Speaking in Tongues

The Spiritual Gift of Speaking in Tongues

In 1 Corinthians 12:1 Paul said that he didn’t want people to be unaware of spiritual gifts.  Unfortunately, when most people hear “spiritual gifts,” speaking in tongues is what comes to mind.  Also, “filled with the spirit” is not equivalent to “speaking in tongues.”  In fact, Paul and Jesus were FULL of holy spirit, and neither spoke in tongues at that time; and we have no record of Jesus ever speaking in tongues.  (Acts 9:17-19, Luke 4:1)

I have been asked, “Do you want more of the spirit?”  What Christian would not want more of God’s spirit in their life?  I want everything that God has to give me!  In fact, I have prayed earnestly for not only the gift of tongues if they are available, but for the gift of healing as well.  I am sad to say that I have never healed anyone, raised a dead person, or spoken in tongues.

(Before I go much further, I would like to say that just because I don’t speak in tongues, does not mean that I am a cessationist.)

Unlearned Languages

 So, what are “tongues?”  The word that is translated as “tongues” means languages.  In the context of Scripture, it refers to an “unknown” or “unlearned” tongue/language.

In 1 Corinthians 12 the gift of tongues is ONE of the variety of gifts given.  Paul also says that all gifts come from the same spirit.  There are a variety of ministries and effects, but the same God gives them to all persons.  And, each given manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good (of the church).

Spiritual Gifts are Given to Edify the Church

In 1 Corinthians 14 we are encouraged to pursue love and desire earnestly spiritual gifts.  We are to especially desire the ability to prophesy, so we can edify, teach and comfort the brethren.

Paul tells us that there are many languages in the world and he reminds us that none are without meaning.  If speech isn’t clear, then it has no benefit and is “speaking into the air.”  We are reminded again that we should seek to use the gifts that edify the church.  Those gifts are called “greater gifts.”

Paul exhorts the Corinthians that if they would speak in unlearned languages and not have an interpretation, then their minds are unfruitful.  He said that he would rather speak only a few words that people understood, than thousands in a tongue that nobody understood.

Paul also told us that tongues are for unbelievers, not for edifying the church, unless the message from God was interpreted.

Biblical Tongue Speaking

 Most churches that claim to “speak in tongues,” do not follow biblical rules in exercising them.  Paul emphatically tells the church that all people who have a gift, control that gift.  If, tongues are spoken, only 2-3 people should speak (and not all at once), and if there is no interpreter, they should remain silent.  God is not a God of confusion or disorder, and everything done in the church must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

Paul ends with a rhetorical question, and this question tells us that not all Christians have all the gifts. This is unlike some churches that say all Christians should speak in tongues.   Another false teaching is that all believers have all nine gifts all the time.  (1 Corinthians 12:29-31)

Why is speaking in tongues so enticing?  Why do so many long for this “lesser” gift?

Unfortunately, many people seek the experience.  They like the emotions and feelings.  If we are feeling down and just hum a tune, the heaviness lifts and we feel better.  We all like to have good feelings and uplifting emotions.

There are two groups of tongue speakers.  One group agrees that some abuse the gift of tongues, that is, how they speak in tongues and “experience the spirit.”

The second group is like those who pursued the Toronto Blessing.  Their tongue speaking mimics what is seen in other religions that claim to speak in tongues.  Often, they seem “possessed” by some spirit and do crazy things, like barking, laughing, passing out and running around the room.  These things are not biblical and the spirit that fills them is definitely not from God.

The question then arises, if as Paul says, there is only one spirit behind the gifts.  How can one claim that the second group just “abuses” the gift when how they are acting is clearly not biblical?  Perhaps it is not abuse of God’s spirit, but some other spirit in their lives?

We must diligently test the spirits of everything that we see and hear.

But how can we make the distinction as to what is from God and what is not?  How can we know if it is from God, if it is fake, or if it is demonic?

We must evaluate any teaching we hear or any other gift that is practiced in the name of Jesus.  This can be evaluated by first testing if the person speaking or doing miracles has sound biblical doctrine.  We are also warned and told to test the spirits because many people are deceived by miracles.  Many are misled by emotional experiences, as well.  Even if someone raises a dead person, we must first ask ourselves if that person believes, preaches and practices solid biblical doctrine.

(On a side note, there is a difference in having the gift of healing (which is immediate healing), and someone being healed by God through prayer.)

After evaluating if sound biblical doctrine is behind the gift, then we look at the fruit in the person’s life.  Are they becoming more like Jesus and does their spiritual gift minister to the body of Christ, or is it for personal gain or show?

Speaking in tongues, is it God?

Even if you hear of a spiritual revival going on, you must test the spirit behind it.  If God is pouring His spirit out on someone or some ministry in an extraordinary manner, His truth must certainly be evident in their message.

So, the question should always be, “Is it God?”  The main test is in 1 John 4:1-3.  We are to see if the person acknowledges Jesus coming in the flesh, meaning, do they acknowledge Jesus as the human messiah.  Does the speaker acknowledge Jesus as the son of God, not God the son?

The One God of Israel is not the same god as the “one” triune god.  Both cannot be true, and both cannot be God.  If the spirit and spiritual gifts are given from the One God, they cannot be given by the other god.  And they certainly cannot be said to be by the same spirit.

If YHWH is pouring His spirit out in a trinitarian church and giving them the gift of tongues, don’t you think that He would give them words of truth so that they would know that He alone is God, as He emphatically states throughout Scripture?  That would be a much greater prophetic word than “everything will be OK and Jesus loves you.”  Can you imagine if someone spoke this truth and it was interpreted?!  Maybe they would listen.

Seeking the Supernatural

Unfortunately, many are led astray by the supernatural because they desire greatly to experience something.  If we look at books, movies and games on the market today, we see that people long for the supernatural.

If we claim to be a Christian, we must desire God and His truths more than a supernatural experience or an emotional encounter.  In the end, we will experience the greatest supernatural event of all time, resurrection from the dead to immortality!