PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT PART 2
Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 6 viewsNotes
Transcript
Handout
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT PT. 2
PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT PT. 2
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
INTRODUCTION:
INTRODUCTION:
Last week we began talking about praying in the Spirit from Ephesians 6:18.
1. Last week we began talking about praying in the Spirit from .
And one of the things that we talked about was that ALL prayer was to be in the Spirit.
We said that praying in the Spirit is praying with the help & guidance of the HS.
2. And we said that praying in the Spirit is praying with the help & guidance of the HS.
We also said that praying in the Spirit is praying in tongues.
3. We also said that praying in the Spirit is praying in tongues.
So, tonight we are going to be talking about praying in tongues.
4. So, tonight we are going to be talking about praying in tongues.
But before we get into what it means to pray in tongues, we need to understand what tongues is...and dispel some myths concerning speaking in tongues.
5. But before we get into what it means to pray in tongues, we need to understand what tongues is...and dispel some myths concerning speaking in tongues.
Tongues is a language
When we speak in tongues it is a language, not gibberish.
Acts 2:4
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
The word tongues means languages
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts 2:5-6 (language v.6 or dialect)
Language in v.6 refers to dialect
(language v.6 or dialect)
On the day of Pentecost, the believers spoke in known languages...In fact, they spoke in as many as 16 different dialects that day.
1Last week we began talking about praying in the Spirit from Ephesians 6:18. HS.gues is...and dispel some myths concerning speaking in tongues.
Tongues are known languages.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1 Cor. 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
Notice the phrase “tongues of men & of angels”
Some commentators believe that it’s possible to be speaking an earthly language as well as a heavenly language.
1 Corinthians 1. Love Is Superior to Spiritual Gifts in and of Themselves (1–2)
In Paul’s day, many Jews believed angels had their own language, and by the Spirit, one could speak it. The reference to tongues of … angels shows that though the genuine gift of tongues is a legitimate language, it may not be a “living” human language, or may not be a human language at all. Apparently, there are angelic languages men can speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
You can’t control it
Some people have this idea that the HS is going to overpower them & they’re going to be overwhelmed & the HS is going to force them to speak in tongues.
That’s not what happens.
When you speak in tongues you are in control.
You control how loud you speak & the intensity with which you speak...and you control whether or not you speak.
The HS doesn’t take control of your tongue & your vocal chords & make you speak in tongues.
1 Cor. 14:32
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
It’s just going to happen
Some have the idea that if they have been praying for this gift & if God wants them to have it...one day it will just come out of them.
Again, that’s not how it works…You have to cooperate with the HS.
You have to open your mouth & speak as the Spirit enables you.
And you’re going to have to do it by faith b/c you’re not going to understand what you’re saying.
NOTE: I would say that many Christians don’t pray in tongues mainly b/c they don’t know what they’re saying...and they think that it is foolish sounding.
But if that’s how you think - you’re missing out on a great aspect of prayer.
6. So let’s move forward.
TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF TONGUES
TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF TONGUES
1 - PUBLIC USE OF TONGUES
1 - PUBLIC USE OF TONGUES
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Cor. 12:4-11
1. Paul lists 9 gifts of the Spirit.
Paul lists 9 gifts of the Spirit.
Theses gifts are given by the Spirit to build up the church...and the HS gives these gifts to believers as He sees fit.
In other words, any Spirit-filled believer can be used to operate in any of these gifts…but the HS determines when & how these gifts operate.
No one person possesses all of these gifts but we can all be used in these gifts as the HS desires to use us...which is why Paul tells us to desire spiritual gifts.
1 Cor. 12:31
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
1 Cor. 14:1
1 Cor. 14:1
2. One of the gifts that Paul mentions is the ability to speak in different/various kinds of languages or tongues.
One of the gifts that Paul mentions is the ability to speak in different/various kinds of languages or tongues.
3. Another gift that goes with that is the interpretation of languages.
These two gifts work together.
Now, one thing that I want to point out is that on the day of Pentecost...no interpretation was needed.
Why is that? I believe that it has to do with the function or operation of the gift.
21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
1 Cor. 14:21-22
Paul says tongues are sign for unbelievers.
Paul says tongues are sign for unbelievers.
On the day of Pentecost, I believe the 120 spoke in the language of the people present so there was no need for an interpretation.
6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Acts
But if I were to just start speaking in tongues during this service, it would need to be interpreted...or it wouldn’t be of any benefit to you.
Any thing that takes place in church must be for the building up & edification of the church.
So, tongues in public MUST be interpreted.
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
1 Cor. 14:5, 13, 27-28
13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.
, 27-28
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
NOTE: Paul is not against tongues but in public there must be order so that there is no confusion.
NOTE: Paul isn’t against tongues but in a public setting there must be order so that there is no confusion.
And according to 1 Cor. 12, there is a gift of tongues & a gift to interpret tongues that is used in public...and everyone doesn’t have that gift.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
1 Cor. 12:28-30
4. The obvious answer to these questions is NO!
The obvious answer to these questions is NO!
Everyone doesn’t work miracles or have the gift of healing.
Everyone doesn’t hold the office of prophet, apostle, or teacher.
So, everyone doesn’t have the GIFT of speaking in different/various tongues.
I have heard people who have prayed & worshiped in tongues but have never given out a message in tongues that was interpreted.
