Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit and Order in Worship (Check here often, slow process)

[Paradise Haven]

1 Corinthians 14:14-15, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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."

Emphasizes the spiritual nature of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit and a vital aspect of personal and communal prayer life. This verse highlights the distinction between the spiritual act of praying in tongues and praying in English, or whatever your language is, with the intellectual understanding of what is being said.

When one prays in an unknown tongue, it is the believer's spirit, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that is praying. This means that the praying in tongues is a direct, spirit-led communication with God, transcending human language and intellect, unless interpreted. While the person praying may not understand the specific words being spoken (their understanding is "unfruitful"), the prayer itself is deeply meaningful and powerful in the spiritual realm. This form of prayer is seen as a way to build up one's faith, edify the spirit, and connect intimately with God.

Scriptures declare that praying in tongues allows the Holy Spirit to intercede and express prayers that go beyond the limitations of human language and understanding. (See Note) It is a gift that edifies the believer personally, strengthens their spiritual life, and contributes to a deeper, more profound relationship with God. Though the intellect may not grasp the content of the prayer, the spiritual benefits are significant and contribute to the overall growth and edification of the believer.

(Note: Romans 8:26-27:"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

This passage indicates that the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers, especially when they do not know how to pray effectively. The "groanings which cannot be uttered" suggest a form of communication beyond human language, aligning with the idea that the Spirit expresses deep, inexpressible prayers.)

Here, Paul distinguishes between praying with the spirit (in tongues) and praying with understanding. Praying in tongues is depicted as an activity of the spirit, which can go beyond the limitations of the believer's conscious understanding. Emphasizes the holistic approach to worship, encompassing both spiritual fervor and intellectual comprehension. In this context, praying and singing "with the spirit" refers to engaging in worship through the Holy Spirit, often manifesting in speaking or singing in tongues, a practice highly valued in Pentecostal worship as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity.


1 Corinthians 14:16, "Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?"

Underscores the importance of clarity and edification in corporate worship. Scripture emphasizes the active presence and work of the Holy Spirit, particularly through speaking in tongues. However, this verse highlights the necessity for intelligibility in communal settings. When a believer blesses or gives thanks in the Spirit—often understood as praying in tongues—it is crucial for the edification of the entire congregation that others can understand and participate. If the prayer or blessing is in an unknown tongue without interpretation, those who do not understand it cannot meaningfully join in or affirm it with an "Amen." This passage thus supports the practice of encouraging interpretation when tongues are spoken in a public assembly (aloud purposely for all to hear), ensuring that all present can be edified and unified in their worship and understanding. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that worship should build up the church and foster a sense of communal participation and comprehension.

 

[Paradise Haven]

1 Corinthians 14:17, "For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified."

Paul addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing the importance of edification. This scripture highlights the need for clarity and mutual understanding in worship. Speaking in tongues, a valued gift in worship, is edifying to the individual and is a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence. However, Paul points out that if others cannot understand what is being said, they are not edified. Therefore, the use of tongues in a public setting should be accompanied by interpretation to benefit the entire congregation. This underscores the belief in the importance of unity and edification within the body of Christ, ensuring that all members are spiritually uplifted and strengthened together. The goal is not just personal spiritual experiences but fostering a collective growth that aligns with the purpose of the Holy Spirit's work among believers.

1 Corinthians 14:18, "I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"

The Apostle Paul expresses gratitude for his frequent practice of speaking in tongues, which underscores the importance and value of this spiritual gift. This verse highlights the significance of speaking in tongues as an essential manifestation of the Holy Spirit's presence and work in the believer's life. Speaking in tongues serves not only as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Ghost, as seen in Acts 2:4, but also as a vital component of personal edification and spiritual growth. Paul's statement serves as an encouragement for all believers to seek and cultivate this gift, recognizing it as a means of direct communication with God and a powerful tool for building up one's faith. It is a reminder that the exercise of spiritual gifts, including tongues, should be done with a heart of thanksgiving and a desire to edify both oneself and the body of Christ, aligning with the broader scriptural context that emphasizes the edification and unity of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:19, "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."

Emphasizes the importance of edifying the church through clear and understandable teaching. While the gift of tongues is valued and recognized as a vital spiritual practice, especially in personal prayer and worship, the primary focus within the church assembly should be on communication that instructs and builds up the congregation. This aligns with the emphasis on practical edification and unity within the body of Christ. When believers gather, the goal is to impart wisdom, knowledge, and encouragement that everyone can comprehend and apply to their lives. Speaking in a way that is understood by all ensures that the message of the gospel is effectively communicated, leading to spiritual growth and maturity in the faith. Thus, Paul’s preference for speaking with understanding underscores the priority of teaching and edification in the communal worship setting.

 

[ARBITER01]

1 Corinthians 14:14-15, "For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 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."

Emphasizes the spiritual nature of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit and a vital aspect of personal and communal prayer life. This verse highlights the distinction between the spiritual act of praying in tongues and praying in English, or whatever your language is, with the intellectual understanding of what is being said.

