VIKTOR SAARI MINISTRIES

 Tongues

I have put tongues and interpretation of tongues together because interpretation is pretty self explanatory. But, interpretation is still very important and I will cover it after I cover tongues. So why pray in tongues? What benefit does it give to us and what effect doest it have on our lives? First of all we need to understand what tongues or speaking in tongues are. It is the supernatural utterance of the Holy Spirit speaking in you and through you in languages you have never learned before. Speaking in tongues is not understood by the mind, or with natural ears.

We are only able to speak in tongues after we have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. This is why in Acts 2 we see all 120 who went to the upper room to receive the Holy Spirit that was promised by Jesus spoke in tongues immediately. Now often we see in the Old Testament that Spirit of God led prophets and chosen vessels (people) to do the works of God. They did have seven of the gifts of the Spirit in operation, but they did not have tongues and interpretation of tongues.

John the Baptist also had the Holy Spirit, but he was still under the old covenant of Abraham. We also know that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and see that He actually received it without measure (Isaiah 59:16, John 3:34). So although it is never written that Jesus spoke in tongues or interpreted them, we do not doubt that He was more than capable of allowing these gifts to flow through Him.

What does speaking in tongues do for us? What benefit do they give us? Here are ten examples:

1.   Let’s the Holy Spirits pilot your life, because you are being led by the Spirit’s words. (Prov 6.2)

2.   They make you speak correctly.  Matt 12.34

3.   Guides you in all truth. John 16.13

4.   A sign to the unbelievers. I Corinthians 14.22

5.   Makes intersession for us. Romans 8.26

6.   Builds your faith. Jude 1.20

7.   Will give you rest. Isaiah 28.11-12

8.   Is a way to worship God. John 4.23

9.   Is a spiritual weapon. II Corinthians 10.3-5

10. Brings to remembrance. John 14.26

We see there is power in allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through us. But as we see in a few of the scriptures listed, tongues bring us closer to God. It allows for a deeper personal

relationship with Him. It is as it is written in John 4:23. God is a spirit and we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Also, when we are speaking in tongues we are speaking unto God, not unto men. I Corinthians 14:2 in the Amplified shows us this:

²For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding].

The Bible also tells us that we have not, because we ask not in James 4:3. Often times though we do not even know what we should be praying for. There are things in the future that we do not foresee, this is where tongues help. Romans 8:26 shows us that tongues will make intersession for us, when we do not know what to pray.

Speaking in tongues will also bring the wonderful works of God (Acts 2:11). The wonderful works will provide everything we need and will ever need. Understand just how powerful tongues are and why you should use them. Always remember to thank your Father in heaven for tongues. Because they are a powerful spiritually weapon that just blows the devil away. Praying in tongues is of vital importance. If you’re not using them, you leave yourself wide open to the devil. Because praying in tongues is just like eating, you need food to give you strength. Just remember, tongues are the one thing you can never over eat on, so don’t wait until your hungry to go it.

Interpretation of tongues

The interpretation of tongues is the supernatural showing of the meaning of that which was spoken in tongues. One thing that is often misinterpreted is that interpretation of tongues is translation of tongues. This is just simply not true and is a big misrepresentation. This is why an interpretation may be longer than that which was given in tongues, or it may be shorter than that which was given in tongues.

The other sharp realisation we have to come to as a church, is that we are supposed to be praying for the ability to interpret divers tongues. I Corinthians 14:13: ¹³Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. This is powerful and many of us have missed it. But if you have, don’t worry, but start today. I Corinthians also gives us another example of how tongues and interpretation should be used in the church. I Corinthians 14:27-29:

²⁷If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

²⁸But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

²⁹Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

This is important, because as it says later in I Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion. So it is important, if there is no one to interpret, hold your peace. We see in verse 27 only two or at most three (and it really means at most) can speak in tongues in one service. We cannot have everyone speaking in tongues out loud for everyone to hear and try to interpret. Obviously this is does not mean that the whole church or you yourself cannot pray quietly in tongues. It just means everyone should not be speaking in tongues out loud, in a hope of that they have something to say to the church. Because as verse 40 says: Let all things be done decently and in order.

Also, when you are speaking in tongues or doing anything else in church for that matter, it should never bring any attention to you the person. It should always be to the glorifying of God and He is the one people should see through you. Tongues and interpretation are very important though and it is why Paul says in I Corinthians 14:18: I thank my God; I speak with tongues more than ye all. Tongues and Interpretation of tongues are very important and are something to be coveted.