GOD ’ S GIFT – TONGUES AND THEIR INTERPRETATION Penge Baptist Church 15th July 2012

Tongues and interpretation “ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit … speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

What is speaking in tongues? Speaking in a language unknown to the speaker Can be praise, prayer or prophecy Prophecies can be interpreted by those with the gift of interpretation i.e. “ discerning what the Spirit is saying ”

Biblical instances Pentecost “ All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them …. how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? … declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! ” Acts 2:4,8,11) Cornelius ’ household “ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. ” (Acts 10:44-46)

Ephesus “ When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. ” (Acts 19:6) The church at Corinth “ What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church. ” (1 Corinthians 14:26)

Some modern views Tongues are the essential sign for receiving the Holy Spirit “ these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues …” (Mark 16:17) vs Tongues like other spiritual gifts ceased after the time of the Apostles “ where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away ” (1 Corinthians 13:8)

“ the most excellent way? ” Tongues as an aid to prayer “ anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God ” (1 Corinthians 14:2) “ We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. ” (Romans 8:26) Tongues may bring us closer to God “ He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself ” (1 Corinthians 14:4) Tongues as a way of praising God “ If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels …” (1 Corinthians 13:1) “ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. ” (Ephesians 5:19)

Tongues as a form of prophecy, whereby God may speak to his people “ He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. ” (1 Corinthians 14:5) “ anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says ” (1 Corinthians 14:13) Greatly encouraged by Paul … “ I would like every one of you to speak in tongues ” (1 Corinthians 14:5) “ I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ” (1 Corinthians 14:18)

….but not for everyone …. “ All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines ….Do all speak in tongues? ” (1 Corinthians 12:11,30) ….and to be used with love and proclaimed in public in an orderly manner “ If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ” (1 Corinthians 13:1) “ If anyone speaks in a tongue, two — or at the most three — should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God. ” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)

Eagerly desire spiritual gifts! “ Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up and struck the water with it. The water divided to the right and to the left, and the two of them crossed over on dry ground. When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “ Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you? ” “ Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit, ” Elisha replied. “ You have asked a difficult thing, ” Elijah said, “ yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours — otherwise not. ” As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha saw this and cried out, “ My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel! ”

And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his own clothes and tore them apart. He picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak that had fallen from him and struck the water with it. “ Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah? ” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “ The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha. ” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. ” (2 Kings 2:8-15)