Benefits of Speaking, Praying, and Singing in Tongues

[peacefulbeliever]

Well this is not what scripture says. It does not say all.

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. [SUP]8 [/SUP]To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, [SUP]9 [/SUP]to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, [SUP]10 [/SUP]to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[SUP][a][/SUP] and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[SUP][b][/SUP] [SUP]11 [/SUP]All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

1 Cor 8-11

Yes, those verses seem to say that not all will manifest but you did notice that the first verse you started out with says "to each one the manifestation of the spirit is given . . ." and if the next verses 8-10 say that NOT ALL are given then a contradiction has been set up. First God says "to each one" then he turns around and says "not all"?

There are two Greek words used here for "another" - allos and heteros.

heteros, which refers to what is qualitatively different, and second, allos, which refers to what is numerically distinct. Further, observe these insightful findings by J.B. Lightfoot (Commentator and Theologian): "The primary distinction between the words appears to be, that allos is another as 'one besides,' heteros another as 'one of two'…thus allos adds, while heteros distinguishes. [studylight.org]

​

1) The rule of DEFINITION: What does the word mean? Any study of Scripture must begin with a study of words. Define your terms and then keep to the terms defined. The interpreter should conscientiously abide by the plain meaning of the words. We must not violate the known usage of a word and invent another for which there is no precedent. Consider the Bereans in Acts 17:10-12 who were called "noble" because they searched the Scriptures daily to determine if what Paul taught them was true. This quite often may require using a Hebrew/English or Greek/English lexicon in order to make sure that the sense of the English translation is understood. A couple of good examples of this are the Greek words "allos" and "heteros". Both are usually translated as "another" in English - yet "allos" literally means "another of the same type" and "heteros" means "another of a different type." [The Eight Rules of Bible Interpretation; Ron Rhodes; Reasoning from the Scripture; Th.D Dallas Theological Seminary Systematic Theology; BA Houston Baptist University]

See also Vines's Lexicon; allos and heteros
​

So with this in mind - v7 says that "each one" is given the manifestation of the Spirit . . . in v8 for to one would be referencing the "each one" in v7 . . .
v8). . a message of wisdom, to another (allos - same type) a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit;
v9). . to a different one (heteros - different type) faith; another (allos -same type) gifts of healings; by the one spirit; v10) and to another (allos - same type) working of miracles; to another (allos - same type) prophecy; to another (allos - same type) discerning of spirits;
. . . to a different one (heteros - different type) speaking in tongues; and to another (allos - same type) the interpretation of tongues.

If we look closely we can see that what God has done here is group the manifestations: message of wisdom and message of knowledge are of the same kind (allos) - these two are how we receive revelation from God.
Group 2 which is different (heteros) than Group one: faith, gifts of healings, working of miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits all relate to the power of God which work to help, strengthen and protect the Church.
Then we have Group 3 which is different (heteros) tan Group two: tongues and interpretation and these are considered worship manifestation giving thanks, praise and prayer to God.

God is not setting up a scenario where only certain people get certain things after he told us that all can manifest - and it is the Spirit that does the energizing . . But remember in the church things are to be done decently and in order . . . so at any given gathering the Lord will energize different manifestations in different people. Every Christian has the power of holy spirit but the way that power will be used depends on the purposes of God, our faith and our willingness to use what we have been given.

​

1 Corinthians 12 in general, verse 30 in particular.

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

Speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues; working of miracles, gifts of healing; are all the manifestation of the gift of holy spirit, and therefore every Christian has the God-given ability to speak in tongues, etc. The key to understanding this verse is realizing that the things listed (tongues, interpretation, and healing) are manifestations of holy spirit that some people are especially gifted at or are energized [by the Spirit] to do in the Church. It is a matter of fact that everyone, as we see just from this thread o not utilize the gift God has given them even though technically they have the spiritual power and ability to do so.

 

[oldethennew]

PB,
you know darn good and well that we each are given our own 'special 'gifts' -
remember, God treats each of us as individuals, never the same, never, except
in His Love for us...

I always have to remember that most of what Jesus has actually done, has been 'ommited'
in His Holy Words presented to us, else the 'whole wide world, as we can conceive it, cannot
'contain' ALL of what He said and has done and is doing...

 

[peacefulbeliever]

PB,
you know darn good and well that we each are given our own 'special 'gifts' -
remember, God treats each of us as individuals, never the same, never, except
in His Love for us...

I always have to remember that most of what Jesus has actually done, has been 'ommited'
in His Holy Words presented to us, else the 'whole wide world, as we can conceive it, cannot
'contain' ALL of what He said and has done and is doing...

