1 Corinthians 14:18

[Agape]

I speak in tongues and I don't understand it.
But I find myself praising God continually as I speak in tongues.
There's something to it.

How do you know you are praising God if you don't understand what you're saying when you speak in tongues?

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

How do you know you are praising God if you don't understand what you're saying when you speak in tongues?

I don't understand the tongues but in my mind I find myself praising God.
Physically I am speaking in tongues and spiritually I understand that I am praising God.

 

[reba]

1Co_13:1 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.
1Co_14:39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

 

[eddif]

Ok, so I was reading 1 Corinthians 14 the other day. So I'm reading about tongues, and about how Paul wants them to all speak in tongues, but would rather then prophecy so they may build up each other etc etc. Fair enough.

But this is the part I don't get - after going on about that, in verse 18, Paul then says this: (ESV)

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
​

To me, it seems a bit contradictory and a tad out of place in the context of the rest of the section.

Am I missing something here?

This thread was doing fine just sitting there, and then I came along and made comments.

How about going to the Old Testament and get into tongues and interpretation. After all you do not hear the tongues and interpretation conversation in Romans or Hebrews, because those people knew about it from OT scripture. It is only the Gentiles that had to be educated about spiritual gifts. Jewish folks knew about spiritual gifts from their scriptures. Only prophets usually practiced the Gifts, but they were mentioned.

Daniel lived in Babylon with all the wisdom folks that Nebuchadnezzar could get together. All the nations wisdom could not reveal a dream. I am using Daniel 2 passage just to show the known wisdom was collected in the land.

Daniel 2:28
27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king;
28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these;

Later King Belshazzar (son of Nebuchadnezzar) was drinking from the Jewish vessels and a hand wrote in the plaster of the wall.

Daniel 5:25
25 And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

Daniel 5:8
8 Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof.

Daniel could intrepret however.

All the wise men of known languages could not read the message on the wall. Daniel had prayed for the first dream and intrepretation and I suppose this later time was supernatural also (remember the first dream and information was supernatural).

The point of all this is: there will come times in our lives that we will need information way past our natural knowledge. Tongues plus intrepretation gives the equal of prophecy (you can prophesy without tongues, but it needs to be supernatural).

IMHO it is possible that tongues can be the means of developing the faith to give a word of knowledge or a word of wisdom to meet a persons need in life. I am a feller from Mississippi. Either we believe in the Jewish Jesus practicing word of knowledge, word of wisdom, healings etc or we do not. And, we have Paul in I Corinthians 14:23-25
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

Paul was the Jewish teacher with the Gentiles, and needed to be the person establishing the Gentile understanding of God's spiritual gifts first shown to the Jews through Moses and the prophets (?). I guess he did thank God he spoke in tongues more than they all---He needed to know what he was going to teach.

I think today we need the same power operating in our lives to teach others. The wittnesses are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Gentiles have had almost 2000 years to build traditions that the gifts were just for a season. Why was Paul teaching them what to do if it were passing away.

Let sin be taught to bring about repentance and establish a need for Jesus
Let Jesus be taught so we will believe in His work for eternal life (salvation)
Let the empowerment of the Holy Spirit be taught so we might teach all things.

eddif

 

[Davies]

Good evening,

I was talking with a friend of mine today regarding this chapter, and posed the questions, 'Why are most of the people with the gift of tongues congregating together?' Is it because the strange tongue speakers are discriminated against? Why would the Spirit gift people and then bunch them altogether? How can a minister tell you how to get the gift of tongues when it is a gift that God gives? Often times, I think people are made to feel like they don't have faith because they don't have the gift of tongues, or that they aren't even saved. When people starting making some strange sounds and then call it a tongue, I immediately question the legitimacy of what they say. Sorry. I don't buy the strange tongues gift. I could understand a supernatural gift of speaking a known language. I haven't seen it myself. Does anyone even understand what they are saying when they speak in a strange tongue, and do you need an interpreter to tell you what you just said? When I was in the military, I went to a pentecostal church for about a year, and that's exactly what they did. They spoke in tongues and then a different person had to tell us what the person was saying. The person who spoke in the strange tongue could never tell us what they were saying. I didn't buy it then either.

