Wild & Free (Part 2): Tongues & Interpretation

August 18th, 2024/Casey Middle School

Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 CSB

Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. 4 The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 5 I wish all of you spoke in tongues, but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up.

Let’s look a little further in the text…

18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you; 19 yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, in order to teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Story: When I was younger, I would read this passage in verse 4 and think “Well I don’t want to build myself up… that’s prideful!” But I would read the “build the church” part and think “Yes! That’s what I want to do!” . Somehow I would read one as being bad and one as being the best thing ever! Then later in verse 18-19 I would see Paul say “I would rather speak five words with my understanding…” and I thought.. ME TOO!!! So then for the next 3 decades I neglected the importance of the gift of tongues and completely threw myself into prophecy and the teaching of God’s Word. Am I the only one who has made this mistake?!

Intro: Everyone comes into this conversation at a different place today. For some, this is exciting! You’re on the edge of your seat, you have your pen and paper ready to take notes, and you’re ready for more of the gift. For others, you're a little nervous as you may have had either negative experiences or you’ve experienced poor teaching on the subject. I remember sitting through a teaching at a church in Virginia on the gift of speaking in tongues thinking “I hope they don’t just break out in tongues mode while I’m here today.” I might have had a few traumatic experiences as a baptist boy that left me a little confused and nervous.

My encouragement… everyone take a deep breath… it’s going to be an amazing day. And I believe you’re going to leave very encouraged and expectant for how God wants to use this gift in your life and the life of the church.

Pray:

Background:

Paul is writing this letter to a church in Corinth that he planted on his second missionary journey. Some time has passed, approximately 5 years, and he heard of the struggles they were facing. He writes this letter to address some problems in the church, he goes on to provide clarity and to teach believers how to live in a corrupt city.

Here in chapter 14 the Apostle Paul identifies some specific mishandlings of the use of the gift of tongues. The spiritual gift of tongues is one of the most misunderstood and debated gifts within the body of Christ. Yet, it remains a powerful and deeply personal way that the Holy Spirit moves through believers. This gift, though it manifests in different ways, is meant to edify both the individual and the broader church community.

Today, we will explore the gift of tongues, dividing it into two main categories: public and private tongues. I’ll do my best over the next few minutes to help deepen our understanding of this subject matter, but in all honesty, this could easily be a series in itself. My hope is that this helps you take your next step and gives you a deeper hunger to dive deeper into how God might want to use this gift in your life.

Without further ado… let’s dive in!!!

Title: Tongues & Interpretation

Definition: The gift of tongues is the God-given ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, whether human languages or heavenly languages, for the purpose of prayer, praise, or communication with God and, when accompanied by interpretation, for the edification of the church.

Main Points:

1. Public Tongues

   1. I’ve divided up the types of speaking in tongues into two categories, public and private tongues. Public tongues are used in a church setting and are intended for the edification of the entire body when accompanied by interpretation. I’ll say it again, when accompanied by interpretation.
   2. Unintelligible Tongues with Interpretation
      1. In 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, Paul gives clear instructions for the orderly use of tongues in the church: "If anyone speaks in a tongue, there are to be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no interpreter, that person is to keep silent in the church and speak to himself and God."
      2. In the gathering, tongues are permitted, but prophecy is preferred. Clear communication and intelligible speech is the priority in the public gatherings. (1 Corinthians 14:18-19)
      3. But in contrast to what the Apostle Paul was addressing, we aren’t needing to tamp down speaking in tongues here at Pinewood. We are leaning in and encouraging our people to step out in faith to speak in tongues and to seek interpretation.
      4. Paul encourages the church later in the chapter “39 So then, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything is to be done decently and in order.”
      5. Augustine of Hippo, a key figure in early Christianity, said, "In those days, the Holy Spirit fell upon them that believed, and they spoke with tongues which they had not learned, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Augustine himself believed the gift had passed away, but he bears witness that it marked the early church (Homilies on 1 John 6.10). His words remind us that tongues were a powerful witness in the early church, demonstrating the presence of the Holy Spirit.
   3. Tongues Producing Human Languages
      1. The second type of public tongues is what happened on the Day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:4-11.
      2. “Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, devout people from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.”
      3. They spoke an unknown tongue, and everyone could hear in their own heart/native language. This miraculous event led to the conversion of about three thousand people.
      4. “...we hear them declaring the magnificent acts of God in our own tongues.” 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.”
      5. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, commented, "So then in the beginning, it was needful that there should be many signs, and that they should speak with tongues, for a sign to unbelievers."
      6. So then, can God still do that today? I would contend that He absolutely can do that, and there are countless stories of Him still using tongues to “declare the magnificent acts of God” today!
   4. Story: My sister and brother in law hearing the interpretation in their heart language. The woman was speaking in tongues, but they heard a direct message from God.