Wow, if I hit a nerve - sorry and yes, God does treat us as individuals . . . . God gave each of us as individuals the gift of holy spirit. That gift has nine manifestations . . . since we all have that gift of holy spirit - we can all manifest that gift just as scripture says we can. I don't really know what else to say in response to your post . . . .

 

[shrume]

PB,
you know darn good and well that we each are given our own 'special 'gifts' -
remember, God treats each of us as individuals, never the same, never, except
in His Love for us...

PB can answer for herself when she sees this if she chooses... but in the meantime..

While each Christian does have different gifts from God, EVERY Christian is given the gift of the Holy Spirit, and can manifest that gift through the operation of the nine manifestations of that gift.

1 Cor 12:
7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

1 Cor 14:
5) 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 interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

Speaking in tongues IS NOT A GIFT. It is a MANIFESTATION of the gift of the Holy Spirit, which EVERY Christian has.

I always have to remember that most of what Jesus has actually done, has been 'ommited'
in His Holy Words presented to us, else the 'whole wide world, as we can conceive it, cannot
'contain' ALL of what He said and has done and is doing...

Very true, but I'm not sure what that has to do with the topic.

Edit: Whoops! Looks like PB responded while I was typing...

 

[RickyZ]

People often tend to mock and speak negatively about things they do not understand.

I'm as guilty as the rest. But I'm trying not to.

 

[RickyZ]

Tongues as a form of recreational spiritualism not so much.

Roger

Once, while praying in my tongue - privately as Paul says - I received a gift of knowledge that when delivered to it's intended recipient, caused that man to reconsider his anger at God

Another time, whilst in Spiritual prayer, God gave me a revelation of someone in danger - who I then prayed for. I found out later she was interceded upon by others who diverted her from doing great bodily harm to herself.

Yet another, a brother came up to me and said while he was praying he had received a word for me, warning me of something I was going to do and when. (Sadly it wasn't until after that day and event passed that I remembered his words)

What about this is recreational? We're talking people's lives impacted, by God, for the better, because someone was willing to step out in faith and believe Him and do what He asked. The woman was literally snatched by angels out of the demons claws. You think that's not edifying? You think that's not an incredible witness of the power and glory of God? The man who was angry specifically rejected Christ because of this anger - yet the last I heard from him he was letting go of that anger. Wow. Private tongues led to a sign to an unbeliever. Where have I heard that before? Who said that if you do this, that would happen?

There's only one thing I would ever trade my tongue for - the ability to open blind eyes.

 

[wolfwint]

Yes, it's "OK". But it's not THE God-inspired translation that some people think it is. NO translation is God-breathed.



I believe Paul wrote as he was inspired by God. I believe God desires that all Christians manifest the gift of Holy Spirit that dwells in them. Why wouldn't He?

Shrume, if you are mean that every christian has the Holy Spiriti agree with you! If you mean tht every christian has the ability to speak in tongues then it is only human assumption! OK, you believe it, but the base for this believe is not there (not in the scripture), because it is not written ore said from God!
Take for example 1. Timothy 2,3-4
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



According your way of interpretation 1. Cor. 14,5: 1. Timothy 2, 3-4 says that all people will be saved! No Hell necessary!
You believe this? I do not! Because the scripture says there will be a hell for unbelievers!

 

[wolfwint]

Wow, if I hit a nerve - sorry and yes, God does treat us as individuals . . . . God gave each of us as individuals the gift of holy spirit. That gift has nine manifestations . . . since we all have that gift of holy spirit - we can all manifest that gift just as scripture says we can. I don't really know what else to say in response to your post . . . .

If so, then why so less miracles, healings, wondersare to seen in the churches? Even in pentecostal and among charismatics? It seems that only some fleader figures have these gifts, but not the "folk". This is for me not clear!
This shows me the opposit! These gifts are not given today as it was in the apostolic days! And it seems strange that these doctrine came only after "american" pentecost! ( i must say I am a america fan)

 

[peacefulbeliever]

If so, then why so less miracles, healings, wondersare to seen in the churches? Even in pentecostal and among charismatics? It seems that only some fleader figures have these gifts, but not the "folk". This is for me not clear!
This shows me the opposit! These gifts are not given today as it was in the apostolic days! And it seems strange that these doctrine came only after "american" pentecost! ( i must say I am a america fan)

Bottom line - There aren't as many miracles, healing, nor wonders done in the church because of people's unbelief. Just in this thread alone we can see the unbelief concerning the manifestation of the gift of holy spirit.

