When it comes to the subject of spiritual language, the gift of tongues, praying in the Spirit there are many misunderstandings, extremes and ditches. Let's look at the Word to see what the Lord tells us.

1. Is it true that not everyone has "the gift of tongues"?

It is true that not everyone has the public gift of tongues for ministry in a congregation; however, this is not true concerning the private use of tongues for spiritual edification. The private manifestation of tongues is available to everyone, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:5 where Paul says he would desire for all of us to speak in tongues.

It is clear that Paul is advocating the private use of tongues for personal edification as he had explained in verse 4. However, in the church (in public) he would rather have us prophesy-or speak in tongues with interpretation. This operation of the public manifestation of the gift of tongues is as the Spirit wills, and everyone does not have this gift.

2. Is there any scriptural basis for "praying or singing in tongues"?

Often, because the Word has been misunderstood in this area, many people have not seen the scriptural basis for what is sometimes called "praying in the Spirit," or a "private prayer language." Notice in 1 Corinthians 14:14,15, Paul said he could "pray in an unknown tongue." Praying in unknown tongues is distinct from speaking in tongues with an interpretation. Praying in tongues is scriptural. Prayer is something that is done privately, or possibly in a group prayer setting, and is different than giving a public utterance in tongues with an interpretation. A person may, or may not, interpret what he prays in tongues. Paul encourages us, however, in 1 Corinthians 14:13, to pray that we may interpret.

Paul went on to explain that when he was praying in the Spirit his spirit prayed and his understanding was fruitful. When he prayed in the Spirit, or in other tongues, it came from his spirit and his mind did not understand what he was saying. Notice, he also included the personal benefit of singing in the Spirit, or singing in other tongues. To pray and sing in the Spirit-in other tongues-for personal edification is, indeed, scriptural. It is important to mention that, according to 1 Corinthians 14:2, when we speak in unknown tongues for our personal benefit, we are speaking to God, not to men, and not to the devil. When we speak in our prayer language, we are edifying ourselves. This ability to speak in other tongues is available to every Spirit-filled believer and is a different manifestation of speaking in tongues than what is called the gift of tongues for use in the public assembly, which requires an interpretation.

3. Our church doesn't believe in speaking in tongues.

It is good to respect your church's beliefs and doctrine. However, if you church's beliefs and doctrine every conflict with the written Word of God, then you need to take sides with the Word of God. Consider this: Jesus referred to believers speaking in tongues when He gave the Great Commission to the Universal Church in Mark 16:17. In 1 Corinthians 14:39 Paul said, "Forbid not to speak with tongues."

In this area you want to use wisdom and be certain that you are following those who teach the Bible, not their own experience. We find it interesting that often those that are most critical or negative about this subject and those that claim to be experts on speaking in tongues are those that have never spoken in tongues. How can someone be an expert in something he has never experienced? We have never done brain surgery, so we don't presume to tell brain surgeons how to do surgery. Anyone can be a critic or have a strong personal opinion about any subject, but it's most important to first see what the Word teaches and then seek the wisdom and counsel of those that have actually experienced the very thing the Word teaches, rather than getting your wisdom from someone that is only giving their theories on the subject.

4. I was taught tongues have passed away and are no longer in use.

Some churches teach that when the disciples passed away and the New Testament was written, the "perfect" came, and tongues ceased, according to 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. First, we need to look at what is meant by the word "perfect." Consider this: If that which is "perfect" has come and tongues have ceased, then, according to this particular passage of Scripture, prophecy and knowledge also would have ceased. We know, however, that knowledge has not ceased but, in fact, it has actually increased. Therefore, we know that the "perfect" has not come, yet. The "perfect" shall come when He, the perfect One, appears in His Second Coming. Until that time comes, tongues, prophecy and knowledge are still with us.

5. I'm afraid if I speak in tongues it will get out of control.

This is a common fear. Some people think that the Holy Spirit will force them to speak in tongues and cause them to blurt out in tongues at some inopportune time. This is a fallacy.

Paul clearly says in 1 Corinthians 14:32 that the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. In other words, you have control over your spirit and mouth. God never forces anyone to do anything. He will never embarrass you by causing you to speak in tongues beyond your control. A person can always control the starting and stopping of speaking in tongues. God will never violate your free will.

6. Will the Holy Spirit take over my mouth?

No. Acts 2:4 shows us that They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and [they] began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. The Holy Spirit will not take over your mouth. You will do the speaking. The Holy Spirit will give you the utterance. You may feel a sensation in your vocal chords, or you may feel like expressing certain words, or you may have a sense of wanting to talk in what may sound like "baby talk," but you do the speaking. Sometimes there may seem to be one or two words, or maybe a whole sentence, just bubbling up from within you. When you simply yield to that, you will begin to speak in tongues.

7. I'm afraid a demon might speak through me instead of the Holy Spirit.

This is also a common fear. Perhaps the devil uses this thought to keep people from speaking in tongues because he fears the power of God released through people who speak in tongues. You can be comforted to know that you will receive a good gift from God, not a demon. Jesus assures us in Luke 11:9-13 that if we ask the Father for the Hoy Spirit, He will not give us something else. Read this passage for yourself and see the goodness of God.

8. Do I have to "tarry" for the Holy Spirit?

No. In Luke 24:49, the disciples were told to "tarry," or to wait, until they were endued with power-the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said this to them because the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, or poured out, on the Church. On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent by Jesus to the Church. We don't have to tarry, or wait, for this great event today because He has already come. We simply receive Him by faith.

9. Does someone have to lay hands on me and pray?

Not necessarily. There are different ways to receive the Holy Spirit, but the main element to receiving the Holy Spirit is to ask and believe. There is a scriptural precedent for receiving the Holy Spirit simply by hearing the Word of God and receiving. There is also scriptural precedent for asking God and receiving without the laying on of hands. In any case, it may help some people release their faith to receive the Holy Spirit when hands are laid on them, but it is not an absolute necessity.

To read Part Two, click here.

Copyright © 2007 Beth Jones Ministries All rights reserved.