- Davies

 

[Mitspa]

Ok, so I was reading 1 Corinthians 14 the other day. So I'm reading about tongues, and about how Paul wants them to all speak in tongues, but would rather then prophecy so they may build up each other etc etc. Fair enough.

But this is the part I don't get - after going on about that, in verse 18, Paul then says this: (ESV)

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ​

To me, it seems a bit contradictory and a tad out of place in the context of the rest of the section.

Am I missing something here?

hello nick!
I think Paul goes on to say that in the churc he had rather speak with understanding so that others may learn also.

Actually the whole truth of the gift is only known and seen as one uses that gift.
Paul prayed in the Spirit more than all! That is why he understood more than all. Yet when he came into the church he spoke in mans understanding that he might teach them also what he had learn by praying in the spirit.

Paul wrote I will "pray in the spirit" and pray in my understanding also. I will "sing in the spirit" and sing in my understanding also.
ALL SCRIPTURE THAT REFERS TO "PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT" is about praying in tongues.

Jude makes the point that in the last days, many would come into the church and NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT. then he goes on to say but you beloved keep yourself in the love of God, PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

all those who wrote the New Testament , prayed in tongues!
This idea that tongues past away? is just what Jude describes.

They who do not have the Holy Spirit must purge the scriptures of all truth in regards to the Holy Spirit.

They will have their day, to answer for these things!

 

[Mitspa]

Mitspa, Are you saying that if one doesn't pray in tongues that he is not praying in the Spirit? If so how can that be as we who are in Christ have the HS and whenever we pray aren't we praying in the Spirit? I don't speak in tongues, yet surely and absolutely without ANY doubt I am saved.

No my friend I am not saying that. I am saying that one who prays in their understanding is heard by God based upon who they are In Christ. So in fact one is really praying what is true in spirit. But the term praying and singing in the spirit is defined very well as the gift of tongues.

For Paul wrote" i will pray in the spirit" I will pray in my understanding also.

So to pray in the spirit is to pray apart from ones own understanding.

I do not hold as some do that one must pray in this gift to be saved. I allow that each believer must seek the gifts as they would. But I do defend the truth of scripture and this gift from God. Blessings

 

[eddif]

hello nick!
I think Paul goes on to say that in the churc he had rather speak with understanding so that others may learn also.

Actually the whole truth of the gift is only known and seen as one uses that gift.
Paul prayed in the Spirit more than all! That is why he understood more than all. Yet when he came into the church he spoke in mans understanding that he might teach them also what he had learn by praying in the spirit.

Paul wrote I will "pray in the spirit" and pray in my understanding also. I will "sing in the spirit" and sing in my understanding also.
ALL SCRIPTURE THAT REFERS TO "PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT" is about praying in tongues.

Jude makes the point that in the last days, many would come into the church and NOT HAVE THE SPIRIT. then he goes on to say but you beloved keep yourself in the love of God, PRAYING IN THE HOLY SPIRIT.

all those who wrote the New Testament , prayed in tongues!
This idea that tongues past away? is just what Jude describes.

They who do not have the Holy Spirit must purge the scriptures of all truth in regards to the Holy Spirit.

They will have their day, to answer for these things!

Ask a question about, or make a statement about tongues and the discussion begins LOL.

Jude 21-23
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23 and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh

Ok Mitspa I think you have the fear group pretty much covered. There are those teaching some things that are not true and fear is appropriate to be directed toward them.

Others, however, have not even really heard that there is a Holy Spirit gift area. So the following scripture does not fit exactly, but to me the lack of knowledge is the result of a lack of teaching in some cases.

