Understanding the Gift of Tongues: Communication with God
Summary
### Summary
Today's message focused on the often misunderstood and sometimes controversial gift of tongues. We began by acknowledging that the concept of speaking in unknown languages can seem strange or even crazy to many, both inside and outside the church. However, we were reminded that our faith is built on miraculous events that defy human logic, and the gift of tongues is no different. This gift is a powerful tool for communication, much like a walkie-talkie that allows us to cut through the noise and speak directly to God.
We explored the biblical foundations of this gift, starting with the Tower of Babel, where God confused human language to thwart their prideful plans. In contrast, at Pentecost, God used the gift of tongues to unify believers from different nations, allowing them to hear the wonders of God in their own languages. This shows that God uses language as a tool to both divide and unite, depending on His purpose.
Paul's teachings in Corinthians were also examined to provide a balanced understanding of the gift. While Paul encouraged the use of tongues, he emphasized the need for order and interpretation in public worship to ensure that the entire church is edified. This balance between miraculous gifting and orderly worship is crucial for a healthy church environment.
The gift of tongues is not just for public display but is primarily a personal prayer language that allows us to communicate with God in a pure, unfiltered way. This is especially important because our everyday language is often tainted by negative words and thoughts. Speaking in tongues enables us to praise God with words that haven't been used to curse or harm others.
Finally, we were encouraged to seek this gift humbly and to use it to deepen our relationship with God. Whether or not we have the gift of tongues, the underlying principle is that God desires a deeper, more intimate communication with us. We were urged to spend time in wordless prayer, be bold in our expressions, and remain humble in our pursuit of spiritual gifts.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Gift of Tongues as a Communication Tool: The gift of tongues is like a spiritual walkie-talkie that allows us to communicate directly with God, cutting through the noise and static of our everyday language. This gift is a powerful tool that God uses to unify and edify the church, much like He did at Pentecost. [10:17]
2. Biblical Foundations and Balance: The story of the Tower of Babel and the events of Pentecost show how God uses language to both divide and unite. Paul's teachings in Corinthians emphasize the need for order and interpretation in public worship, ensuring that the entire church is edified. This balance is crucial for a healthy church environment. [14:22]
3. Personal Prayer Language: Speaking in tongues is primarily a personal prayer language that allows us to communicate with God in a pure, unfiltered way. This is especially important because our everyday language is often tainted by negative words and thoughts. The gift of tongues enables us to praise God with words that haven't been used to curse or harm others. [31:03]
4. Seeking the Gift Humbly: Whether or not we have the gift of tongues, the underlying principle is that God desires a deeper, more intimate communication with us. We should seek this gift humbly, using it to deepen our relationship with God and to edify the church. [38:56]
5. Practical Steps for Deeper Communication: We were encouraged to spend time in wordless prayer, be bold in our expressions, and remain humble in our pursuit of spiritual gifts. This approach allows us to connect with God on a deeper level, even when we don't have the words to express our feelings and needs. [41:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:44] - Introduction to the Gift of Tongues
[08:52] - The Walkie-Talkie Analogy
[10:17] - God's Heart Behind the Gift
[11:33] - Re-establishing Our Beliefs
[13:02] - Embracing the Unbelievable
[14:22] - The Power of Language
[15:53] - The Tower of Babel
[17:23] - Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
[19:00] - Modern Examples of the Gift
[20:24] - Practical Questions and Misconceptions
[21:33] - Paul's Teachings on Order
[24:13] - Balancing Miraculous Gifts and Order
[26:55] - Different Church Expressions
[28:04] - Doing Church God's Way
[29:18] - Applying the Gift Today
[30:23] - Declaring the Wonders of God
[31:03] - Speaking to God, Not People
[32:26] - The Power of a Clean Channel
[34:18] - Personal Testimony
[38:56] - Encouragement to Seek the Gift
[41:35] - Practical Steps for Deeper Communication
[43:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 11:5-7 (NIV)
> "But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.'"
2. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
> "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
3. 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 (NIV)
> "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the purpose of God confusing the language at the Tower of Babel? (Genesis 11:5-7)
2. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as mentioned in Acts 2:1-4.
3. According to 1 Corinthians 14:18-19, what does Paul prioritize in public worship, and why? [24:13]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the Tower of Babel illustrate the power of language as a tool for both division and unity? (Genesis 11:5-7)
2. In what ways did the gift of tongues at Pentecost serve to unify the early believers? (Acts 2:1-4)
3. Why does Paul emphasize the need for intelligible words in public worship over speaking in tongues? How does this reflect his concern for the edification of the church? [24:13]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed and couldn't find the words to pray. How might the concept of wordless prayer or the gift of tongues help you in such moments? [40:05]
2. How can you seek to deepen your communication with God this week, whether through wordless prayer, speaking in tongues, or another form of spiritual expression? [41:35]
3. Paul talks about the importance of order in worship. How can you contribute to a balanced and orderly worship environment in your church? [25:31]
4. The sermon mentioned that our everyday language is often tainted by negative words and thoughts. What steps can you take to purify your language and use it to praise God more effectively? [32:26]
5. The pastor encouraged us to be bold in our expressions of faith. What is one specific way you can be bold in your spiritual practices this week? [41:35]
6. How can you humbly seek spiritual gifts, including the gift of tongues, in a way that deepens your relationship with God and edifies the church? [38:56]
7. Think about the analogy of the walkie-talkie used in the sermon. How can you "cut through the noise" in your life to communicate more directly with God? [08:52]
Devotional
Day 1: The Gift of Tongues as a Spiritual Walkie-Talkie
The gift of tongues is a unique and powerful tool that allows believers to communicate directly with God, bypassing the limitations and imperfections of human language. This gift can seem strange or even controversial, but it is rooted in the miraculous nature of our faith. Just as a walkie-talkie cuts through noise to deliver a clear message, speaking in tongues enables us to connect with God in a pure and unfiltered way. This direct line of communication is not only for personal edification but also serves to unify and strengthen the church, much like it did at Pentecost. [10:17]
1 Corinthians 14:2 (ESV): "For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God due to the limitations of your own words. How might seeking the gift of tongues help you bridge that gap and communicate more intimately with Him?
Day 2: The Power of Language in God's Plan
Language has always played a significant role in God's plan, as seen in the stories of the Tower of Babel and Pentecost. At Babel, God confused human language to prevent prideful unity, while at Pentecost, He used the gift of tongues to bring diverse believers together. This duality shows that God can use language to both divide and unite, depending on His purpose. Paul's teachings in Corinthians further emphasize the need for order and interpretation in public worship, ensuring that the entire church is edified. This balance between miraculous gifting and orderly worship is crucial for a healthy church environment. [14:22]
Genesis 11:7-8 (ESV): "Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech. So the Lord dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city."
Reflection: Reflect on how language has played a role in your spiritual journey. Have there been moments when words have either brought you closer to God or created barriers? How can you seek to use your words to edify and unify those around you?
Day 3: Speaking in Tongues as a Personal Prayer Language
Speaking in tongues is primarily a personal prayer language that allows believers to communicate with God in a pure, unfiltered way. Our everyday language is often tainted by negative words and thoughts, but the gift of tongues enables us to praise God with words that haven't been used to curse or harm others. This form of communication is especially important for personal edification and spiritual growth, as it allows us to connect with God on a deeper level. [31:03]
Romans 8:26 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
Reflection: Consider the words you use daily. Are they often tainted by negativity or frustration? How might speaking in tongues help you to communicate with God in a more pure and uplifting manner?
Day 4: Seeking the Gift of Tongues Humbly
Whether or not we have the gift of tongues, the underlying principle is that God desires a deeper, more intimate communication with us. We should seek this gift humbly, using it to deepen our relationship with God and to edify the church. The pursuit of spiritual gifts should always be accompanied by a humble heart and a desire to serve others. This humility ensures that the gifts are used for their intended purpose: to build up the body of Christ. [38:56]
1 Corinthians 14:12 (ESV): "So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church."
Reflection: Reflect on your motivations for seeking spiritual gifts. Are you seeking them to deepen your relationship with God and serve others, or for personal gain? How can you cultivate a humble heart in your pursuit of these gifts?
Day 5: Practical Steps for Deeper Communication with God
We were encouraged to spend time in wordless prayer, be bold in our expressions, and remain humble in our pursuit of spiritual gifts. This approach allows us to connect with God on a deeper level, even when we don't have the words to express our feelings and needs. By embracing these practical steps, we can foster a more intimate and meaningful relationship with God, allowing His Spirit to guide and transform us. [41:35]
Psalm 46:10 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"
Reflection: Set aside time today for wordless prayer. How does this practice change your experience of God's presence? What new insights or feelings arise when you allow yourself to be still before Him?
Quotes
1. "What I want us to see today is this truth that God loves us so much that he puts his ears to our hearts right that's the truth I'm going to hope to kind of dig into as we talk about this gift so stay with me we're going to go through a little journey but I know it will strengthen us all." [10:17] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we believe all these amazing things that go beyond our imagination, that go beyond the realm of physics and possibility, what makes us think that he still can't do those things today, right? Actually, much of what we believe today as Christians, the world will call crazy. And I just want to call out, if you don't believe those things that I just mentioned, that's okay because you're in the right place, right?" [11:33] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Language is a powerful tool communication and the words we use are a powerful tool like one I'm personally amazed when I see anybody who's multilingual right like if somebody's speaking english and they switch to spanish I'm like whoa it's like a magic trick to me like I have zero kind of skills at that like I I took spanish I took french in school it couldn't stick so when I see people actually speak it's like wow it's a powerful thing right they can connect people right it can also separate people and it's actually a tool that god has always used." [14:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God is using the gift of tongues like a walkie-talkie right and so you can imagine if each one of them had a walkie-talkie god is using uh the frequency of a walkie-talkie so they can hear the other believers speak clearly in their own language and I guess again this is strengthening the body this is strengthening right what the church will ultimately become one single body made of many peoples of many dialects around the world." [19:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's miraculous gifting and order in church are not mutually exclusive right see guys when we surrender to god how our gatherings look like how our church service looks like we need to understand that god can move in unexpected and miraculous ways and it won't be total mayhem right because this is what I feel this may be a huge generalization right um but this is what I feel like on these issues you know I've had the pleasure and opportunity to be a part of so many different types of churches and this is kind of what again it's a generalization but this is what I feel." [25:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We have to do it his way, not ours. We have to do it God's way. If we want to see the church looking like the church that it's supposed to be, that we read about, then guess what? We have to do it God's way. And I can tell you guys, I had a conversation with Pastor John about this, about, hey, should we talk about tongues? It's so easy to not talk about this topic in our church environment. Fine, it's so easy to hop over it and talk about something that I know would resonate easily with people, but it's in scripture for a reason." [28:04] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The gift of tongues is a gift. It enables us to speak to God with a clean filter. Right? With a clean channel, a channel that has not been murked up by our own words, with a channel that has not been contaminated by the things that we've said to so many other people. Again, it's like that clean channel on the walkie-talkie. It's like dialing into that frequency right to God with all the static and the noise. It's not there. The gift of tongues enables us to speak to God in a pure way." [33:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God gives the gifts of tongues not for us to talk to other people, but for us to talk to Him. That's crazy, right? That's amazing, right? That kind of blows my mind, right? God has given us the gift of tongues and the Bible says, and as Paul is saying, we are not talking to people, but we're talking to God. They were singing God's praise. They were praising God. They were declaring His wonders. Paul is saying that we speak to God and we utter mysteries from the Spirit." [31:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "God loves you that much that he's willing to put his ear directly to your heart that's crazy that's amazing and it's wonderful god wants to tune in to your specific frequency even when we don't have the words amen." [43:06] (18 seconds)
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