(Example: Tawnia)
2 - PRIVATE USE OF TONGUES
2 - PRIVATE USE OF TONGUES
1. As Spirit-filled believers we believe that the initial physical evidence of being filled with the Spirit is speaking in tongues.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
We see this in on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 10:44-
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 19:1-
In , Simon the sorcerer offered money to Peter & John so that he could lay hands on people & they could receive the HS.
In , Paul went to Ephesus
The text doesn’t say the Samaritans spoke in tongues when Peter & John prayed for them…but apparently Simon saw or heard something that caused him to want that kind of power.
NOTE: There will be a physical evidence of being filled with the Spirit…and again, we believe it is speaking in other tongues.
2. So, if you have been filled with the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues...you can pray in tongues in private even though you may not have the public gift of tongues.
Again, I have heard people pray in tongues who have never given out a message in tongues in a church service.
(Example: Tawnia)
3. And I believe that is what Paul is talking about in as he seeks to give the Corinthians advice on how to conduct themselves in a church service.
In the church in Corinth, people are speaking in tongues in church but the church isn’t being edified.
Visitors are coming in but they don’t know what’s going on b/c there’s no order in the service…so Paul is giving instructions to set them straight.
1 Cor. 14:2
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Who does Paul say you’re speaking to? God
4. Who does Paul say you’re speaking to - God
Speaking in tongues is a way to speak directly to God.
No one else knows what we are saying but God does.
Now think about that - When you pray in tongues, you don’t have to wonder if your prayer is being heard by God.
Paul says, you are speaking to God....It’s as though you have a direct line to heaven when you pray in tongues.
When you pray in tongues, you get God’s ear…you get His attention.
In fact, Paul seems to indicate here that speaking in tongues is specifically for talking to God.
1 Cor. 14:5
5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Paul indicates & implies that ALL can have the gift of tongues for their personal lives.
5. Paul seems to indicate & imply that ALL can have a gift of tongues for their personal lives & personal use.
Paul says he WANTS & WISHES that they ALL spoke in tongues.
Now remember, in chapter 12 he says not all has the gift of speaking in tongues…but here he says - I wish you all spoke with tongues.
It seems that Paul is contradicting himself.
In v. 2 he says the one who speaks in a tongue speaks to God…and in v. 4, the one who speaks in tongue edifies or builds himself up…and now he wants all of them to speak in tongues.
6. Jesus even included speaking in tongues as one of the signs that would follow those who believe.
Mark 16:17
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
Jesus wasn’t against speaking in tongues...and Paul wasn’t against speaking in tongues.
NOTE: Jesus wasn’t against speaking in tongues.
Jesus said - they WILL speak in new tongues.
1 Cor. 14:18
1 Cor. 14:18
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
When did Paul speak in tongues more than everybody else?
7. When did Paul speak in tongues more than all of them, referring to the believers in Corinth?
He was busy doing ministry, preaching the gospel, solving the church’s problems…and even working as a tent maker to not be a burden to the congregation…so, when did he have the time to speak in tongues?
1 Cor. 14:19
19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
I believe Paul is referring to his private prayer life.
He says in church he would rather talk to be understood than speak in tongues…so, if he is speaking in tongues more than all the Corinthians, when is he doing it?
I believe he must be doing it in private.
He may have spoken in tongues publicly & gave an interpretation at times but I believe that he is referring to a private, devotional prayer language.
Paul valued this gift in such a way that he could say with confidence he did it more than everyone else.
And remember, this is after Pentecost…In fact, this is a couple of decades after Pentecost…so, something else was going on.
NOTE: Personally, I believe that we’re getting a glimpse into Paul’s personal prayer life & his view on the gift of tongues.
1 Cor. 14:14-15
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Paul says plainly that he will pray in tongues…and he will sing praise in tongues.
Paul spent time praying & singing in tongues.
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
8. We see from these verses that Paul wasn’t anti-tongues.
But he did want things to be done orderly in the church…and he laid out the proper way for how spiritual gifts should operate in the church.
Now personally, I have come to the conclusion that tongues are better suited for private use than public use.
There is a place for tongues in a public church setting…but the most abused gift in Pentecostal churches is tongues…and that’s what was taking place in Corinth.
It was Charismatic Craziness taking place in their services & Paul had to straighten them out.
He says all things should be done decently & in order.
CONCLUSION:
CONCLUSION:
1. I believe that tongues are still for today.
2. In fact, I believe that all the gifts of the Spirit are still available today…and I want to be open & available to be used in whatever way the HS desires to use me.
3. But concerning prayer, I believe the HS is the best prayer partner we can have.
He knows how to alway pray according to the will of God…He will never pray outside the will of God.
And when we don’t know what to say, we should surrender & allow Him to pray through us.
4. I believe that we can pray in tongues…and I believe that when we do, we talk directly to God…and God understands what we’re saying and God begins to move on our behalf.
5. Next week, we are going to go deeper with this subject & answer some questions such as...
Can every believer pray in tongues?
Can I pray in tongues any time I want to?
Do I need to scream, shout, & be weird to pray in tongues?
Can I pray in tongues in church, when everyone is gathered together?
Is it alright to pray in tongues a lot?
Is it me speaking or is it the HS speaking through me?
6. Also, we will talk about some of the benefits of praying in tongues.
NOTE: Praying in tongues will help you in many ways if you add this element to your pray life.
If at all possible, don’t miss next week!
Let’s pray!!!