Bible Question:
What does it mean if you are born again(saved) and baptized and you have the Holy spirit but not the evidence of speaking in other tongues? |
Bible Answer: Here is a short essay I had to write for composition class. My grade was A plus so it must be right, right? :) Paul's Advice on the Gift of Tongues to the Corinthian Church In today’s church, the gift of tongues are a hotly debated issue. Modern day Christians who practice the gift of tongues need to have an understanding of the purpose, use and importance of this gift. Paul addressed a problem that had developed in the church at Corinth. At Corinth, many believers were practicing tongues at the same time, without interpretation and in a disorderly manner. Paul’s words, “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?” , suggest that certain gifts were being used as status symbols or signs of great holiness. In 1 Corinthians 14:1-25, Paul addresses the relative importance of the gift of tongues compared to prophecy. I believe Paul used the word prophecy in the sense; ”to teach, refute, reprove, admonish or comfort others while under divine inspiration”. The tongues referred to by Paul are a manifestation of heavenly language. This is opposed to the tongues in the second chapter of Acts, being unfamiliar (to the speaker) human languages given for the purpose of evangelism, by the Holy Spirit. Paul states that the act of speaking in tongues is man’s spirit speaking with God. He also states that man’s mind knows not what his spirit is communicating. Other believers present are not edified because they do not know the meaning of the praise. He believed that tongues were a sign for unbelievers. However, he believed that unbelievers exposed to tongues without interpretation might doubt the sanity of the participants. Prophecy or preaching on the other hand is edifying to the believer and nonbeliever alike. The first duty of Christians of Paul’s day as well as ours is to carry out the Great Commission. Carrying the news of Christ to the entire world should be accomplished using the most effective methods. Paul felt that five intelligible words were more effective than ten thousand words in tongues . Tongues are a desirable gift. Paul states; “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all”. We should use the gifts of the Spirit with wisdom and in the appropriate situation. We must always keep our priorities in order concerning worship and evangelism. |