Acts 19:2
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.
Thse folks need

Compassion​

This includes:
answering questions
quoting scriptures
showing examples in scripture
being slow and developmental in teaching (I talk it but don't seem...)
finding a service that will not scare some people​

Every once in awhile tongues just seems to happen while:
washing dishes
cutting grass
reading scripture​

I think grandma's spiritual hands reach out of her prayer closet and grab you. Some think of laying on hands (and that works), but other times it can be an individual thing.​

Acts 10:44-45 comes to mind:​

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
Acts 10:46
So if you read a good post, go read scripture, find a good church service, and you find yourselves speaking in tongues do not be surprised. I do not think God gives serpents to those asking for a fish.

Do I have it all figured out? No.

eddif

 

[eddif]

Good evening,

I was talking with a friend of mine today regarding this chapter, and posed the questions, 'Why are most of the people with the gift of tongues congregating together?' Is it because the strange tongue speakers are discriminated against? Why would the Spirit gift people and then bunch them altogether? How can a minister tell you how to get the gift of tongues when it is a gift that God gives? Often times, I think people are made to feel like they don't have faith because they don't have the gift of tongues, or that they aren't even saved. When people starting making some strange sounds and then call it a tongue, I immediately question the legitimacy of what they say. Sorry. I don't buy the strange tongues gift. I could understand a supernatural gift of speaking a known language. I haven't seen it myself. Does anyone even understand what they are saying when they speak in a strange tongue, and do you need an interpreter to tell you what you just said? When I was in the military, I went to a pentecostal church for about a year, and that's exactly what they did. They spoke in tongues and then a different person had to tell us what the person was saying. The person who spoke in the strange tongue could never tell us what they were saying. I didn't buy it then either.

- Davies

Here I sit hanging out with someone who does not generally see any truth in certain tongue talking folks. I speak English most of the time (except when I speak human anatomy and folks think I should speak their doctrine LOL).

I think Jesus is knocking on the hearts and minds of people all the time. Just let Jesus inside. If the Holy Spirit scares you, just know he might hang around the door for a time (go open the door again and see if he wants to come in too). At times the disciples went and asked if folks received the Holy Spirit when they believed. Some had not even heard there was a Holy Spirit. Today many are taught that certain spiritual gifts are of the devil. I promote receiving Holy Spirit. If you get an evil spirit some are supposed to be able to cast them out. If you feel a certain group has an evil spirit rather than Holy Spirit, seek another group. If that fails go straight to God. Ask Him to reveal the truth to you (just be sure you are listening to a good spirit). If I have a spirit that you feel is evil, press ignore. Look for someone who can discern spirits (you know aunt Mary that can tell if a person is honest or not---By spiritual means and not tea leaves). Try the spirits to see if they are of God.

eddif

 

[eddif]

Well, over the past four decades of my Christian experience I have failed to find clearly defined and laid out doctrine regarding speaking in tongues as some here seem to be so sure of. It seems to me that much of what is discussed here is speculation and conjecture and indirect interpretation. But that is the way I am; I need clearly defined doctrine from God's Word. Probably to some of the tongues speakers here I am lost, as I know many Pentecostal believers hold the idea that you NEED to speak in tongues to be saved, and they believe that I am doomed to hell because I don't. That is OK, I love you anyway (Ro 14). In time we shall see clearly. I know that I have been exuberantly and powerfully endowed with the Holy Spirit at times in my life and never spoke in tongues.

I am not accepted by many Pentacostal folks I hang out with. My doctrine is off according to them. I hang out with denominational folks that feel my doctrine is off too. I personally think all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God (one of the doctrines that gets me in trouble).

If you read Philippians 3 you wonder if Paul thought he was saved or just stiving towards that end (another doctrine that gets me in trouble).

I can assure you there are some spirit filled folks that do not speak in tongues. We do not all have the same spiritual gifts (not physical gifts but spiritual gifts). However (you knew this was coming) it appears tongues was pretty much common in the NT church.

