The One Year Bible Club with Teaching
Commentary by Nick Boork
June 4
Acts 2:1-47
Commentary by Nick Boork
June 4
Acts 2:1-47
|
| ||||
June 4 - Acts 2:1-47
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’ 29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
In this portion of Scripture we see several powerful truths. First is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He came like a rushing mighty wind from heaven filling the house and then filling the disciples! Think about this for a minute. The Bible says that this was so loud that the crowd of people outside on the street heard it and they heard all the people speaking with tongues. There is a lot of confusion in people’s minds about this issue of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in speaking in tongues so today I’m going to tackle this give you my understanding that there are three types of spiritual tongues in the Bible. However, I don’t think that tongues is even the central thing to understand in Acts 2. The most important thing was the birth of the New Testament church in power and how 3000 people were saved and added to the church. Let’s look at this first and then the issue of tongues.
The Bible teaches that Peter stood up and completely lost this fear and preached the gospel in power! Peter’s message was so anointed and effective by the Holy Spirit 3000 people repented, received the word of God, were baptized in water, were added to the church and continued with this new community in four essential practices.
This is a record of the birth of the New Testament church and we can see these vital elements at work here that should be the normal experience in every church today! The only experience I would say probably will not continue in every church is the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the speaking another tongues or languages in the sense that they spoke to all those gathered in their own native tongue through the Holy Spirit. We don’t find this exact experience recorded anywhere else in the New Testament except here in Acts 2. We do find many other places where people were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
What are tongues in the Bible?
I mean the kind of speaking that is not in the normal language that people can understand like English? This is a big debate in the body of Christ today. Some believe that speaking in tongues is from the Holy Spirit while others believe that it has passed away with the completion of the New Testament. Some even go so far to say it’s from the devil. But what does the Bible have to say because the Word of God is our authority on any subject as Christians. I personally received the baptism of the Holy Spirit shortly after I was saved in 1982 and spoke in tongues and continue to speak and pray in tongues in my personal prayer life. I’m going to show you from the Bible why I believe it’s a blessing from God for Christians today. So, here we go!
1) TONGUES AS A SPIRITUAL RIVER PROMISED BY JESUS
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Five points:
1) If any man Thirst: God fills people with the Holy Spirit that are consumed with a desire for more of God, His presence, His power to do His will.
2) Come to Me and drink: Jesus gave the invitation, this is a divine blessing to be received from God.
3) This promise is for the believer: If any man believe in Me Jesus said.
4) The promise is based on the Scriptures: God’s will is to fill you with the Spirit.
5) Rivers of living water: God will cause His Spirit to fill the believer and the result will be that rivers of living water will proceed from the inner man of the believer.
Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
2) JESUS TAUGHT WE SHOULD ASK THE FATHER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
3) PROPHETIC TONGUES MANIFESTED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST
At the initial out pouring of the Holy Spirit, a prophecy made by Joel that God would pour out His Spirit and men and women would prophecy was fulfilled. Ref; Acts 2:1-13
4) PRAYER AND SINGING WITH UNDERSTANDING AND TONGUES
How does a person pray in the Spirit? How does the Spirit of God pray through him? The answer is simple. As long as he is praying in his own language, he is doing the praying. But when praying in the unknown tongue, the Spirit of God does the praying. Gordon Lindsay – Prayer that Moves Mountains pg. 72
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody]. 15 Then what am I to do? I will pray with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will also pray [intelligently] with my mind and understanding; I will sing with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will sing [intelligently] with my mind and understanding also. Amplified.
Paul is talking about his own personal devotional life with God because he says he would rather speak in a language everyone can understand in the church to build others up.