That basically tells me that although people here are Christians - they don't believe that God is still God. The miracles Jesus performed, he performed them by the power and authority of his Father - he trusted/believed in his Father. The miracles the apostles and disciples performed, they performed them by the power and authority given to them by Jesus - they trusted/believed in Jesus. Does that mean that miracles are not happening? that healings are not happening? that God is not moving through his people? NOPE . . . we just don't hear about it. The world is more concerned with news that brings fear and mistrust than in news that will bring joy and edification to God's people.

Matt. 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Mark 6:6 And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.

Whether we SEE anything - God is still Almighty God.

 

[wolfwint]

Well, do you think among pentecostals and charismatics is to much unbelief? Because all others have not this doctrine. But I agree that God is working today too, otherwise people would not can turn to Christ.

 

[RickyZ]

I think 2 things are in play here. Like PB says, satan has managed to sew great amounts of confusion and disbelief among believers. That's one reason you don't see it as much these days.

Secondly, I think a whole lot of the charismatic/pentecostal churches are flagrantly violating 1 Cor 14. That's why even in those circles you don't see a lot of genuine miracles.

 

[peacefulbeliever]

Well, do you think among pentecostals and charismatics is to much unbelief? Because all others have not this doctrine. But I agree that God is working today too, otherwise people would not can turn to Christ.

"Because all others have not this doctrine" . . . what doctrine?

I am not a Pentecostal nor a Charismatic . . . I am a Christian that attends a non-denominational church, who just believes what is written.

God is working not only in turning people to Christ through his word but also working miracles, healings, giving his people wisdom and knowledge, helping his people in discerning spirits - all nine manifestations. Also, as RickyZ said, in a lot of church settings there is a total disregard for things being done decently and in order.

 

[shrume]

Shrume, if you are mean that every christian has the Holy Spiriti agree with you!

That's good!

If you mean tht every christian has the ability to speak in tongues then it is only human assumption! OK, you believe it, but the base for this believe is not there (not in the scripture), because it is not written ore said from God!
Take for example 1. Timothy 2,3-4
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.



According your way of interpretation 1. Cor. 14,5: 1. Timothy 2, 3-4 says that all people will be saved! No Hell necessary!
You believe this? I do not! Because the scripture says there will be a hell for unbelievers!

No, all people will not be saved. But what is the reason? Is it because God does not want them to be saved? No, because we know He does. Not everyone will be saved because not everyone chooses to believe.

God wants all Christians to speak in tongues. What is the reason some don't? Is it because God has not given them the ability? No, because the manifestation of the spirit is given to EVERY man (Christian). So why don't many Christians speak in tongues? I believe the primary cause is ignorance. Most Christians just don't know what it is, or that they already have the ability to do it. People who want to speak in tongues are waiting for God to give them the "gift" and somehow MAKE them speak in tongues. It won't happen. God does not make anyone do anything. People who don't want to speak in tongues comfort themselves with the false doctrine of cessationism, believing the manifestations died out with the apostles.

Speaking in tongues is not a "mystical experience", as our friend Roger has called it. It is you choosing to do what God has given you the ability to do through the gift of the Holy Spirit. A person does not need to get all "lathered up in the spirit" to speak in tongues. Heck, you can do it while brushing your teeth. While speaking in tongues is supernatural, it is not mystical.

 

[RickyZ]

"Because all others have not this doctrine" . . . what doctrine?

I am not a Pentecostal nor a Charismatic . . . I am a Christian that attends a non-denominational church, who just believes what is written.

God is working not only in turning people to Christ through his word but also working miracles, healings, giving his people wisdom and knowledge, helping his people in discerning spirits - all nine manifestations. Also, as RickyZ said, in a lot of church settings there is a total disregard for things being done decently and in order.

And that's important, because I believe one thing Paul was teaching was that, as much as he wants us all to do this, he would rather we didn't do it than do it wrong.

 

[notuptome]

Oh, so if you won't partner with God He will find someone else who will?

You got that right!

Imagine how many people God has had to get to fill your empty shoes...

If your application were valid God would have replaced Jonah.

Will God use an unclean vessel? Would God use a gift in contradiction to His word?

The conduct of the modern church in the matter of tongues is far from anything one can reasonably expect in a Christian endeavor.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

 

[RickyZ]

If your application were valid God would have replaced Jonah.

Will God use an unclean vessel? Would God use a gift in contradiction to His word?

The conduct of the modern church in the matter of tongues is far from anything one can reasonably expect in a Christian endeavor.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

Uhm, yes God uses unclean vessels. He uses you and I, doesn't He?

And I will agree with you that far too many churches are out of line with their conduct. I have to suspect that the church in Corinth was doing what you see a lot of churches doing today.