When the people came out of the wilderness not all went to live in Canaan. Some wanted to live on the other side of Jordan. Not all folks want to get into all the NT gifts. I am called to teach all truth. If I do not fall away, I will continue to go on teaching in that direction. You are going to toat a verbal beating every once in a while. I have even been just about physically threatened for what I teach (fellow said for a little he would let me have it ----he was not talking about a spiritual blessing LOL----- and this was a supposed tongue talker).

Seek and you will find. Ask and it will be opened to you. Do not kick against the goads.

eddif

 

[Mitspa]

Well, over the past four decades of my Christian experience I have failed to find clearly defined and laid out doctrine regarding speaking in tongues as some here seem to be so sure of. It seems to me that much of what is discussed here is speculation and conjecture and indirect interpretation. But that is the way I am; I need clearly defined doctrine from God's Word. Probably to some of the tongues speakers here I am lost, as I know many Pentecostal believers hold the idea that you NEED to speak in tongues to be saved, and they believe that I am doomed to hell because I don't. That is OK, I love you anyway (Ro 14). In time we shall see clearly. I know that I have been exuberantly and powerfully endowed with the Holy Spirit at times in my life and never spoke in tongues.

I agree with much of what you say as well as eddif before you.
My best friend was raised to see this gift as a demonic thing. I also grew up in the denoms that rejected the gifts. My friend is full of God that when I seek someone to pray for the sick, or other ministry I always call him. He is on fire with the Spirit of God yet he does not oprerate in this gift. I believe he has the gift but some of the old doctrine hinders him. But I had rather have him at my side in ministry than any one else I can think of, and I know many who have this gift.

 

[Vanguard]

Speaking in tongues actually has two parts to it:

1. The speaking in a language that is unknown to you, as the speaker.
2. The masses understanding what you are saying, OR an interpreter that understands what is being said even though they do not know the language, and can translate for the masses.

If both of those happen, then you are good, and can be viewed as divinely inspired. If not, it is pure drivel, and often done for showmanship. In my 38 years I have only seen the showmanship side of it. Not to say it doesn't happen, I just haven't experienced it.

 

[eddif]

Speaking in tongues actually has two parts to it:

1. The speaking in a language that is unknown to you, as the speaker.
2. The masses understanding what you are saying, OR an interpreter that understands what is being said even though they do not know the language, and can translate for the masses.

If both of those happen, then you are good, and can be viewed as divinely inspired. If not, it is pure drivel, and often done for showmanship. In my 38 years I have only seen the showmanship side of it. Not to say it doesn't happen, I just haven't experienced it.

What happens when the showmanship stops and this happens? Would this be number three in your list of steps? Since scripture says this would it not be following instructions just like your steps one and two?

#3. I Corinthians 14:28
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

The silence in church can exist because,
I Corinthians 14:32
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

Hopefully it is not just us standing face to face and giving our opinions. Hopefully it is us reading scripture and forgetting our carnal beliefs and receiving the written word of God. If you think the OT is key to help understanding, then Joel could be a place we go-----to confirm the NT scriptures. Peter sure went there.

There is usually a cry from the opposition each time truth is presented. Let us seek truth, but realize we are not to be cast down just because resistance is present. We are also not to use the carnal fleshly mind to prove our points. Hopefully from behind the torn veil comes the weapons of our warfare. The correct weapons. The weapons that seek good and not just a fight.

eddif

 

[eddif]

I accept the fact that speaking in tongues is discussed briefly (proportionally speaking) in the NT and that it was used effectively at Pentecost. Where it says that many exercised this gift is beyond me. I think that is another conjecture. It is unclear whether it really exists today or if it is just vain babbling. My experience which I shared earlier was vain babbling. That doesn't mean that somewhere it is done in a God glorifying and acceptable manner. The Bible does say that at a time speaking in tongues will cease but doesn't clearly identify that time at all. Speaking in tongues is like most of the prophecy of Revelations with all of its symbolic language. I don't need either to be a viable asset to God as a Christian and they both seem to be largely embraced by the experiential and emotional type of whom I find it very hard to relate anyway. I see the need to put the facts of our God's Word BEFORE faith and feeling, which should be last. Faith has to have an object which God's Word gives us and the feelings may or may not come, depending upon the individual.

