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Speaking in Tongues by Richard Wayne Fry, Overseer Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Copyright © 1990 by Richard Wayne Fry, Overseer Published by POLITIC. Printed in the United States Of America. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system or database, or translated into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, photocopying, recording, manual, or otherwise, or disclosed to third parties without the express written consent of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Making copies of any part of this publication for any purpose other than your own personal use is a violation of United States copyright laws. A MYSTERY SPEAKING IN TONGUES Few topics found in Scripture have generated as much controversy, misunderstanding, and error as speaking in tongues. I have spoken with many people who have no idea what the Bible says about speaking in other tongues, yet they believe wholeheartedly what someone tells them about that subject. It seems inconceivable that the church should have remained ignorant about speaking in tongues as long as it has. However, it is my desire to help set the matter straight and to get people fully operating in what God has given to his children. In our examination of the Scriptures as they relate to speaking in tongues, we will be taking a systematic approach as opposed to merely jumping from one thought to the next. That way we will come to understand this subject the way God intended for us to understand it. Old Testament Prophecy To begin the study of speaking in tongues it seems best to seek out its origin in scripture; an obscure passage at 1 Samuel 10:5-12 which relates to Saul the king. After that thou shalt come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall come to pass, when thou art come thither to the city, that thou shalt meet a company of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they shall prophesy: And the Spirit of the LORD will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And let it be, when these signs are come unto thee, that thou do as occasion serve thee; for God is with thee. And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do. And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets? And when he had made an end of prophesying, he came to the high place. It is significant to note that, in association with prophecy, God says Saul would, ". . . be turned into another man." While this by no means is to be taken as a proof of speaking in tongues, it certainly does become the cornerstone for speaking in tongues, "as another man." Although the Old Testament prophets never spoke in tongues, they knew of activities which were associated with ecstatic behaviors. Yet the prophet Isaiah foretold of speaking in tongues. Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. Isaiah 28:9-11 Here we see part of the criteria for giving and receiving knowledge, i.e., being mature (weaned from milk and drawn from the breast). We also observe that giving and receiving knowledge is done a little at a time. The next thing we see here is the bold declaration of God that he will speak to his people, "with stammering lips and another tongue." I think this will rule out the idea that anyone who speaks in tongues is operating under the power of Satan. Speaking in tongues is not demonic. God said HE would speak to his people using tongues. Therefore, it is in our best interest to not equate this move of God as being synonymous with a work of Satan. The First Utterance Isaiah had no idea what God meant by stammering lips and another tongue; no one knew. But one day a small group of people in an upper room began to do as Isaiah had prophesied, and they spoke with stammering lips and another tongue (Acts 2:4). Many people have spoken with stammering lips and another tongue since those first utterances in the upper room. This should not be surprising since Jesus said those who believed in him would demonstrate that belief by speaking with new tongues (as another man?), Mark 16:17. The first occasion of speaking in tongues was not an event unto itself. The careful reader will observe that immediately prior to everyone in the upper room speaking in tongues, they were first baptized in the Holy Ghost (filled with the Holy Ghost). Jesus had promised only ten days ago (Acts 1:5) that the baptism of the Holy Spirit would occur. Acts 2:4 is only the first occurrence of speaking in tongues, it is not the first occurrence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist, his father, Zachariah, his mother Elisabeth, and Jesus Christ were all baptized with the Holy Ghost, but not one of them ever spoke in tongues. The Nature of Tongues The nature of tongues is supernatural, or, to restate, speaking in tongues is supernatural in its origin. Everyone who spoke in tongues, in every Biblical account, was a born again believer (Mark 16:17) who had been baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; 10:45-47; etc.). This is a clear indication that only those who are in submission to the supernatural power of God will speak in tongues. Notice, also, that the one hundred twenty souls in the upper room were not speaking in tongues during their ten day wait for the baptism of the Holy Ghost, even though they were born again. They had to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit before they could speak in other tongues. Speaking in tongues is a supernatural work which cannot occur until the baptism of the Holy Ghost has been received. First the baptism of the Holy Ghost, then speaking in tongues. However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a supernatural event which, except for a few Old Testament occurrences as cited above, cannot take place until Jesus Christ is confessed as Savior and Lord. First the born-again experience, then the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All references to being filled with the Spirit, that are prior to the day of pentecost, are Old Testament fillings and are not to be considered as part of the Church Age; therefore, those accounts could not include speaking in other tongues. From this we see that speaking in tongues is the child which issues from the marriage of the born-again experience and the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Tongues, therefore, is