Holy Spirit Part Four
Notes
Transcript
Holy Spirit
Holy Spirit
The gift of tongues is a gift that is for today. I know some may not agree but as we study scripture we do not see that this has an end. I know some say it no longer has a use for today and no where do we see that it is a prayer language. But as we start with this idea I also see a lot of unbiblical things that happen when it comes to the gifts.
Where do we get our foundation for all things, we must find it in the word of God. We cannot look to tradition, denominationalism we must stick to the word of God. We clearly see that there is a filling of the Spirit of God. We see that there are those who speak with unknown tongues.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
We also read this:
for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared,
We see many places that people were filled with the Spirit and spoke in tongues. Not this is not always how it worked but there are many examples as we read in . But my main point at this time is to show you that we do see that there is a real things being filled with the Spirit and speaking in tongues.
The difficulty comes in when we begin to follow traditional ways and not the word of God. We must look to the word for our foundation of all things. No where in Scripture do we see people who are slain in the spirit yet it happens. There is never a time where someone losses control in scripture because of the Spirit. Being emotional and having no control are very different.
Again I need us to see this. We do not want to be caught up in what is not biblical. In fact when it comes to speaking in tongues Paul tells us that there should be only 2 at most 3 who speak in turn:
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
We are also told if there is no interpreter keep silent:
If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret.
Yet often there is a full house of speaking. We see that speaking in tongues is for man to God:
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
This is between man and God. This is why Paul tells us this:
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
We do see that those in were speaking in an unknown tongue and others understood this tongue. This is part of the gift. I heard Pastor Chuck say it is an unknown tongue to the speaker not to the hearer. God understands us so it is not an unknown tongue to Him. Speaking in tongues is not speaking a gibberish language or just sounds it is a language that is understood by God and possibly by others.
Let us also be clear speaking in tongues a not a message to man. It is not an message to edify it is a message to build up self. it is a selfish gift and I can say that because of what we see in Scripture:
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
What makes this gift so interesting is that it is for man to God. How often I have just been without words and I have no idea what to even pray. Yet the Spirit of God always steps in for me even in my silence:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
I love this, how He has stepped in and prayed on my behalf, when I was so empty. When I have no idea where to go next God intercedes. This is a humbling gift, to lay-aside even your own thoughts so God can speak on your behalf. This is a spcial gift and this is why Paul says:
1 Corinthans
1 Corinthians 14
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.
He wants us to speak in tongues as it edify the person. So what about in a congregational setting. For the most part do not see the need for it. IF it is a praise to God, or a prayer to God between a person and Him, why would it be used in a corporate setting. So there may be times it can be used but overall no. We need to see that if it is spoken it needs to be done in order and not just out there. That is not the pattern. If it is done in an open setting it also must be done with an interpreter or not at all.
Interpreting of tongues is a gift that
Speaking in tongues –
I will say you can confirm the interpretation simply by knowing the Scripture. If it is not an uplifting word to the Lord it is not the right interpretation. Those words are for Him and not the body of Christ. It should never draw attention to the one speaking but always to the Lord. IF you are drawn to the person it is the wrong interpretation and it should be stopped.
Interpretation of tongues –