Friday, October 2, 2020

Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 14:2-4

1 Corinthians 14:2-4
 
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.  But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.  He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.
 
Paul clearly distinguished the difference between the gift of tongue and prophecy.  He never said we should forbid speaking in tongue, but today many churches misunderstand the gift of tongue and work of the Holy Spirit, so we must understand the audience and purpose of the tongue.
 
Paul pointed out several differences between the gifts of tongue and prophecy.  First, it's the different in audience.  Tongue speaks to God, and prophecies speak to people.  Also, they have different purposes.  Tongue is for edifying ourselves, and prophecies are for edifying the church.  Because of that, when we pray in tongue, we don't need to have it translated.  When we pray out loud together in the church, or when we pray for others, we don't need to translate the tongue that we speak, because we are talking to God.  When tongue is used in preaching to people, it must be translated, therefore the gift of translating tongue must be present as well. 
 
Tongue and prophecy also differ in content.  Tongue conveys all kinds of mysteries of God that no one can understand directly, but prophecies speak words for strengthening, encouragement and comfort, and those are words that we can understand.
 
Through my personal experience, I found that whenever I am encounter spiritual issue or authority of darkness, if I pray in tongue, I can pray in tongue and quickly experience breakthrough.  It doesn't mean that praying with our words is not good, but when you pray in tongue, you will overcome the obstacle more quickly.  Also, when I pray for others, if I pray in tongue to begin with, then I can quickly discern how God wants me to pray for the person.  Tongue is not a tool to edify ourselves; when we pray in tongue, our spirituality can be elevated quickly, and we can pray according to God's will so that His will can be accomplished in our lives.  Therefore, we must not reject the tongue, but we ought to welcome the Holy Spirit to come work in our lives, and to accept the tongue with an open heart.  God gives us these spiritual gifts so that we can work together to let His will be satisfied in the church.
 
Pray with Pastor Tong
  
Lord, please grant the gift of tongue to brothers and sisters, so that our spiritual lives will be continuously edified and we can be close to you and listen to you voice.  Help us to pray according to your will so that we may help those around us.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
   
Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!
  

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