2. Private Tongues

   1. While public tongues serve the church as a whole, private tongues are meant to build up the individual believer.
   2. Praying in Tongues
      1. This is the use of tongues in personal prayer, where the believer prays directly to God in a language that is not known to them. It is considered a form of spiritual communication where the Holy Spirit intercedes through the believer.
      2. “2 For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God” - 1 Corinthians 14:2
      3. “4 The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up,” - 1 Corinthians 14:4
      4. "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful." - 1 Corinthians 14:14, CSB
      5. The Greek word "oikodomeō" in 1 Corinthians 14:4 refers to the process of building up, strengthening, or enhancing one’s spiritual life. When Paul uses this term in the context of speaking in tongues, he is emphasizing that this practice contributes to the personal spiritual growth and edification of the individual believer.
      6. Application: As you pray in tongues, you are building up your Spirit man/woman.
      7. In the baptist circles I grew up in, there was no speaking in tongues of any kind, so when they would describe someone speaking in tongues they would use the phrase “Shoulda bought a honda, shoulda bought a kia…” For Boulder I guess you’d say “Shoulda bought a subaru, shoulda bought a toyota…” Maybe this will help you on your journey towards speaking in tongues.
      8. A modern charismatic theologian, Jack Hayford, reflected on this type of prayer: "Praying in tongues is a means of allowing the Holy Spirit to help us in areas where we know we are not as effective as we ought to be."
      9. Praying in tongues is praying in the heavenly language.
   3. Singing in Tongues
      1. This is a form of worship where a believer sings in tongues, often during personal devotion or corporate worship. It is seen as a way of expressing worship to God in a deep and spiritual manner.
      2. "I will sing praise with my spirit, and I will also sing praise with my understanding." (1 Corinthians 14:15, CSB)
   4. Intercessory Tongues
      1. Praying in tongues specifically for intercession, where the Holy Spirit prays through the believer for situations, people, or needs that may be unknown to the believer. This type of tongues is often used in spiritual warfare and deep intercessory prayer.
      2. Jonathan Edwards, a prominent theologian of the Great Awakening, once said, "There is no way that Christians, in a private capacity, can do so much to promote the work of God and advance the kingdom of Christ, as by prayer."
      3. "In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings." (Romans 8:26, CSB)
      4. "And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication." (Ephesians 6:17-18, ESV)
   5. Meditative Tongues
      1. This involves quietly speaking or whispering in tongues during times of meditation or personal reflection. It’s a way of focusing on God and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct one’s thoughts and emotions.
      2. "But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit..." (Jude 1:20, CSB)

3. Our Caution For Today

   1. Cessationism
      1. Definition: Cessationism is the belief that certain miraculous spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, tongues, and healing, ceased with the end of the apostolic age and the completion of the New Testament canon. Cessationists argue that these gifts were necessary for the foundational period of the church but are no longer needed because we now have the full revelation of Scripture.
      2. "Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end." (1 Corinthians 13:8, CSB)
      3. The key thought is on “When the perfect comes” This passage is referring to Jesus coming back, not the completion of the Holy Scriptures. If Prophecy and tongues would have ceased, then does that mean also that knowledge has ceased as well? Absolutely not. We need all three, but when Christ comes, we will no longer need those things, for we will be face to face with our Lord and Savior.
   2. Continuationism
      1. Definition: Continuationism is the belief that all spiritual gifts, including the miraculous ones like prophecy, tongues, and healing, continue to be available and active in the church today. Continuationists argue that the New Testament does not indicate an end to these gifts and that they are still relevant for the building up of the church and the mission of the Gospel.
      2. "Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy." (1 Corinthians 14:1, CSB)
   3. Sensationalism
      1. Definition: Sensationalism, in the context of spiritual gifts, refers to the excessive focus or exaggerated emphasis on the miraculous and supernatural aspects of the gifts. Sensationalists may seek out signs and wonders as proof of God's presence or favor, sometimes even needing to see tongues as proof one has been baptized in the Holy Spirit.
      2. “An evil and adulterous generation demands a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah." - Matthew 16:4, CSB
      3. Excessive Reservation & Excessive Liberty… both of these contrasts can have a negative effect on things being done with proper order in the church.
         1. With reservation and fear of man, we can easily create environments that lack power and a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. We can become too predictable and unwilling to move as the Spirit moves. We can also become easily distracted by focusing too much on what others think of the moment, instead of trusting that the Spirit can still use things that seem strange to us.
         2. In contrast, excessive liberty can create chaos and disorder. This could leave outsiders thinking “these people are crazy” to quote the Apostle Paul. It can create a culture that doesn’t consider the guest in the room and it can often disregard proper order, sound doctrine, and accountability to leadership.
         3. Both extremes should be a warning to the church to align more closely to the purpose of the gathering without distractions and disorder and to align more closely to the outlined order in Scripture.

