UNDERSTANDING THE GIFT OF DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES (2).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*UNDERSTANDING THE GIFT OF DIVERS KINDS OF TONGUES (2).*

*Scripture Treasure.*

1 Cor 14:2 *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.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

The one who speaks in tongues without its understanding and the understanding of those who hear him only *"....edifieth himself..."*, 1 Cor 14:4.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Yesterday, we looked at the meaning of the gift of divers kind of tongues, its origin, meaning .

Today, we will look at Paul's unique and compelling take on the character of the tongue speaking believer.

We will look at this in two ways.

First, we will look at the character of the one who speaks in tongues, Paul's advice and admonition to him.

Who can speak in tongues?

Second, what is expected of the one who speaks in tongues? How can he effectually and fervently use it? What is expected of him?

We will look at the first today.

First, the character of the one saved by Christ is further shaped by his encounter with the Holy Ghost.

The filling of the Holy Ghost is Christ's fulfilled promise to the generation of believers under the New Covenant.

Peter explained to those who were amazed and mocked that what they just saw at Pentecost, Acts 2: 1-4, was a fulfilled promise of Christ ref Act 1:8.

He further explains that the gift of speaking in divers tongues is a promise unto all who ask for it and for all whom God has called, Acts 2: 14-37.

He says in Acts 2:38-39:

*Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.*

*For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.*

It is a gift for believers. While salvation is freely given, the baptism by fire may only be accompanied by speaking in tongues through prayers.

Lk 3:21 says *Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,*

Acts 9:17-20 tells us that after Ananias prayed for Paul, he received his sight, was filled with the Holy Ghost, was baptized, was strengthened *".....And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.*

In Acts 8:14-17, Peter and John were called to pray for people who had received the word at Samaria they *"....prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:.......they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)*

*Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.*

So the character of the one who speaks in tongues and his receiving of the gift is shaped by a life of prayer.

Those who speak in tongues through the gift are not under a self-made unction or a responsive move by human instinct or under the tutorship of a school where people are taught to speak it. It is evidence of when people who have encountered an inner filling *"....with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."* Acts 2:4.

So it follows that for this gift to be fruitful to both he that speaks it and those who hear it, must follow the defined structure of the Holy Spirit who gave it.

The utterance, its interpretation must be well followed and be sustained by the Holy Spirit.

There is a regular in filling to sustain the gift. While salvation is once, the filling of the Spirit to sustain the gift can come as many times on the believer as the Spirit wills and the Spirit's response to his prayers. Besides Acts 2:4, Peter received additional fillings in Act 4:8, 31.

Carrying the gift does not mean we will not face weakness and infirmities, but the presence of the gift helps us. The Spirit helps our infirmities, Rom 8:26.

Second, the character of the one who speaks in tongues is well defined in 1 Cor 14:4 is that *He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself......."*

*Remorse corner.*

Two major features of the believer who speaks in tongues are: first, his utterances are inspired by the Spirit, and second, he speaks in tongues to edify himself (if he speaks in tongues without interpretation).

*Call to Word action.*

He speaks mysteries. He does not understand what he says, and neither does the one whom he speaks understand.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

Only God understands when he speaks. God, however, says, through Paul, that he who speaks in tongues must also seek that he interprets, 1 Cor 14:13.

*Prayer.*

Lord, let me speak in tongues with interpretation, in Jesus name.

Good morning all, and be blessed as as you go today.

God bless you.

Shalom.