Paul's Reasons in 1 Corinthians 14 for Speaking in Tongues
There are those who do not see the point of speaking in tongues but Paul is enthusiastic about the use of tongues in private and in church meetings. In 1 Corinithians 14 Paul he puts in writing the reasons for feeling that way.
1 1 Cor 14:2 Paul uses tongues to speak to God.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no-one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. NIV
2 1 Cor 14:4 Paul uses tongues to edify himself
He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself...NIV
3 1 Cor 14:5 Paul wants us all to do it and so It is God's will to speak in
tongues I would like every one of you to speak in tongues...NIV
4 1 Cor 14:5 Because in the church it gives rise to interpretation which edifies the church.
He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified. NIV See also verse 26.
Some might ask why doesn't the one with the interpretation simply bring it as a word of prophecy? The fact is, without the tongues being heard first, the one with the interpretation may not be triggered into bringing a word of any kind and then the church would not benefit at all.
5 1 Cor 14:14 Paul uses tongues to pray with his spirit.
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays...NIV
6 1 Cor 14:15 Paul uses tongues to sing with his spirit.
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind NIV
7 1 Cor 14:16 Tongues can be used to praise God with our spirit.
If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since he does not know what you are saying? NIV
8 1 Cor 14:22-23 Tongues are a sign for unbelievers
Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,however, is for believers, not for unbelievers.23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?
The effect on unbelievers hearing many people speaking tongues at the same time in church may not turn them to Christ and it may even cause them to think the church is mad but it will certainly catch their attention! Their conclusion that Christians are mad will be changed when they hear prophecy or interpretation of tongues (which is akin to prophecy) see verse 24.
Interestingly lots of people speaking in tongues on the day of Pentecost led to mocking from some bystanders - but it caught their attention to hear the Gospel from Peter.
Mike Adkins
Posted by : Mike on 27-10-2014 |