Closing: “The Holy Spirit comes after us to save us, inside of us to sanctify us, and upon us to supercharge us.” - Skip Heitzig

1. The Holy Spirit Comes After Us To Save Us (Reconciling)
   1. The Holy Spirit actively pursues us, convicting us of our need for salvation and drawing us toward Jesus Christ. This is the Spirit's work in leading people to repentance and faith in Christ.
   2. "When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: About sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me; and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged." (John 16:8-11, CSB)
2. The Holy Spirit Comes Inside of Us to Sanctify Us (Indwelling)
   1. Upon receiving Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, working to sanctify them—transforming them into the likeness of Christ and guiding them in living a holy life. This indwelling presence is the mark of a true believer and the source of ongoing spiritual growth.
   2. "Don’t you know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16, CSB)

3. The Holy Spirit Comes Upon Us to Supercharge Us (Filling)

   1. The Holy Spirit fills believers with power for specific tasks, ministry, and witness. This filling can be a repeated experience where the Holy Spirit empowers and equips believers to carry out God’s work with boldness, effectiveness, and supernatural ability.
   2. "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8, CSB)
   3. These descriptions outline the multifaceted work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, from initiating salvation, continuing sanctification, to empowering for service.

Practical Steps to Activate the Gift of Tongues:

1. By Faith, Be Open to Receiving the Gift
   1. Cultivate an attitude of openness and faith, believing that the Holy Spirit desires to give you good gifts, including the gift of tongues.
   2. "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)
   3. Practical Action: Begin by affirming your faith daily. Confess your belief in God’s goodness and His willingness to pour out His Spirit upon you. Read and meditate on scriptures that build your faith in the Holy Spirit’s work.
2. Ask Holy Spirit for the Gift of Tongues & Interpretation
   1. Directly ask the Holy Spirit to give you the gift of tongues and the accompanying gift of interpretation, as Paul encourages.
   2. "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?" (Luke 11:13, CSB)
   3. Set aside specific times in your prayer life to ask the Holy Spirit for these gifts. Pray with expectancy, trusting that God will answer your request according to His will.
3. Pray in Enemy Territory (Frontline Prayer)
   1. Engage in prayer specifically for areas of spiritual warfare, using tongues as a tool for intercession in challenging situations or when facing spiritual opposition.
   2. "The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV)
   3. Identify areas in your life or community where you sense spiritual resistance or battle. Pray in tongues during these moments, trusting that the Holy Spirit is interceding through you. Consider partnering with others in your church for concentrated times of prayer in these areas.
4. Create Space for the Spirit
   1. Dedicate time in your daily life to wait on the Holy Spirit, making room for His presence to fill you and for the gifts to manifest. Go on a walk with Jesus. Ride your bike with Jesus. Drive to work with Jesus. Create space for prayer and worship!
   2. "Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10, ESV)
   3. Establish a daily routine of quiet time with God. This could include worship, silence, and being attentive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting. Remove distractions and allow yourself to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading during these moments.
5. Surround Yourself with People That Have This Gift
   1. Fellowship with believers who regularly exercise the gift of tongues and interpretation, as this can encourage and strengthen your own spiritual gifts.
   2. "Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17, CSB)
   3. Join a small group or prayer meeting where the gifts of the Spirit, including tongues, are actively practiced. Spend time with those who can mentor you in these gifts, learning from their experiences and growing together in the Spirit.
6. Exercise the Gift
   1. Regularly practice speaking in tongues, especially in your personal prayer time. The more you use this gift, the more natural it will become.
   2. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6, NIV)
   3. Make it a habit to speak in tongues daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Consider setting aside specific times during your day to pray in tongues, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through you.
7. Seek Interpretation
   1. If you feel led to speak in tongues publicly, or even during your private prayer time, ask God for the interpretation so that you and others can understand the message.
   2. "Therefore, the person who speaks in a tongue should pray that he can interpret." (1 Corinthians 14:13, CSB)
   3. After praying in tongues, take a moment to be silent and listen for the Holy Spirit’s interpretation. If you’re in a public setting, encourage others with the gift of interpretation to share what they sense God is saying.

Closing Thought:

Activating the gift of tongues in your life begins with a heart of faith and a willingness to step out into the unknown. As you ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you these gifts, trust that He will guide you in how to use them effectively. Whether in private devotion or public ministry, tongues can be a powerful tool for edification, spiritual warfare, and deeper communion with God. As you take these practical steps, may you experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering you to live a life full of His presence and power.

Invitation:

If you want to make a decision to follow Jesus. Then join me and everyone else in the building as we pray out loud together. It’s not the prayer that saves you, but your faith, making Jesus Lord of your life. We don’t let anyone go on the journey alone. If you have faith in Jesus, then let’s join together as we pray…

Prayer of Salvation:

Jesus, I acknowledge that I need you

I confess that I have sinned against you

I believe that God raised you from the dead

And right now, by faith, I say “Jesus is Lord”

Thank you for forgiving me

By your grace I am saved

And by your power I am set free

Conclusion:

If you prayed that prayer for the first time then Scripture says “anyone who acknowledges me before others, I will acknowledge them before my Father”. I’m going to ask that if you prayed that prayer for the first time would you lift your hand and let me know so that I can celebrate with you.

1. God is so proud of you.

2. The angels are rejoicing.

3. And we believe God has a purpose for your life.

Would you let us know that you made a decision so that we can follow up with you and help you on your next steps?