the supernatural act arising from the supernatural events of salvation and Holy Spirit baptism. While the nature of tongues is supernatural, the operation of tongues is quite natural. The Operation of Tongues The gift of speaking in tongues is seen to operate in two distinct ways: personal and corporate. Though these two operations are distinct, they may often be seen to overlap in varying degrees. I will say more about this later on. Both of these operations are made manifest through the natural vehicle of speech. This may seem a bit of an overstatement, but many people who are baptized in the Holy Spirit are not SPEAKING in tongues. People who have been baptized in the Holy Spirit, but do not speak in tongues, sometimes get the idea that the Holy Spirit will come upon them and "cause" them to speak out in tongues. This idea could not be farther from the truth. The Holy Spirit does not MAKE us speak in tongues, he simply gives us the utterance to be spoken. I can still recall how I used to sit with my mouth opened, eagerly waiting for the Holy Spirit to come upon me and USE me to speak in tongues. Oh, I was very clever about it. I would sit with my hand over my mouth (so no one would see how foolish looked) and wait for the MIRACLE OF GOD to speak the heavenly language through this humble and willing vessel. I expected him to move my lips and mouth and MAKE the utterance come out. I suppose I am the only person in the entire history of Christian humanity who has ever pulled that stunt. Many times I have helped people to realize their error in this area by using two illustrations which I will share with you now. First, I have the person read 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. Once they have read this verse of scripture, I ask them to tell me who was doing the speaking. At this point I get nearly an even split; one half opting for the people; the other half for the Holy Spirit. I have those who choose the Holy Spirit reread the verse, pointing out that THEY were filled with the Holy Ghost AND BEGAN TO SPEAK. Those who were filled with the Holy Ghost are the ones who spoke in tongues, it was the Holy Spirit who gave them the utterance. To further press the point, I run through a short dramatization with the individual as follows. I have the person be himself, while I pretend to be the Holy Spirit. I tell the person to repeat after me, then I recite a well known nursery rhyme, such as Mary Had A Little Lamb. When we have completed the exercise, I ask the person, "Who was doing the speaking just now?" The reply is always that they were doing the speaking, of course. The next question is, "Where did you get the words to speak?" They respond that the words came from me, the pseudo Holy Spirit. This is precisely how speaking in tongues works, with one variation. The Holy Spirit puts the utterance in our spirits, not in our heads. When the Holy Spirit places the utterance in our spirit we speak that utterance out in a very natural fashion by using our tongue, larynx, diaphragm, and lips. This becomes the foundation of the second dramatization. I tell the person to recite the nursery rhyme again, but this time, they are not to use their tongue, larynx, diaphragm, or lips when they speak out. The result is always the same, the most beautiful silence anyone could ask for. I then explain that therein lies the reason for their failure to speak in tongues - they are not speaking at all. They have not been going through the motions of generating the sounds of speech which always results in SILENCE. When they do not speak in tongues automatically, they assume they are the one who does not get to speak in tongues as they have been given to understand by pastor Don T. Rocktheboat from 1 Corinthians 12:29-30 (more on this fallacy later). It simply cannot be overstated: the supernatural gift of speaking in tongues is realized through the natural gift of speech. A GIFT THE PURPOSE OF TONGUES I mentioned earlier that tongues have two distinct modes of operation: personal and corporate. Much confusion has been triggered because people do not understand that simple fact. We will now examine the two operations of tongues and, hopefully, understand the purposes for each operation. Personal Operation The first operation of tongues we will look at is the personal operation. The first purpose of this operation of tongues is to be a sign. Mark 16:17; And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; A Sign You should have no trouble seeing that the first purpose for speaking in tongues is a sign of being a believer in Jesus Christ. But tongues is even more of a sign than that. The early church recognized speaking in tongues as the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:16-18; 10:46; 19:6), and they did so with good reason. Only those who were baptized in the Holy Spirit spoke in tongues. Indeed, speaking in other tongues was the initial evidence of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Personal Prayer & Edification The second purpose for personal prayer and edification tongues is for edification. Jude 20 tells us:
Here we see those who speak in tongues are built up or edified in the area of their faith by speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:4 is even more directly stated. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Speaking in tongues edifies the speaker, but not the hearer. Prophecy edifies both the speaker and the hearer. You will recall Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Since faith comes by hearing the word of God, it would stand to reason that speaking in tongues would have to incorporate the word of God if it was going to increase us in the area of our faith. Tongues do exactly that. Tongues are used to speak the perfect will of God directly to God. I'm sure we can all agree that God's word is his will. 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. 