5) DEVOTIONAL PRAYING IN TONGUES IS SPEAKING TO GOD
1 Corinthians 14:1-3 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Jude 20…building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
…build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Amplified
6) THE INTERCESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH US
Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Just as a radio transmitting system can amplify the human voice so that it can reach over the whole world, so the power of the Spirit can amplify our feeble human efforts and make them powerful enough to move mountains. Gordon Lindsay – Prayer that Moves Mountains pg. 69
7) TONGUES & INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES ARE GIFTS THE SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The Bible teaches that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to every believer.
8) TONGUES LISTED AS A PUBLIC MINISTRY
1 Corinthians 12:28-30 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
1) Here tongues and interpretation of tongues are grouped together with other ministries.
2) Varieties tongues are tongues that function in public worship services.
9) GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC WORHSIP AND TONGUES
1 Corinthians 14:26-29 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
More than two or three giving tongues, interpretation and prophetic messages typically causes the message to be lost or confused.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
Prayer in the Spirit is praying in tongues. A believer filled with the Holy Spirit can pray in the Holy Spirit at will just like they can pray in their understanding at will. Tongues is a very important aspect of praying in the Spirit. There are at least three levels of tongues revealed in the Bible. Each has it’s unique place in the purposes of God.
1) Prophetic Tongues – As seen on the day of Pentecost Act 2
2) Personal Tongues – As explained as a way of prayer for the believer to pray in the Spirit and be built up. This includes praying and singing in tongues or in the Spirit.
3) Public Tongues – As a ministry gift that manifests in public worship services or prayer meetings.
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. 7 Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “They are full of new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. 15 For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. 21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord
Shall be saved.’
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. 27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’ 29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
In this portion of Scripture we see several powerful truths. First is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He came like a rushing mighty wind from heaven filling the house and then filling the disciples! Think about this for a minute. The Bible says that this was so loud that the crowd of people outside on the street heard it and they heard all the people speaking with tongues. There is a lot of confusion in people’s minds about this issue of the baptism of the Holy Spirit in speaking in tongues so today I’m going to tackle this give you my understanding that there are three types of spiritual tongues in the Bible. However, I don’t think that tongues is even the central thing to understand in Acts 2. The most important thing was the birth of the New Testament church in power and how 3000 people were saved and added to the church. Let’s look at this first and then the issue of tongues.
The Bible teaches that Peter stood up and completely lost this fear and preached the gospel in power! Peter’s message was so anointed and effective by the Holy Spirit 3000 people repented, received the word of God, were baptized in water, were added to the church and continued with this new community in four essential practices.
- The apostles doctrine which was the teaching about Jesus Christ.
- Fellowship which means that they continue to be together around the things of God.
- The breaking of bread which represents communion or the Lords supper.
- Prayers which means that as these believers gather they worshiped and prayed.
This is a record of the birth of the New Testament church and we can see these vital elements at work here that should be the normal experience in every church today! The only experience I would say probably will not continue in every church is the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the speaking another tongues or languages in the sense that they spoke to all those gathered in their own native tongue through the Holy Spirit. We don’t find this exact experience recorded anywhere else in the New Testament except here in Acts 2. We do find many other places where people were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.
What are tongues in the Bible?
I mean the kind of speaking that is not in the normal language that people can understand like English? This is a big debate in the body of Christ today. Some believe that speaking in tongues is from the Holy Spirit while others believe that it has passed away with the completion of the New Testament. Some even go so far to say it’s from the devil. But what does the Bible have to say because the Word of God is our authority on any subject as Christians. I personally received the baptism of the Holy Spirit shortly after I was saved in 1982 and spoke in tongues and continue to speak and pray in tongues in my personal prayer life. I’m going to show you from the Bible why I believe it’s a blessing from God for Christians today. So, here we go!
1) TONGUES AS A SPIRITUAL RIVER PROMISED BY JESUS
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Five points:
1) If any man Thirst: God fills people with the Holy Spirit that are consumed with a desire for more of God, His presence, His power to do His will.
2) Come to Me and drink: Jesus gave the invitation, this is a divine blessing to be received from God.
