Understanding Outward Expressions of Spirituality, the Role of the Holy Spirit,

This lesson explores outward expressions of spirituality such as speaking in tongues, being "slain in the Spirit," the act of baptism, and going to church. It also examines the requirements to receive the Holy Spirit and the signs that accompany His presence. We will consider how denominational traditions have sometimes led to divisions, particularly concerning the gift of tongues. Finally, we’ll discuss whether every believer is expected to have the gift of tongues, using the example of the thief on the cross to illustrate that outward expressions are not the only evidence of salvation.

1. Outward Expressions of Spirituality

Outward expressions of spirituality are physical manifestations or actions that reflect an individual's inner spiritual experience. These expressions vary widely across different Christian traditions and can include practices such as speaking in tongues, being "slain in the Spirit," baptism, and attending church.

a. Speaking in Tongues

Definition and Biblical Basis:

Speaking in tongues (Greek: γλῶσσα - glōssa) refers to the miraculous ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker, either human languages (as in Acts 2:4) or spiritual languages that require interpretation (as in 1 Corinthians 14:2).Acts 2:4: On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.1 Corinthians 14:2: Paul explains that speaking in tongues is a form of prayer or praise directed to God that is not understood by others unless interpreted.

Purpose:

Edification: Tongues can serve to build up the individual spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4) or, when interpreted, to edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:5).

Evangelism: In Acts 2, speaking in tongues allowed the apostles to communicate the Gospel to people of different languages.

Misunderstandings and Controversies:

Some denominations place an undue emphasis on tongues as a necessary sign of receiving the Holy Spirit, leading to division and exclusion of those who do not exhibit this gift.

1 Corinthians 12:30: Paul makes it clear that not all believers have the same gifts, including tongues, which means it is not a universal requirement.

b. Being "Slain in the Spirit"

Definition and Practice:

Being "slain in the Spirit" refers to a physical manifestation where a person falls to the ground, often during prayer or worship, believed to be under the power of the Holy Spirit. This experience is most common in Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions.While there is no direct biblical reference for this specific term, some point to instances where people fell to the ground in response to God’s presence (e.g., Ezekiel 1:28, Revelation 1:17).

Purpose:

It is often seen as a sign of a deep, personal encounter with God, where the individual experiences a powerful sense of God's presence.

Misunderstandings and Controversies:

Critics argue that this practice can be emotionally driven or manipulated and lacks clear biblical support. It can also be divisive, with some viewing it as a marker of spiritual authenticity and others as excessive or unnecessary.

c. Baptism

Definition and Biblical Basis:

Baptism (Greek: βάπτισμα - baptisma) is the Christian sacrament of initiation, where a believer is immersed in water (or water is poured or sprinkled) to signify the washing away of sins and the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Matthew 28:19: Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize new believers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.Romans 6:3-4: Baptism symbolizes dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ.

Purpose:

Public Declaration: Baptism is a public affirmation of faith, marking the believer's entrance into the Christian community.

Spiritual Significance: It symbolizes spiritual cleansing, rebirth, and the believer's union with Christ.

Misunderstandings and Controversies:

Different denominations have various practices (infant vs. believer's baptism, immersion vs. sprinkling), which can cause division. The key focus, however, should be on the spiritual significance rather than the method.

d. Attending Church

Definition and Biblical Basis:

Attending church is an outward expression of a believer's faith and commitment to the body of Christ. It is a time for corporate worship, teaching, fellowship, and service.Hebrews 10:25: "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Purpose:

Community and Edification: Gathering with other believers strengthens the faith of individuals and the community. It allows for mutual encouragement, instruction in the Word, and the exercise of spiritual gifts.

Public Witness: Regular attendance at church serves as a public witness of one’s faith and commitment to God.

Judgment Begins with the Church:

1 Peter 4:17: "For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?"This passage emphasizes that the church, as the community of believers, is held to a high standard of holiness. Attending church is not just a sign of salvation but a reminder of the responsibility we bear as representatives of Christ.

Misunderstandings and Controversies:

Some equate church attendance with salvation, leading to judgment of those who, for various reasons, may not regularly attend. While fellowship is vital, salvation is based on faith in Christ, not on outward acts like church attendance.

2. The Example of the Thief on the Cross

The thief on the cross provides a powerful example of how outward expressions of spirituality, while important, are not the basis of salvation.

Luke 23:42-43 (NIV):

“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

Outward Signs:

The thief on the cross had no opportunity for baptism, speaking in tongues, being slain in the Spirit, or attending church. His salvation was based purely on his faith in Jesus Christ at the moment of death.