27 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. Romans 8:26-27 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 1 Corinthians 14:2, 4 The Holy Spirit gives us the perfect will of God. In these two passages we see that the Holy Spirit, in giving us the utterance to speak out in tongues, gives us the perfect will of God concerning the situation for which we are praying. We also see that speaking in tongues is not to be understood by men, as it is an utterance directly to God (speaketh not unto men, but unto God). A Creative Force In 1 Corinthians 14:2 we see that when we pray in tongues, we speak creative mysteries to God. First we create the result in the spiritual realm, then we pray in the understanding so the result can become a reality in the physical realm. The book of Job gives us insight into this dual expression of tongues. And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! The reason God's tells us to pray for the understanding of our utterances in other tongues is of far greater importance than just "knowing" what we have spoken. When we confess something in the spiritual language, it becomes a reality in the spiritual realm. But you cannot cut your cake with a spiritual knife. Job 11:6 Once we have used the power of speaking in tongues to create what we need, we must (or someone else must) speak it out in the natural world so God can make it a physical reality. When we first speak out in tongues to create what we need or want, those things belong to God. The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29 When God gives us the interpretation, we speak out in the understanding so God can give that creation to us in the physical, natural realm, where we can use it to glorify him. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:7 And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3 That which you created will destroy the works of the devil! Intercession The final purpose for personal prayer and edification tongues is intercession, as seen in Romans 8:26-27. 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. This is the best way to intercede for someone; to pray in tongues, thereby praying the perfect will of God for the person or situation we are making intercession. We all have friends and loved ones whom we pray for on a regular basis. But what are we supposed to do when a situation arises in which we have no idea how we should pray or what we should pray for? Tongues is the answer! Praying in tongues goes right to the heart of the issue by declaring the perfect will of God over the situation. Tom and Pam are having problems in their marriage relationship. You have noticed the strain on their marriage, but you do not know why it is there. In short, you do not know what you should pray for as you ought. The best thing to do is to pray in tongues and allow the Holy Spirit to make intercession according to the perfect will of God. I know of nothing better to speak than the perfect will of God. Left to your own, you may pray that Bob be more understanding of Pam, or that Pam stop picking at Tom, when the real problem in the marriage is neither one of them is spending time in the word of God or prayer. I suppose the most vivid experience of intercessory prayer in tongues took place in the middle of the night several years ago. Normally I sleep like a log, and waking up is a process which takes me several minutes. One night while I was asleep, I sat up in the bed, wide awake. From the moment I opened my eyes I had a vision of a very small child before me. The child was obviously dying from malnutrition. I did not know whether to pray for food, for a healing, for deliverance, or for a miracle. Since I did not know what to pray for, I prayed in tongues. After about twenty minutes I knew that the child had received the benefits of my petition. Personal prayer and edification tongues never requires interpretation because it is always personal, and it is always directed to God alone! You are edified, and you did not intend for anyone else to join in on the prayer or the edification. Corporate Operation The second operation of tongues may be seen as the corporate operation, or the charismatic gift of speaking in tongues. The function of corporate tongues is the same as the function of personal tongues. A Sign The first purpose of the charismatic gift of speaking in tongues is exactly the same as the first purpose of personal tongues; to be a sign to non believers who may happen to be present in the church service (1 Corinthians 14:22). Edification of the Church The second purpose for the corporate use of speaking in other tongues is edification. Paul makes a distinction between personal prayer and edification tongues and the charismatic gift of tongues in chapters 12-14 of 1 Corinthians. The charismatic gift of tongues is NOT for PERSONAL edification! Apparently there was nearly as much turmoil over tongues in the early church as there is today. But the revelation Paul gives us is enough to quash any misunderstanding provided we listen to what Paul has told us. It is both interesting and necessary to observe Paul's use of the words Body, Come Together, Church, and Members in these three chapters of 1 Corinthians. The number of instances is as follows:
It becomes obvious that Paul is using the assembled church body as his context; not people in their personal lives. It is necessary that you see this as being true in order for you to understand Paul's discourse in these chapters. Paul stresses the fact that we (all together) are the (one) body of Christ in the following verses: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 17-20, 25-27; 14:19, 23, 26, 28, 33. The key to understanding the purpose of the CORPORATE operation of tongues is found in 1 Corinthians 14:12. Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. You may recall the person who speaks in tongues edifies himself because no man understands him! When someone is going to speak in tongues in the assembled church body, the utterance must be accompanied by an interpretation; so the entire body may be edified; not just the speaker! Personal tongues, therefore, edifies the speaker only, but the charismatic gift of speaking in tongues is for edification of the entire body. The only way to bring understanding to the entire body, when an utterance in tongues has been brought forth in the assembly, is to have the interpretation of that utterance brought forth as well. This has the net effect in the assembly of a word of prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:5). Keeping in mind that 1 Corinthians 14:12 is the key to understanding the purpose of the corporate operation of tongues, let's take a look at some of the verses of scripture in the fourteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians to see what does, and what does not, edify the entire church body. VERSE 2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. This cannot edify the entire church body because no man understands JUST speaking in tongues. One must interpret if the entire body is to be edified. VERSE 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Edification is one of the primary functions of prophecy; therefore, it does edify the entire church body. VERSE 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. Clearly, speaking in an unknown tongue only edifies the person who does the speaking. This definitely does not edify the entire church body. But speaking a word of prophecy, in the common language of the people, does serve to edify the entire church body. VERSE 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. Speaking in tongues and having that utterance interpreted is the same as a word of prophecy because everyone is edified. VERSE 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. As we just saw, tongues, when accompanied by interpretation serves to edify the entire church body. VERSE 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. Tongues does not edify the church body, but it does serve as a sign to the unbeliever. Prophecy is not a sign to the unbeliever, but it does edify the assembled church body. VERSE 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. If there is no interpreter, then there is no means for the entire church body to be edified. Yet Scripture does not command that the man remain entirely silent; he is only told not to speak before the church a singular utterance in tongues. This verse plainly states, ". . . let him speak to himself, and to God." He is to keep his utterance in tongues at a level which will not disrupt the flow of the service, yet continue to speak in tongues directly to God. You will no doubt wonder why there are people who pray in tongues, and even sing in tongues in the assembled church, but no interpretation is ever given. The answer to this question is not as difficult as you might think. Personal prayer and edification tongues are used to speak directly to God (1 Corinthians 14:2). In a church assembly, where people are praising and worshipping God, praise and worship is always offered to God alone. Since tongues are used to speak directly to God, there is no need for an interpretation to be given for the use of tongues during praise and worship. Likewise, when someone is praying in tongues during the church service, it is directed to God, and need not be interpreted. In both situations there are usually many people singing or praying at the same time, so that no one voice is distinguishable from another. It must be understood that any
utterance in tongues which is a singular utterance, obviously understood as being for or
to the entire assembly, must always be accompanied by an interpretation so all may be
edified. OBJECTIONS There are a number of people who reject the current reality of both the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in other tongues. People have two major objections to speaking in tongues today. The first objection hinges upon the idea that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit passed away with the last of the apostles. The second objection is that tongues are not for everyone. I will discuss these two objections in light of what Scripture has already declared to us. Passed Away With the Apostles There are several reasons why people believe the gifts and baptism of the Holy Spirit passed away with the last of the apostles; however, for the sake of brevity, I will focus my attention on what I consider to be the most publicized reason. In 1 Corinthians 13:8-12 we read of the conclusion of three of the gifts of the Spirit: prophecy, tongues, and word of knowledge. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then I shall know even as also I am known. Many people read these verses of scripture and say, "See, it says right there in the Holy Bible that prophecy, TONGUES, and knowledge are going to stop. And it says in verse ten that when that which is perfect is come, that which is in part will be done away with." That accounting of scripture is an accurate overview of what scripture says, but when we look at these verses a little more closely, some very interesting things surface. In verse 8, it does not actually say that prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are going to stop. What scripture actually says is that prophecies shall fail, tongues shall cease, and knowledge shall vanish away. It is fascinating to discover what God is actually saying here. The words fail, and vanish away, as they are used to describe the cessation of prophecy and knowledge, are the exact same word; *katargeo*, katargeo which means a gradual declension in use, culminating in complete termination. However, the word cease, as it is used with tongues, is the Greek word *pauw*, pauo meaning an abrupt, instantaneous halt. Verse ten tells us when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part will be done away with. Now the question is, "What has come, which is perfect, that was not here when Paul wrote these words?" The answer is NOTHING! However, many people contend that the canon of the Bible is what scripture was referring to. I hardly see how that could apply here, as Jesus, the Word of God, the Word made flesh, had already come at the time of Paul's writing. But something which is perfect is coming, and that something is JESUS! Remember? Jesus is coming again! Jesus is coming in the clouds above the earth at the rapture of the Church. He is coming to the face of the planet at the second advent during the battle of Armageddon. I think it wise, at this point, to review the gifts of the Spirit. Of the nine gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, seven of those gifts were in operation in the Old Testament. Only two gifts were added in the New Testament, i.e., Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues. It does not take years of diligent research to discover that Tongues and Interpretation came into existence on the day of Pentecost. One day there was no such thing as speaking in tongues, the next day, instantly, tongues were with us. Tongues came into existence instantly with the birth of the Church on the day of Pentecost. The other gifts of