Speaking in tongues-better than you think?–REALLLY!
Most people don’t know the hidden power of tongues-speech. Jesus gave speaking in tongues when He birthed the Church. Why? And why at the outset?
Do you know the reason why Christ gave the Holy Spirit and tongues when He founded His church?
What do you think? There must be a reason. The question–“Why tongues?” baffled believers and non-believers alike at the birth of the church. The question continues to stir controversy and debate still today.
However, as usual, accurate Scriptures answer succinctly and clearly. Nearly every Bible scholar and Bible student agree that 1)prophecy is valuable, that 2)prophecy is greater than tongues, that 3) the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues. The common concept is prophecy builds the church; tongues merely build an individual.
Here’s the clue: In 1 Corinthians 14:5 Paul writes I wish that you all spoke in tongues [even more than you are doing now] in order that you might prophesy.
1 The Scriptures themselves seemingly downplay tongues in comparison to prophecy (at least at first glance).
2 Translations of the Bible (and the translators) fail to give accurate reasons for the purpose of tongues.
3 Historians, even honest historians, generally downplay the critical role of tongues throughout history. Many historians ignore the times when tongues have UNITED the church. Many historians under report the role Pentecost has contributed to the amazing growth of Christianity.
4 Many modern era Christians, even dedicated believers, are doing their utmost to serve God while not speaking in tongues. [Think: Billy Graham]
5 Few Christians use the gift enough to experience the power.
First, speaking in tongues edifies (builds up, makes strong) the believers who use the gift of tongues. Is there anyone who doesn’t need to be built up? When we really believe this scripture–that tongues make a believer stronger, we will spend more time speaking in tongues!
Second, speaking in tongues creates prophesy. Let me say it another way: Tongues are the fore-runner to prophesy. Tongues generates prophesy. Tongues produce faith and the other spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues precedes prophesy. Tongues form prophecy. Tongues stir prophesy as well as the other gifts. Without tongues, the other gifts don’t flow.
Speaking in tongues--better than you think!
Why is prophecy not commonly heard in your local [Lutheran or Baptist or whatever] church? And why are prophecies and healings common in Pentecostal and charismatic churches?
Do you desire to prophesy? Spend time speaking in tongues and prophecy will rise like the wind.
Here is a better translation of 1 Corinthians 14:5: I wish that you all spoke in tongues even more [than you are doing now] in order that you may prophesy.
Speaking in tongues-better than you think!
Please consider this note about 1 Corinthians 14:5 from Thayer's Greek Lexicon: "We are encouraged to speak in tongues very, very much. We should speak in tongues more, to a greater degree. The Greek word "mallon" when added to a verb, denotes INCREASE, A GREATER QUANTITY, A LARGER MEASURE, A HIGHER DEGREE, MORE, MORE FULLY."
Please also note that the Greek word "hina" shows the PURPOSE of the increased use of tongues.
From the outline of Biblical Usage [not the same as Thayer's Lexicon] comes this gem showing the purpose for the increased use of the spiritual gift of tongues: "IN ORDER THAT (DENOTING THE PURPOSE OR THE RESULT): BECAUSE, TO THE INTENT THAT."
I find the scripture true. I can testify that whenever I take the time to speak in tongues, my ability to prophecy increases. And not only my ability, but the quality of my prophecies also grows.
Most folks have never considered the value of tongues. I verify--speaking in tongues-better than you think!
Because many are not aware of what the Scripture says or the power behind tongues-speech, I will quote the verse again:
This is a better translation of 1 Corinthians 14:5: I wish that you all spoke in tongues even more [than you are doing now] in order that you may prophesy.
I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interprets, that the church may receive edifying KJV. The King James translation of the Bible has been the standard version for over four centuries. It is recognized as a standard and is generally accurate and reliable.
However, with this translation as the standard it is no surprise that tongues have been downplayed for centuries.
But is the KJV accurate in this particular verse?
Paul claims in 1 Corinthians 14:18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; The Greek word for "more than" is mallon. It means exactly what it says, "more than."
The problem is this: the KJV and many other translators make the wrong comparison. Instead of comparing tongues to prophesy, the more accurate comparison is the amount of time, the emphasis, a Christian spends in tongues with the amount of time he could be spending with tongues IN ORDER TO make it profitable.
At this point it's good to remember that the spiritual gifts are primarily for others, or as the Bible says, for the common good. 1 Cor 12:7.
Tongues beget prophecy! And not only prophecy, but the other gifts as well!
This is further clarified in verse six as the apostle goes on to say But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I [go on to] speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?
Tongues are the "secret sauce" that produce revelation, words of knowledge, prophecy and teaching.
This is a primary reason why Jesus gave tongues along with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. Jesus Himself is the "Secret Sauce," and He reveals Himself through the use of tongues. For sure, speaking in tongues-better than you think.
If any doubt remains, the apostle reiterates I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue 1 Cor 14:18-19. Tongues in private prepare the way for public prophecy, revelation and all sorts of spiritual manifestations listed in 1 Corinthians 12.
Speaking in tongues is better than you think. God bless you and your church as you increase the use of your prayer language!