When one prays in an unknown tongue, it is the believer's spirit, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that is praying. This means that the prayer is a direct, spirit-led communication with God, transcending human language and intellect.

That is not a given 100% of the time.

Our praying by our human spirit to GOD is no different than me talking to you with my mind. The Holy Spirit can intercede and lead our praying at times for specific purposes that are particular to GOD and His will, but I don't know of anyone who has a 100% Holy Spirit led prayer life 24/7.

I have a ministry in prayer, and pray by the spirit multiple times throughout each day, and only certain times do I tangibly feel The Holy involved and leading them, most of the time it is my human spirit expressing itself to GOD.

Trying to apply Romans 8 fulltime to our prayer lives is incorrect.

 

[Paradise Haven]

That is not a given 100% of the time.

Our praying by our human spirit to GOD is no different than me talking to you with my mind. The Holy Spirit can intercede and lead our praying at times for specific purposes that are particular to GOD and His will, but I don't know of anyone who has a 100% Holy Spirit led prayer life 24/7.

I have a ministry in prayer, and pray by the spirit multiple times throughout each day, and only certain times do I tangibly feel The Holy involved and leading them, most of the time it is my human spirit expressing itself to GOD.

Trying to apply Romans 8 fulltime to our prayer lives is incorrect.

This means that the prayer is a direct, spirit-led communication with God, transcending human language and intellect.

Sometimes I don't spell it out as clear as I should (Sorry about that): "This means that the praying in tongues is a direct, spirit-led communication with God, transcending human language and intellect, unless interpreted."

 

[Paradise Haven]

Our praying by our human spirit to GOD is no different than me talking to you with my mind. The Holy Spirit can intercede and lead our praying at times for specific purposes that are particular to GOD and His will, but I don't know of anyone who has a 100% Holy Spirit led prayer life 24/7.

I agree. I am human after all and sometimes concise my thoughts we they need to be explained fuller. So I'll change that here soon. There are times I may pray in my language and never speak in tongues.

 

[Paradise Haven]

1 Corinthians 14:20, "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men."

This verse provides valuable guidance on spiritual maturity and behavior. Paul is urging the believers in Corinth to grow in their understanding and wisdom. He uses the analogy of children and adults to illustrate his point. In matters of understanding, believers should not remain like children—immature, inexperienced, and lacking depth. Instead, they should strive to be mature and discerning, like adults, fully grasping the complexities of faith and the teachings of Christ.

Paul makes a crucial distinction when it comes to malice, or evil intent. In this regard, he encourages the believers to be like children—innocent, pure-hearted, and free from malicious thoughts and actions. Children are often seen as symbols of purity and innocence, not harboring the deceit and wickedness that can corrupt adults. By advising believers to be children in malice, Paul is calling for a heart and mind that are untainted by evil, maintaining the simplicity and sincerity of a child's heart.

1 Corinthians 14:21, Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11-12, saying, "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." This passage holds profound symbolic and practical implications for the body of Christ. This prophecy points to God's use of foreign languages as a sign to His people. Historically, it referred to the Assyrians' invasion of Israel, symbolizing God’s judgment due to their disobedience. The Israelites would hear the Assyrian language, not understanding it, symbolizing their failure to heed God's words delivered through their prophets.

In the New Covenant, this prophecy finds fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, where believers spoke in other tongues (Acts 2:4). This act symbolizes God’s direct communication with humanity through the Spirit, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. Speaking in tongues serves as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment within believers, indicating a deep, personal relationship with God.

This passage highlights the dual nature of God's message: it is both a sign of inclusion and judgment. The gift of tongues signifies God's desire to reach all people, extending His grace beyond Israel to the Gentiles. However, it also serves as a warning to those who refuse to listen. Just as the Israelites did not heed God's message, many today may witness the miraculous signs of the Spirit yet remain unresponsive to experience them for themselves and their Church.

This teaches the body of Christ to be attentive and responsive to the Holy Spirit's movement and messages. It emphasizes the importance of openness to God's diverse methods of communication and the need for spiritual sensitivity. It reminds believers of their role as vessels of God's Spirit, called to proclaim His message to all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission. Thus, this passage challenges us to embrace the fullness of God's revelation and actively participate in His redemptive work, demonstrating both the judgment and grace inherent in His divine communication.

 

[Paradise Haven]

1 Corinthians 14:22, "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."

This verse highlights the distinct roles of speaking in tongues and prophesying within the church. Speaking in tongues serves as a sign to unbelievers, demonstrating the supernatural power and presence of God. It is an initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4), and its public manifestation can convict and convince those who do not yet believe, showing them the reality of God's work. This aligns with the events at Pentecost, where the disciples spoke in tongues, astonishing and drawing the attention of the multitude, leading to Peter's powerful sermon and the conversion of about three thousand souls (Acts 2:6-41).

Prophesying serves to edify, exhort, and comfort the believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). It provides guidance, encouragement, and instruction within the church, building up the faith of those who already believe. Prophecy operates as a means of direct communication from God, bringing clarity and revelation to the congregation. While tongues serve as a sign to outsiders, prophecy is a gift meant to strengthen and mature the body of Christ. This dual function underscores the comprehensive nature of God's gifts to the church: tongues as a means of drawing unbelievers and prophecy as a tool for nurturing believers.

