Tongues 7 Series

Tongues 7 September 26, 2012 Dr. Mike Fogerson

Introduction:

A Story

1 A prophetic tongue in a service can be a blessing, encouraging & comforting.

a Build expectation, bolster receptivity in people’s hearts.

b We’ve learned there are limits in public use of tongues.

aa At most three, one at a time, interpretation must be given.

bb I am of the opinion that a prayer language is available to EVERY Christian, but not everyone has been gifted with a prophetic tongue.

cc Various giftings of tongues.

2 In 1 Cor. 14, Paul went to great lengths to set the limitations/order of the prophetic gift of tongues in a public worship setting.

a Many Christians/Churches/Denominations have shied away from tongues out of an over abundance of caution: answered misuse with disuse.

b Paul warns the enemies of freedom, “Do not forbid to speak with tongues” (1 Cor. 14.39).

39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 1 Cor 14:39 (NASB)

aa v.18, Paul told Corinth he spoke in tongues “more than you all.”

18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; 1 Cor 14:18 (NASB)

bb Gordon Fee, God’s Empowering Presence: The Holy Spirit in the Letters of Paul,

I was overwhelmed as I realized the depth of Paul’s reliance on the supernatural work and power of the Holy Spirit. Paul prayed and sang in the Spirit. The legalistic Pharisee who seemed so stern broke out in joy & freedom at his conversion. Even in describing the kingdom of God, Paul could hardly contain himself as he shouted, “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

B The Benefits of a Private Prayer Language

1 Even those who believe the gifts of the Spirits are around today seem to come to a roadblock when the gift of tongues are mentioned.

a Some who accept tongues believe it is only for the corporate worship setting.

aa Tongues edifies the body, but the believer doesn’t understand what they’re babbling in private.

bb What good is a private prayer language? Is there a blessing that can come from speaking in tongues?

b Are there blessings? Benefits? “Yes” to both.

2 The first Benefit: Releases a joyful new connection to God.

a 1 Cor. 14.2, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God.”

2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands , but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. 1 Cor 14:2 (NASB)

aa Prayer language allows your spirit to communicate directly to God’s Spirit.

bb Our mind, heart, understanding does not get in the way. (Unfiltered)

b Often when people’s spirit’s comes into communication with the Holy Spirit there is a release joy, happiness, deluge of delight.

aa When Mary received word about the Messiah in her womb she magnified the Lord.

bb Luke 1.47, “My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

cc “rejoiced” means to “jump for joy.” No mention of her using tongues, but there was a literal move in her spirit in response to the joy of the Holy Spirit, who overshadowed her in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

c “I don’t understand all this talk of a prayer language.”

aa In the Western Church we have been saturated with Greek philosophy & rationalism. (If we can’t understand it, explain it, systematize, control then it most not be of God.)

bb I would rather be saturated by the Power of the Holy Spirit than the philosophy of men on any given day.

cc Not saying leave you’re brain at the door. (Love God with heart, soul, mind.)

dd My mind is polluted, corrupt with sin, ever battling the natural man/flesh.

ee 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised . 1 Cor 2:14 (NASB)

(IOW, our flesh fights things that are not explainable.)

d There is a realm (spiritual/invisiable)where God communicates to the spirit and then to the mind.

aa Only as we offer ourselves in brokeness/surrender can God renew our minds.

bb Then and only then will He reveal Himself to us.

3 The second Benefit: Releases Spiritual Understanding

a 1 Cor. 14.2, “In the spirit he speaks mysteries.”

aa I wish we had all the answers to life questions, mysteries . . . but we don’t.

bb There are times when we don’t even know how to pray as we should.

cc IL. Praying with tears over Kaylee. (Romans 8.26-27)

26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 (NASB)