As far as in an individuals life the time seems to be identified.

When we are children​

I Corinthians 13:11
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

When we grow up​

I Corinthians 14:3
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
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.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

I probably will get flack from all sides on this:

If you have ever watched a child, just on the verge of talking, you will often see / hear: nonsense babble coming from the child. The child is starting to understand that usefull words come out of persons and they want those words. You can not understand the child, but you understand the desire to speak is at work in that child. When comprehension of words is developed in the child (he / she begins to use intelligable speech) the babble passes away. You may see a child kind of revert to an internal babble when trying to say something to another. Tongues to an adult (spiritually mature) christian is that same thing). If intelligent speech does not come quickly they may revert to tongues and intrepretation (in the inner man---to himself) and then come out with the language needed.

Every once in a time un-intrepreted tongues will be what a person in front of you needs. On the day of pentecost there was no interpreter needed for the Jewish devout men . Nor was an intrepreter provided for those who heard the speakers as drunk (others standing by). Acts 2:5-13

When you get led into spiritual gifts, study of spirituals becomes a thing you do. Chaff has to be removed and meditation has to start (that is if you are to become an adult). Some never seek to be adults and babble all their lives. That is not to be critical, but just the sad truth.

May we all grow up to adulthood. May the church prophesy. And by that I mean those given spiritual gifts operate in a word of knowledge, word of wisdom, healing etc. May we no longer be children. The Peter Pan syndrom is always a problem " I'll never grow up- no never- no never" even in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, some choose to remain children.

We are first children and then adults. Mississippi person that I am, maybe I do not realize how young I really am. May growth occur unto a spiritual man; a man that can make sense as he speaks.

eddif

 

[Mitspa]

As far as in an individuals life the time seems to be identified.

When we are children​

I Corinthians 13:11
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

When we grow up​

I Corinthians 14:3
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
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.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

I probably will get flack from all sides on this:

If you have ever watched a child, just on the verge of talking, you will often see / hear: nonsense babble coming from the child. The child is starting to understand that usefull words come out of persons and they want those words. You can not understand the child, but you understand the desire to speak is at work in that child. When comprehension of words is developed in the child (he / she begins to use intelligable speech) the babble passes away. You may see a child kind of revert to an internal babble when trying to say something to another. Tongues to an adult (spiritually mature) christian is that same thing). If intelligent speech does not come quickly they may revert to tongues and intrepretation (in the inner man---to himself) and then come out with the language needed.

Every once in a time un-intrepreted tongues will be what a person in front of you needs. On the day of pentecost there was no interpreter needed for the Jewish devout men . Nor was an intrepreter provided for those who heard the speakers as drunk (others standing by). Acts 2:5-13

When you get led into spiritual gifts, study of spirituals becomes a thing you do. Chaff has to be removed and meditation has to start (that is if you are to become an adult). Some never seek to be adults and babble all their lives. That is not to be critical, but just the sad truth.

May we all grow up to adulthood. May the church prophesy. And by that I mean those given spiritual gifts operate in a word of knowledge, word of wisdom, healing etc. May we no longer be children. The Peter Pan syndrom is always a problem " I'll never grow up- no never- no never" even in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, some choose to remain children.

We are first children and then adults. Mississippi person that I am, maybe I do not realize how young I really am. May growth occur unto a spiritual man; a man that can make sense as he speaks.

eddif

I agree with much of your post eddif, But every thing in 1 Cor 13 is speaking to the fact that love is to be that which guides all things. So to speak in tongues apart from being led by love, is the childish behavior to which Paul is referring.

For we read on in 14:5 I desire that you all speak with tongues.
He also goes on to explain that one should do these things to eddify one another and not to cause a state of confusion.