the Spirit were already in operation in various individuals. Prophecy and knowledge are going to gradually decline to the point they are no longer operational at all. But tongues are going to stop instantly - at the rapture of the Church! Tongues came in instantly with the birth of the church, and tongues will depart instantly with the rapture of the Church. The Church came in instantly in one day; the Church will go out instantly in one day. The gift of tongues appeared in one day, with the Church; the gift of tongues will disappear in one day with the Church. I will show you that neither the gifts nor the baptism of the Holy Spirit passed away with the last of the apostles. Deuteronomy 29:29 states: The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. No one who loves the Lord and reads the Bible is going to affirm that the Holy Spirit has not been revealed. The purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to endue believers with the power to be a witness. Here the scripture states that those things which God has revealed to us are ours forever so that we may do all the things God has told us to do. If God still wants us to be a witness (which he does; Acts 1:8) then he will have to continue to give us the baptism of the Holy Spirit. A look at Acts 2:33, 38-39 reveals to us much the same as Deuteronomy 29:29. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 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. You will notice in verse thirty-three the promise of the Father is the Holy Ghost. In verses 38 and 39 it says, "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." The gift, the promise of the Father for the giving of the Holy Ghost, is for us and our children, and as many as the Lord our God shall call. As long as God is calling people to salvation, he needs witnesses. As long as we are to be witnesses we will need the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gifts associated with it. Oh! Do not forget that tongues is a sign (witness) to the unbeliever. Concerning the idea that tongues are not for everyone, that thought is generated from 1 Corinthians 12:28-30. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? Carefully observe that the list generated by Paul in verse 28 is reproduced in verses 29 and 30 with the exception of helps and governments. I believe this is a hint to understanding the idea Paul is attempting to put across to us. Are all apostles? No! Are all teachers? No! Do all speak with tongues? No! Do all help? Yes! But toilets are not cleaned during the church service. The book table is not to be operational during the church service. The carpets are not vacuumed during church services, yet all the members of the body are to have an operational position and HELP. Do all govern (speaking of those who are called to govern)? Yes! But not everyone during the church service. Not all who are called to be a leader in the church exercise their authority in the church service. Generally one or two are in charge of the flow of the service. In the list, apostles, prophets, and teachers are all offices within the church. Not everyone in the church is called to those offices, only a few. Working of miracles, healings, tongues, and interpretation of tongues are all functions within the church. Not everyone is to be working miracles during the church service; what a confused mess that would be. Paul qualifies his rhetorical question, "Do all speak with tongues?" in 1 Corinthians 14:27. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. Obviously not all are going to speak in tongues when only two, or at the most three are allowed to speak. Paul further dispels the idea that tongues are not for everyone in the twenty-sixth verse. How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. Paul says WHEN YOU COME TOGETHER! That is when the church is gathered together to participate in corporate worship. Paul said that they ALL had a tongue! But they were not to take up the entire service by speaking in tongues and interpreting what was said. There are other things, equally important, which must be given their place in the service. Then, Paul says, we are to restrict the operation of tongues and interpretation to two or three occurrences during any one service. Tongues Are Not For Everyone There are several reasons why people are so eager to accept the idea that tongues are not for everyone. The first reason is because they are uncomfortable with the sound of tongues. People get very uncomfortable when they here things they do not understand. This is especially true when what they are hearing is coming from themselves. The second reason is because they do not want to sound foolish. The third reason is because they waited for tongues to come out and it did not happen. In order to save face, yet not deny the supernatural gift of tongues, the declaration that, "God just does not want me to speak in tongues", is the perfect excuse. Rather than admit they are not understanding scripture properly, they make themselves out to be the poor, neglected children of God who really want to speak in tongues, but have been denied the opportunity. Aldous Huxley once said, "Most ignorance is vincible ignorance. We don't know because we don't want to know." I can think of no one who is more fearful of knowledge than a lethargic Christian whose sole ambition in life is to coast from the cross to the pearly gates. The real difficulty with that is, "you cannot coast uphill." Speaking in tongues is a powerful gift that wreaks havoc and destruction in the kingdom of darkness. Satan has tried his best to discount and discredit this gift in an attempt to keep God's people from operating in it. CONCLUSION We have seen the testimony of scripture that tongues is one of the methods God has chosen to speak to his people. Tongues came into existence on the day of Pentecost with the birth of the church and tongues will not stop until the church is taken out from the earth. Tongues has both a public and a private operation. While it is not necessary to interpret the private operation of tongues, the public operation must always be interpreted. Finally, we have seen that tongues operate through the natural gift of speech. I hope this booklet has been of value to you, and that you will now become a blessing to others. |
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