Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Why Speak in Tongues?

1 Cor 14.1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy.

Salvation is so great it is hard to look beyond it. Forgiveness of sins, regeneration of the Holy Spirit, a life of blessing instead of curses, the redemption of life... and a dozen other things make salvation an overwhelming experience! I could spend the rest of my life (and plan to do so!) thanking God for all he has done in the Cross. The expereince of salvation is so overwhelmingly great to us that we often forget that there is more. Much MORE!

Jesus told us to be baptized into the Holy Spirit (Luke 24.49). Among other things that happen in that experience is the gift of a personal prayer language. This "spiritual language", called tongues is beneficial in a number of ways. Christians who struggle with habitual sin, or overwhelming temptations should put into practice on a daily basis the language of the Spirit. There simply is no other way to accomplish what God has for you to do; nor can you become fully what God wants you to be until you practice the spirit-filled lifestyle. There is no spiritual work that can be done in the flesh!

Below find a list of seven benefits of speaking in tongues. Perhaps you know other reasons- tell me- please write me with your experience. Let's become the Church God desires!

7 Benefits of Speaking in Tongues Ever wonder why having a prayer language is important? Here are good reasons to use one.

1.You know your spirit is speaking directly to God. The Bible tells us, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God … for if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays" (1 Cor. 14:2,14, NKJV). Praying in tongues can also be like a two-way street. When you pray in tongues, God will often give you wisdom and insight to see better ways of doing what you need to do.

2.You know you are praying according to the will of God. The Holy Spirit "makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom. 8:27). You may often be tempted to pray for what you want, but when you speak in tongues, you are instead praying God's will. This is important, for the tongue has great power, as Solomon pointed out: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (Prov. 18:21).

3.You bring your tongue into subjection to God. The apostle James is clear: "No man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (3:8). But when you speak in tongues, you are submitting your tongue to God. Perhaps that is why the tongue is the first thing the Spirit controls when He baptizes us.

4.You are edified. "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. … I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than you all" (1 Cor. 14:4,18). In a world filled with disappointments and unmet expectations, we often need to be edified. Even Paul felt a need to speak frequently in tongues.

5.Your faith is stimulated. Jude explained it best: "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). When you find yourself struggling with doubt or unbelief, draw apart and speak in tongues, and your faith will be stimulated.

6.You know you are "giving thanks well" to God. First Corinthians 14:15-17 assures you that when you speak in tongues, even if no one around you understands what you are saying, you "give thanks well" to God.

7.You are spiritually refreshed. Ever become weary or discouraged? Then speak in tongues. "For with stammering lips and another tongue He will speak to His people, to whom He said, 'This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest,' and 'This is the refreshing'" (Is. 28:11-12).

3 comments:

drew said...

I find that I most often "feel" like I am going to speak in tongues when we are in worship. That is the time that I feel closest to God. In the praising and singing, I find my voice and tongue slipping from my control and it feels like it wants to do it's own thing. I get an overwhelming feeling and it makes me cry.
I'm not afraid of it as I know what is happening to me and I love it.
Truthfully, it is when I am in church and we are worshipping, that is the time when I am totally focused on God, giving all thought to him and I DESIRE it fully.
And it does refresh me, fills me up spiritually and gives me peace.
Thank you, Lord, for a church that worships you fully! ~Irma

Unknown said...

You make it sound as if anyone can speak in tongues. The language of tongues is not learned like tradition languages. So, for you to suggest speaking in tongue is far removed for non tongue speaking spirit filled christians.

Pastor Dave said...

Uriell,
Anyone can speak in tongues and indeed, it is God's will for all of us to be baptized into the Holy Spirit and speak with tongues. Paul taught that he desired all of the Corinthians to speak in tongues, and commanded that all believers seek after the gifts.