He also goes on to make the point that ONES OWN SPIRIT is praying and that it edifies the individual believer.

Also he goes on to say I SPEAK WITH TONGUES MORE THAN YOU ALL.

so then chapter 13 must be understood in context of that which is spoken before and after.

Also for those who need "scriptural evidence" I do not know how much more eveidence one needs to see the truth of this gift? I think maybe some do not want to see?

 

[Davies]

Here I sit hanging out with someone who does not generally see any truth in certain tongue talking folks. I speak English most of the time (except when I speak human anatomy and folks think I should speak their doctrine LOL).

I think Jesus is knocking on the hearts and minds of people all the time. Just let Jesus inside. If the Holy Spirit scares you, just know he might hang around the door for a time (go open the door again and see if he wants to come in too). At times the disciples went and asked if folks received the Holy Spirit when they believed. Some had not even heard there was a Holy Spirit. Today many are taught that certain spiritual gifts are of the devil. I promote receiving Holy Spirit. If you get an evil spirit some are supposed to be able to cast them out. If you feel a certain group has an evil spirit rather than Holy Spirit, seek another group. If that fails go straight to God. Ask Him to reveal the truth to you (just be sure you are listening to a good spirit). If I have a spirit that you feel is evil, press ignore. Look for someone who can discern spirits (you know aunt Mary that can tell if a person is honest or not---By spiritual means and not tea leaves). Try the spirits to see if they are of God.

eddif

Hi eddif,

It's too bad none of my questions were answered, not that I thought they would be.

- Davies

 

[eddif]

Good evening,

I was talking with a friend of mine today regarding this chapter, and posed the questions, 'Why are most of the people with the gift of tongues congregating together?' I answered I was hanging out with you. Is it because the strange tongue speakers are discriminated against? I mentioned discrimination but I am right in the middle of all this Why would the Spirit gift people and then bunch them altogether? Does the three or so of us that were attracted to this thread make us altogether (we do not totally agree with each other)--there are many more bunched off somewhere else I suppose. How can a minister tell you how to get the gift of tongues when it is a gift that God gives? Maybe like the gift of salvation is presented (?) Often times, I think people are made to feel like they don't have faith because they don't have the gift of tongues, or that they aren't even saved. That can be true---How can we present it as a method of empowerment for the spreading of the Gospel ? When people starting making some strange sounds and then call it a tongue, I immediately question the legitimacy of what they say. Sorry. I don't buy the strange tongues gift. I mentioned not all want to get into gifts (stay on other side of Jordan). I could understand a supernatural gift of speaking a known language. I haven't seen it myself. I mentioned that one group heard the known languages on the day of Pentecost and another group thought the tongue speakers were drunk. Does anyone even understand what they are saying when they speak in a strange tongue, and do you need an interpreter to tell you what you just said? Those who have prayed to intrepret sometimes do. When I was in the military, I went to a pentecostal church for about a year, and that's exactly what they did. Did you ever try another group?--There are seven church types mentioned in the first part of Revelation (each with good and bad differences) I suggest you look around and seek God for answers if a group does not work for you. They spoke in tongues and then a different person had to tell us what the person was saying. The person who spoke in the strange tongue could never tell us what they were saying. They may not have prayed to intrepret or their doctrine did not allow them to understsnd. I didn't buy it then either. Sometimes I do not buy into myself and have to repent.

- Davies

eddif comments in red above.
I thought I was commenting on your questions. I was just not lining them up one by one. Also some of the questions had already been answered.

I am a jerk from Mississippi and know I have limits.

Matthew 16:6

eddif

 

[Sparkey]

Does the statement, "I speak in tongues more than you all," seem out of place in a chapter that gives instruction to believers and limits its use in the assembly? Yes, it does seem out of place. So does the Scripture that Reba quoted, "and forbid not to speak with tongues."

