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Gifts of the Spirit pt.9-Diverse Kinds of Tongues
Diverse kinds of tongues is the second of the “say something” gifts of the Spirit.
Of the nine gifts of the Spirit, diverse kinds of tongues (or, “speaking in different kinds of tongues”—NIV) is the only manifestation of the Spirit that did not occur in the Old Testament. Speaking in tongues is a new expression of the Spirit that began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
Tongues is the one gift of the nine that receives the most misunderstanding and criticism. This is also true of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as described in Acts 2.
What is the Gift of Tongues?
The distinction between the gift of tongues and the “personal” tongues should be made here.
Let’s start with “personal” tongues. The manifestation of tongues as a result of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a prayer language that is given to all who have been baptized. A person can “pray in the Spirit” at will, whenever he or she wants to.
Whereas the gift of tongues is not for everyone. The ministry of the gift of tongues was given to the church by God and is initiated by the Spirit when the saints are gathered together (1 Corinthians
There is the gift called diverse kinds of tongues and the personal prayer language of tongues as a result of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The former is for a public setting and willed by the Spirit, the latter is part of one’s prayer life and manifests at the person’s will to do so.
The Purpose of the Gift of Tongues
One purpose of the gift of tongues is a sign for the unbeliever. 1 Corinthians 14:22a says, “Thus [unknown] tongues are meant for a [supernatural] sign, not for believers but for unbelievers [on the point of believing],” (Amplified).
Another purpose of the gift of tongues is to work together with the gift of the interpretation of tongues. These are the only two gifts of the nine that were created to function together.
In fact, these two gifts must operate together, otherwise, the gift of tongues should not even be used (1 Corinthians
Special Directives
In the New Testament, except for the Gospels, the word “forbid” is used exclusively in reference to sin except in one place: 1 Corinthians 14:39. “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.” God gives us a special directive regarding the gift of tongues: do not forbid this gift!
There is nothing in the scriptures that is without reason and purpose.
One reason, and history can bear this out, that God said, “Do not forbid tongues!” is because He knew that there would be a lot of controversy and rejection of this gift. There are many people and denominations that reject tongues, but God tells us to allow this gift to operate among us. He can’t be any more clear about His will that this gift be accepted and operate among His people.
Another directive regarding the gift of tongues is that the person who speaks in tongues should ask that he may also interpret what he has spoken. God desires that this gift work with the interpretation of tongues and that these two gifts work through just one person or through two people.
The gift of tongues—diverse kinds of tongues—is a sign to the unbeliever and works with the gift of the interpretation of tongues.
It is my prayer for you that Father will continue to help you to hear His voice, and more and more frequently.
With God’s grace and in His peace,
Gary
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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
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