Key Lessons:

Faith, Not Works: Salvation is granted through faith in Jesus Christ, not through outward expressions of spirituality. The thief’s faith was sufficient for his salvation, illustrating that outward signs are secondary to a genuine relationship with Christ.God’s Grace: The thief's story highlights the grace of God—that even at the last moment, faith in Christ alone is enough for salvation.

3. Receiving the Holy Spirit: Requirements and Signs

a. Requirements to Receive the Holy Spirit

Faith in Jesus Christ:

Acts 2:38: Peter tells the crowd to "repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."Ephesians 1:13: Paul teaches that believers receive the Holy Spirit when they believe in the Gospel of salvation.

Repentance and Baptism:

Repentance (a turning away from sin) and baptism are often associated with receiving the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:38. However, the key requirement is faith in Jesus, with baptism serving as an outward sign of this inward change.

b. Signs of Receiving the Holy Spirit

Inner Transformation:

Galatians 5:22-23: The "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a believer’s life.Romans 8:16: The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children, providing inner assurance of salvation.

Spiritual Gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:7-11: The manifestation of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and tongues, can be signs of the Holy Spirit's presence, though these vary among believers.

Speaking in Tongues: As seen in Acts 2:4 and 1 Corinthians 12-14, tongues can be a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence, but not all believers will speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:30).

Boldness in Witnessing:

Acts 1:8: Receiving the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses for Christ.

4. Addressing Denominational Divisions

a. The Gift of Tongues and Divisions

Tradition vs. Scripture:

Some traditions teach that speaking in tongues is the definitive evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, leading to divisions within the body of Christ. This view can cause exclusion and judgment of those who do not exhibit this gift.

Paul’s Teaching on Spiritual Gifts:

1 Corinthians 12:4-11: Paul emphasizes that there are a variety of gifts, and the Holy Spirit distributes them as He wills. Not everyone will have the same gift, including tongues.1 Corinthians 12:30: "Do all speak in tongues?" Paul rhetorically asks, expecting the answer "No," indicating that tongues is not a gift given to all believers.

b. Will Every Believer Have the Gift of Tongues?

Scriptural Evidence:

1 Corinthians 12:29-31: Paul clearly teaches that not all believers will have the same spiritual gifts. The diversity of gifts reflects the diversity within the body of Christ, where different members serve different functions.Romans 12:6-8: Paul lists various gifts, urging believers to use whatever gift they have received to serve others. Tongues is one of many gifts and is not presented as essential for all believers.

Why Not Every Believer Will Speak in Tongues:

The Holy Spirit distributes gifts according to His will for the edification of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:11). The body of Christ functions through a variety of gifts, with each believer contributing uniquely. While tongues is a valuable gift, it is not given to every believer, and its absence does not mean a believer is lacking in the Holy Spirit.

Emphasis on Unity and Love:

1 Corinthians 13: Paul places love above all gifts, emphasizing that without love, even the most spectacular spiritual gifts are meaningless. The goal should be unity in the body of Christ, where all gifts are valued and used in love.

5. Summary and Reflection

Summary:

Outward expressions of spirituality, such as speaking in tongues, being "slain in the Spirit," baptism, and attending church, are important aspects of Christian faith but should not be viewed as universally required or as the sole indicators of receiving the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit is received by faith in Jesus Christ, with signs of His presence including inner transformation, spiritual gifts, and boldness in witnessing.While some believers may speak in tongues, this is not a gift given to all, and it should not be a cause for division. The example of the thief on the cross illustrates that salvation is based on faith in Christ, not outward expressions. Attending church, while important, is a sign of commitment and community but not the basis for salvation.

Reflection:

Reflect on your own experience of the Holy Spirit. Have you been influenced by denominational teachings that emphasize certain gifts or practices? How can you embrace the diversity of spiritual expressions while maintaining unity in the body of Christ?Consider how you can encourage others in their spiritual journey, recognizing and valuing the different ways the Holy Spirit works in each believer’s life.

Call to Action:

Seek to understand and appreciate the various ways the Holy Spirit manifests in your life and the lives of others. Emphasize love, unity, and the building up of the Church over any specific gift or outward expression. Encourage open dialogue within your community about the role of the Holy Spirit and the importance of spiritual diversity.

This comprehensive lesson provides a balanced view of outward expressions of spirituality, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the need for unity in the body of Christ. It encourages believers to appreciate the diversity of spiritual gifts and experiences while focusing on love, edification, and the essentials of faith in Christ.