Is Paul talking about balance here, or are there two uses of the gift being considered? Is it possible that Paul is talking about private prayer (in tongues) vs. public use of the gift? What if we take the Word at face value? Can we make sense of Paul saying that he speaks in an unknown tongue more than the Corinthians do and when he says, "anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit."

What about that? What if Paul is saying that he prays in tongues and also prays with his understanding? What if he is addressing a problem that his converts were having when they joined together for worship - and not trying to forbid speaking in tongues at all?

 

[eddif]

I agree with much of your post eddif, But every thing in 1 Cor 13 is speaking to the fact that love is to be that which guides all things. So to speak in tongues apart from being led by love, is the childish behavior to which Paul is referring.

For we read on in 14:5 I desire that you all speak with tongues.
He also goes on to explain that one should do these things to eddify one another and not to cause a state of confusion.

He also goes on to make the point that ONES OWN SPIRIT is praying and that it edifies the individual believer.

Also he goes on to say I SPEAK WITH TONGUES MORE THAN YOU ALL.

so then chapter 13 must be understood in context of that which is spoken before and after.

Also for those who need "scriptural evidence" I do not know how much more eveidence one needs to see the truth of this gift? I think maybe some do not want to see?

If you just use tongues outside of love, I suppose that would be for show or selfish.

Love let me see:
Compassion for some folks
Discipline of others in error.

God's love can be when you correct me. I should accept that as God's kind of love.
God's love can be when you encourage me. I should accept that as love.

I am open to rather harsh criticism, but some others have been been taught wrong things and may need a tender hand to guide them. A shepherd knows his flock. Some get the crook of the staff to draw them close (they fell over the cliff). Some get the rod to get their attention. Over the years I have gotten both.

eddif

 

[Davies]

Hi eddif,

I was talking with a friend of mine today regarding this chapter, and posed the questions, 'Why are most of the people with the gift of tongues congregating together?' I answered I was hanging out with you.

That was a non answer. There is a reason why all the strange tongue speakers congregate together.

Is it because the strange tongue speakers are discriminated against? I mentioned discrimination but I am right in the middle of all this

I'll have to reread parts of the thread to see what you said about discrimination. I imagine vain babbling I've heard is just that. If a person prays in the Spirit and is praying in an unknown tongue, shouldn't he know what he's praying about. He shouldn't need an interpreter. From my experience, with so many speaking in with sounds with no patterns to them whatsoever, the exercise is a vanity designed to build one self up with a false sense of comfort.

Why would the Spirit gift people and then bunch them altogether? Does the three or so of us that were attracted to this thread make us altogether (we do not totally agree with each other)--there are many more bunched off somewhere else I suppose.

This bunching of the gift is what I have a problem with. It's more likely that people who have the 'gift' of tongues, the strange sounding tongues, congregate together because we like others who are like us. I just don't think God gifts this way. I think the gift would be far more wide spread, not that more people would have the gift, but the people would be spread over the church body. This is how God spread His word in the beginning. He used persecution to spread the people far and wide to get the Gospel out. Then again, I'm not claiming to know all the works of God. The strange sounding tongues is consistent with what Kenneth Copeland does.

How can a minister tell you how to get the gift of tongues when it is a gift that God gives? Maybe like the gift of salvation is presented (?)

I suppose that's why all believers have the gift of tongues?

How can we present it as a method of empowerment for the spreading of the Gospel ?

You don't try to. Be faithful to the revelation that has already been given. The Bible is sufficient.

I mentioned not all want to get into gifts (stay on other side of Jordan).

I just desire what's intelligible.

I mentioned that one group heard the known languages on the day of Pentecost and another group thought the tongue speakers were drunk.

That's not what is going on today. If as many people who spoke tongues were true. The church wouldn't be in the sorry state it is.

Those who have prayed to intrepret sometimes do.

Sometimes...

Sometimes I do not buy into myself and have to repent.

I wonder if you need to repent of anything false you believed that was interpreted from babble. I know I had to.

- Davies