But Paul never told them to stop it. He said there's a time and a place for it. And to do it right or don't do it at all.

It's just a shame that you and so many opt for the don't do it at all part.

 

[shrume]

The conduct of the modern church in the matter of tongues is far from anything one can reasonably expect in a Christian endeavor.

There are many modern Pentecostal groups who seem to pay no attention to 1 Cor 14. They all speak in tongues at once, nobody interprets, etc. These things are wrong. And then there's holy laughter, slain in the spirit, eyes rolling back in the head, etc. These things are not of God.

The fact that so many do it wrong does not mean there is no right way to manifest the gift of the Holy Spirit. Nor does it mean you should automatically dismiss all speaking in tongues as a "mystical experience".

 

[RickyZ]

There are many modern Pentecostal groups who seem to pay no attention to 1 Cor 14. They all speak in tongues at once, nobody interprets, etc. These things are wrong. And then there's holy laughter, slain in the spirit, eyes rolling back in the head, etc. These things are not of God.

The fact that so many do it wrong does not mean there is no right way to manifest the gift of the Holy Spirit. Nor does it mean you should automatically dismiss all speaking in tongues as a "mystical experience".

My personal favorite was the one where the pastor had them eating grass. I can just picture God rolling His eyes at that one!

 

[wolfwint]

That's good!


No, all people will not be saved. But what is the reason? Is it because God does not want them to be saved? No, because we know He does. Not everyone will be saved because not everyone chooses to believe.

God wants all Christians to speak in tongues. What is the reason some don't? Is it because God has not given them the ability? No, because the manifestation of the spirit is given to EVERY man (Christian). So why don't many Christians speak in tongues? I believe the primary cause is ignorance. Most Christians just don't know what it is, or that they already have the ability to do it. People who want to speak in tongues are waiting for God to give them the "gift" and somehow MAKE them speak in tongues. It won't happen. God does not make anyone do anything. People who don't want to speak in tongues comfort themselves with the false doctrine of cessationism, believing the manifestations died out with the apostles.

Speaking in tongues is not a "mystical experience", as our friend Roger has called it. It is you choosing to do what God has given you the ability to do through the gift of the Holy Spirit. A person does not need to get all "lathered up in the spirit" to speak in tongues. Heck, you can do it while brushing your teeth. While speaking in tongues is supernatural, it is not mystical.

Still you cant proof from the scripture it is still a assumption! From a doctrine which is not older then 117 years. Had all the christians before this time the false believe and only the sects had the right one? All the founders of the denomination had the false view. Even the churchfathers. Sorry, you can believe that, I do not. And i can speak to my heavenly father all the time. Without speaking in tongues! What this doctrine createt is a 2 class Christianity. The first class are all who have the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues and the second class are all who do not. This I cant find in Scripture, so it is a false doctrine.

 

[jb]

Once, while praying in my tongue - privately as Paul says - I received a gift of knowledge that when delivered to it's intended recipient, caused that man to reconsider his anger at God

Another time, whilst in Spiritual prayer, God gave me a revelation of someone in danger - who I then prayed for. I found out later she was interceded upon by others who diverted her from doing great bodily harm to herself.

Yet another, a brother came up to me and said while he was praying he had received a word for me, warning me of something I was going to do and when. (Sadly it wasn't until after that day and event passed that I remembered his words)

What about this is recreational? We're talking people's lives impacted, by God, for the better, because someone was willing to step out in faith and believe Him and do what He asked. The woman was literally snatched by angels out of the demons claws. You think that's not edifying? You think that's not an incredible witness of the power and glory of God? The man who was angry specifically rejected Christ because of this anger - yet the last I heard from him he was letting go of that anger. Wow. Private tongues led to a sign to an unbeliever. Where have I heard that before? Who said that if you do this, that would happen?

There's only one thing I would ever trade my tongue for - the ability to open blind eyes.

Just to add to this, the diligent use of the gift of tongues is the gateway into an abundant operation of the other 8 gifts of the Spirit (1Cor 12v7-9), hence Paul could say "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all." (1Cor 14v18), which resluted in one of the greatest apostolic ministries ever! Acts 19v11,12, Rom 15v18-21, 2Cor 12v10-12.

Is it not time that the unbelieving Christians amongst you stop making little and ridiculing one of God's gifts of the Spirit to the Church, which cost the Lord Jesus SO MUCH to purchase and give to His beloved people, the Body of Christ! Like the early Church, why not like Paul (and the other apostles), simply accept and use it to God's glory? Acts 2v16-21,23-33,38,39, 9v17, Rom 10v7, 1Cor 14v18, Eph 4v7-16,