Tongues and Interpretation

' Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 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. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching? If even lifeless instruments, such as the flute or the harp, do not give distinct notes, how will anyone know what is played? And if the bugle gives an indistinct sound, who will get ready for battle? So with yourselves, if with your tongue you utter speech that is not intelligible, how will anyone know what is said? For you will be speaking into the air. There are doubtless many different languages in the world, and none is without meaning, but if I do not know the meaning of the language, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue. '

1 Corinthians 14:1-19

Tongues is a strange one. And my goal tonight is to help you understand it better, though I most likely won’t answer every question you have about this gift.

In Acts 2 we first see this gift mentioned as evidence of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. This is one form of tongues. This is for proclamation of the Glory of God and His gospel. Usually it is a known, earthly language that is used in a missional way. This is rare. I’ve only seen it happen once with my own eyes.

In Romans, 1st Corinthians and Jude we hear mention of praying in the Holy Spirit or praying in tongues.

This is the more common form. Both are called “tongues”. Both involved the Holy Spirit taking the wheel while your mind or understanding take a back seat. But one is for others, and one is for you.

This is the expression of tongues you experience when you are baptized in the HS. You receive this language that is between God and God. Let me explain.

'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. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. '

Romans 8:26-27

God loves us so much and knows that we don’t always know how to pray or what to pray for. So, the Helper (Holy Spirit) prays for you when you allow Him too.