4:
He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself … - Speaking in tongues is speaking the wonderful works of God (Acts 2:11).
- Speaking in tongues is magnifying God (Acts 10:46).
- Speaking in tongues gives proof we have the gift of holy spirit, which proves Jesus is our Lord (I Corinthians 12:3). Speaking in tongues also provides evidence we are God’s children and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16 and 17).
Am I Worthy to Speak in Tongues?
No man of himself is worthy of any of the things of God. However, through the accomplished work of Jesus Christ, God has made us worthy. Everything that we are in Christ is by God’s wonderful grace to us.
Ephesians 2:8-10:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
God created holy spirit in us, enabling us to operate the manifestations of the spirit. We now have the ability; therefore, we are now able to operate. We are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Operating manifestations are a part of the good work God wants us to do!
How Do I Speak in Tongues?
The only requirement is to have absolute trust and confidence in God to the degree we act on His promise. He will not disappoint you.
Luke 11:9-13:
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
God wants you to manifest and has enabled you to do so. Ask, Seek, and Knock, and He will absolutely respond!
Right now you can stop, pray to your loving, heavenly Father, and ask Him to help you manifest His power. Ask Him to help you speak in tongues. “How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
Jesus Christ gave his disciples some instruction which we too can follow on how to receive into manifestation. “...he breathed on [the text says “in”] them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22). He showed them to breathe in and that is exactly what they did on Pentecost. They breathed in and breathed out. Then they moved their lips, tongue, throat and spoke the wonderful works of God.
Remember, Acts 2:4 says that they began to speak as God gave them utterance. By their freedom of will, they did the mechanics of speaking, and simultaneously God gave the utterance. The utterance did not come to their mind before they spoke or seconds afterwards. At the exact moment they moved their lips, God gave the utterance.
God parted the Red Sea for Israel, but not until the people moved forward. When they sat on the shoreline thinking about it, complaining, telling God to operate first, nothing happened. God said, “Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward” (Exodus 14:15). The moment they went forward, God parted the waters. Likewise with speaking in tongues, you must trust God enough to act; and when you act, so will He. God cannot and will not make you speak. You must do the speaking, and He will give the utterance.
When the twelve saw Jesus Christ walking on water, only Peter asked if he could join him. The Lord said to come! Peter then proceeded forward, acting on the promise of God given by Jesus Christ. Do you know what happened? The waters held him up! He believed, he trusted, and he acted.
We do not need to doubt God’s will for our speaking in tongues. We have seen clearly and emphatically written that we have the ability and God wants us to do so. We have no reason to beg God, just ask. There is no reason to fear or doubt, just trust. Be still and know that God is God!
Ask Him to help. He will!
Breathe in deeply. Open your mouth wide, and then breathe out. As you do, move your lips, tongue, and throat, and speak! God will give the utterance.
There is no magic formula. In the records in Acts the twelve apostles just spoke. The Gentiles with Peter began speaking while he was teaching. In Acts 19 the twelve disciples spoke in tongues and prophesied immediately. You have no limitation except yourself. Your education, experi ence, religion, past beliefs, age, gender or anything else does not qualify or eliminate you from speaking. God has given you the ability with the gift of holy spirit.
When you start to speak, do not stop, rather keep on speaking. At first, you may only say a few words, but one word in tongues is speaking in tongues. If you can do one word, you can do 10,000 words. As you use the mechanics of speech differently, your tongues vocabulary will expand, and you will produce different words.
Peter walked on water, but when he started to consider with his sense-knowledge reasonings, he fell in. In like manner, if you allow yourself to be distracted by your senses, you may also sink. Do not allow sense-knowledge to rule over trust, confidence, and faith in your Father.
Just keep on speaking the wonderful works of God.
Footnotes:
1 God is called Holy Spirit. The gift He gives to those who believe is also called holy spirit. The only way to distinguish the Giver, God, from His gift is by the context. The word “ghost” is the same Greek word “pneuma” translated spirit. The word “ghost” today has a wrong connotation, so the author will use the word “spirit” only.
2 Pentecost was an annual feast when the Judeans were required to visit the temple at Jerusalem.
3 Romans 10:9: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Source: http://www.bibelcenter.de · E-Mail: editor@bibelcenter.de
Last changed: 01.01.1970