Both gifts work together to fulfill God's purpose in the church, ensuring that both unbelievers are reached and believers are built up in their faith. Emphasizing the importance of being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit and the operation of all spiritual gifts, recognizing that they each have a unique and vital role in the life of the church. By embracing and properly exercising these gifts, the church can effectively minister to both the lost and the saved, fulfilling its mission to make disciples and glorify God.

1 Corinthians 14:23, "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?"

This verse highlights the importance of order and edification in the use of spiritual gifts, particularly the gift of tongues. Speaking in tongues is a significant aspect of Pentecostal worship and is seen as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. However, Paul emphasizes that the primary purpose of spiritual gifts, including tongues, is to build up the church and to be a witness to unbelievers.

In this passage, Paul is not discouraging the practice of speaking in tongues but is advocating for its proper use in public worship. This aligns with the teaching to encouraging believers to exercise spiritual gifts in a way that promotes understanding and edification. When everyone in the congregation speaks in tongues simultaneously without interpretation, it can lead to confusion, particularly for those who are new to the faith or are visiting unbelievers. This confusion can result in the misperception that the congregation is acting irrationally ("mad"), thus hindering the church’s witness.

Paul's instruction underscores the need for balance between spiritual expression and clarity of communication. The gift of tongues is a powerful and necessary experience but also recognize the importance of interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:27-28) so that the church may be edified. The presence of interpretation transforms the tongues into a prophetic message that can instruct and encourage all present, including unbelievers who might otherwise misunderstand the purpose of the gift. This approach ensures that the use of tongues serves its intended purpose: to glorify God, edify the church, and serve as a sign to unbelievers of the active presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

[RoBo1988]

1 Corinthians 14:26-27 "let there be only two at the most three "

1 Corinthians 14:28 "if there is no one to interpret"...

I attend a church where an individual there, may speak in a tongue 3-4 times themselves, during a worship service. And if there is no interpretation, they will break into another tongue, as if they are "pushing for an interpretation". Most in the congregation do not seem to have a problem with it, including our recently ordained pastor. Everytime this happens, I always recall these scriptures.

I wonder if it is an attempt to ' make something happen ' where The Lord has not spoken.

 

[ARBITER01]

1 Corinthians 14:26-27 "let there be only two at the most three "

1 Corinthians 14:28 "if there is no one to interpret"...

I attend a church where an individual there, may speak in a tongue 3-4 times themselves, during a worship service. And if there is no interpretation, they will break into another tongue, as if they are "pushing for an interpretation". Most in the congregation do not seem to have a problem with it, including our recently ordained pastor. Everytime this happens, I always recall these scriptures.

I wonder if it is an attempt to ' make something happen ' where The Lord has not spoken.

Sounds like that person is operating their prayer portion of the gift instead of The Holy Spirit operating the gift. If The Holy Spirit operates the gift then He provides the interpretation through that person or another.

 

[tturt]

There is a difference in speaking in tongues for interpretation and other speaking in tongues. "...diversities of tongues...." (I Cor 13:28)
Wondering if that Is what is happening?

Does your church allow speaking in tongues during times such as the worship and/or prayer portions?
-Personal prayer language - Speaking to/with God (I Cor 14:4)
-Intercessory prayer language - Praying for others in the Spirit (Rom 8:26-27).
-Praise language - Magnifying the Lord in worship tongues (Acts 10)

 

[ARBITER01]

There is a difference in speaking in tongues for interpretation and other speaking in tongues. "...diversities of tongues...." (I Cor 13:28)
Wondering if that Is what is happening?

I'm going to assume you're talking to me. I don't know, maybe I shouldn't, but here we go,....

There is one gift of tongues. It operates personally and corporately, personally by our human spirit and corporately by The Holy Spirit. The personal portion is our personal prayer language to GOD for personal edification. The corporate portion is The Holy Spirit "speaking" to GOD through us in the assembly for corporate edification.

There is not a gift of tongues, and another gift of tongues called diverse tongues, it is the same gift, just a different description.

Does your church allow speaking in tongues during times such as the worship and/or prayer portions?

Towards the end of worship at the beginning of the service there will be a time given when The Holy Spirit might speak by the gift of tongues. The worship team always looks for this to happen.

 

[RoBo1988]

Sounds like that person is operating their prayer portion of the gift instead of The Holy Spirit operating the gift. If The Holy Spirit operates the gift then He provides the interpretation through that person or another.

The church is always looking for "God to move in the service. That's good, but I feel like a lot of people (and this individual in particular) are trying to force His movement.

 

[ARBITER01]

The church is always looking for "God to move in the service. That's good, but I feel like a lot of people (and this individual in particular) are trying to force His movement.

If there are no interpretations to that persons so-called messages, then they don't have a ministry with their gift. Just because any one of us who are filled with The Spirit can pray in tongues, it doesn't give us permission to think we can use that portion of our gift in the assembly.

Someone probably needs to talk to the leadership and they eventually get that person corrected.