3) This promise is for the believer: If any man believe in Me Jesus said.
4) The promise is based on the Scriptures: God’s will is to fill you with the Spirit.
5) Rivers of living water: God will cause His Spirit to fill the believer and the result will be that rivers of living water will proceed from the inner man of the believer.
Mark 16:17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
2) JESUS TAUGHT WE SHOULD ASK THE FATHER FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT
Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
- The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is promised by Jesus from the Father to all that ask.
- It should be noted that Jesus promise of the Holy Spirit was given in the context of teaching His disciples how to pray.
3) PROPHETIC TONGUES MANIFESTED ON THE DAY OF PENTECOST
At the initial out pouring of the Holy Spirit, a prophecy made by Joel that God would pour out His Spirit and men and women would prophecy was fulfilled. Ref; Acts 2:1-13
- This is exactly what happened! The disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak supernaturally in the languages of many nations the wonderful works of God.
- It was a kind of tongue, a supernatural communication about Jesus being the Savior of all men by the Holy Spirit through the disciples in “known tongues” by those listening but unknown to those that were speaking.
4) PRAYER AND SINGING WITH UNDERSTANDING AND TONGUES
How does a person pray in the Spirit? How does the Spirit of God pray through him? The answer is simple. As long as he is praying in his own language, he is doing the praying. But when praying in the unknown tongue, the Spirit of God does the praying. Gordon Lindsay – Prayer that Moves Mountains pg. 72
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit [by the Holy Spirit within me] prays, but my mind is unproductive [it bears no fruit and helps nobody]. 15 Then what am I to do? I will pray with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will also pray [intelligently] with my mind and understanding; I will sing with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will sing [intelligently] with my mind and understanding also. Amplified.
Paul is talking about his own personal devotional life with God because he says he would rather speak in a language everyone can understand in the church to build others up.
5) DEVOTIONAL PRAYING IN TONGUES IS SPEAKING TO GOD
1 Corinthians 14:1-3 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself…
Ephesians 6:18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints
Jude 20…building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
…build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit; Amplified
6) THE INTERCESSION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT THROUGH US
Romans 8:26-28 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
- The Bible clearly teaches that we have limits on our ability to pray with our own understanding.
- Some times we just do not know what to pray for or how to pray.
- This is where the Holy Spirit helps us by praying in the Spirit or praying in tongues by the Holy Spirit within you.
- Praying in the Spirit is praying the will of God!
Just as a radio transmitting system can amplify the human voice so that it can reach over the whole world, so the power of the Spirit can amplify our feeble human efforts and make them powerful enough to move mountains. Gordon Lindsay – Prayer that Moves Mountains pg. 69
7) TONGUES & INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES ARE GIFTS THE SPIRIT
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
The Bible teaches that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given to every believer.
8) TONGUES LISTED AS A PUBLIC MINISTRY
1 Corinthians 12:28-30 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?
1) Here tongues and interpretation of tongues are grouped together with other ministries.
2) Varieties tongues are tongues that function in public worship services.
9) GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC WORHSIP AND TONGUES
1 Corinthians 14:26-29 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge.
More than two or three giving tongues, interpretation and prophetic messages typically causes the message to be lost or confused.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40 Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
Prayer in the Spirit is praying in tongues. A believer filled with the Holy Spirit can pray in the Holy Spirit at will just like they can pray in their understanding at will. Tongues is a very important aspect of praying in the Spirit. There are at least three levels of tongues revealed in the Bible. Each has it’s unique place in the purposes of God.
1) Prophetic Tongues – As seen on the day of Pentecost Act 2
2) Personal Tongues – As explained as a way of prayer for the believer to pray in the Spirit and be built up. This includes praying and singing in tongues or in the Spirit.
3) Public Tongues – As a ministry gift that manifests in public worship services or prayer meetings.
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today and get access to our free and pay as you go courses. http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today and get access to our free and pay as you go courses. http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll