Understanding the Gifts of the Spirit and Order in Worship (Check here often, slow process)

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the proper use of spiritual gifts, particularly tongues and prophecy, within the church. This chapter serves as a vital guide for both new believers and seasoned saints, as it reveals the heart of God concerning orderly worship and the edification of the body of Christ. For babes in Christ, understanding the role of tongues and prophecy can often seem daunting or confusing. However, Paul’s teaching simplifies these spiritual gifts, emphasizing that their primary purpose is to build up the church, not to elevate the individual.

For those seeking deeper clarity, these passages challenges us to balance the exercise of spiritual gifts with love, wisdom, and a focus on edifying others. It reminds us that while personal experiences with God are important, the corporate unity and understanding of the body must take precedence. By exploring the meanings of Paul’s instructions, believers at every stage can gain a clearer understanding of how to walk in the Spirit, contribute to the life of the church, and ensure that their spiritual expressions align with God’s will for collective worship. But how do we, as modern believers, apply these principles in our diverse and dynamic worship settings today? What does it mean to edify the church in our unique cultural and spiritual landscapes? Let’s dive deeper into these questions, share our insights, and explore together how we can faithfully live out the balance of spirit and order that Paul so passionately teaches.

1 Corinthians 14:1, “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy,”

Underscores the paramount importance of love (charity) as the guiding principle for all spiritual pursuits. This verse is an encouragement for believers to prioritize love in their interactions and ministry, ensuring that their desire for spiritual gifts is motivated by a genuine concern for others’ edification and well-being. The emphasis on prophecy is seen as an endorsement of its role in building up the church, offering guidance, encouragement, and correction under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Prophecy, in this context, is not merely foretelling future events but speaking forth God’s word to provide insight and edification to the congregation. Thus, this verse is a call to balance the pursuit of spiritual gifts with a foundational commitment to love, using these gifts, especially prophecy, to strengthen and nurture the church community.

1 Corinthians 14:2, “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries,”

Highlights the profound and personal nature of speaking in tongues as a form of communication with God . Speaking in tongues is a vital manifestation of the Holy Spirit, signifying a direct and intimate dialogue between the believer and God. This practice is seen as a deeply spiritual experience where the individual utters divine mysteries that transcend human understanding . It underscores the idea that speaking in tongues is not primarily for public edification unless interpreted, but rather for personal edification and spiritual connection with God. This aligns with the emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, where speaking in tongues serves as the initial evidence of this experience ,(Acts 2:1-4) reinforcing a personal and spiritual communion with the divine .

1 Corinthians 14:3, “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort,”

Highlights the vital role of prophecy in the life of the church. In this context, prophecy is understood as a divine utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit, which serves three key functions: edification, exhortation, and comfort . Edification refers to building up the faith and spiritual maturity of the congregation, helping believers grow in their understanding and relationship with God. Exhortation involves encouraging and urging individuals to pursue righteous living and remain steadfast in their faith, providing motivation and guidance. Comfort denotes offering solace and reassurance, particularly in times of trial and distress, reminding believers of God’s presence and promises. Prophecy is a powerful tool for ministering to the spiritual needs of the church, promoting unity, spiritual growth, and emotional support. This perspective underscores the belief that spiritual gifts, especially prophecy, are meant to be exercised in love for the benefit and strengthening of the entire church body.

1 Corinthians 14:4, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church,”

Highlights the different roles and impacts of speaking in tongues and prophesying within the Christian community. Speaking in tongues, a significant practice in worship, is seen as a personal edification experience, where the individual is spiritually uplifted and strengthened by direct communion with God. This private benefit, however, contrasts with the broader, communal benefit of prophecy. Prophesying is considered a higher gift in the context of public worship because it communicates God’s message in an understandable language , thereby edifying, exhorting, and comforting the entire congregation . This verse is emphasizing the need for balance between personal spiritual growth and the edification of the church body. While speaking in tongues is highly valued for personal spiritual development, prophecy is especially esteemed for its capacity to build up the church, reinforcing the communal and interdependent nature of Christian life and worship.

These are spiritual gifts can they be counterfeited and how would one really know if they are really authentic?

Speaking in tongues is regarded as a genuine spiritual gift and the initial physical evidence of receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, the possibility of counterfeits is acknowledged. To discern the authenticity of speaking in tongues , several criteria are emphasized. Firstly , the context in which the gift is manifested is considered crucial; authentic speaking in tongues should occur within a sincere, worshipful, and orderly environment as described in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 14. Secondly , the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and righteousness, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, should be evident in the life of the individual speaking in tongues, demonstrating a genuine transformation and alignment with God’s will. Thirdly , the guidance and confirmation from church leaders and the community of believers play a vital role in discerning authenticity, as they can provide spiritual oversight and discernment. I believe that through prayer, scriptural alignment, and the witness of the Holy Spirit within the church, believers can distinguish true manifestations of speaking in tongues from counterfeits, ensuring that this spiritual gift is used for the edification of the church and the glory of God.

Is Speaking in Tongues and Gifts of the Spirit still available today?

This discussion explores whether the gifts of the Spirit, like speaking in tongues, are still active in the church today, considering both historical and contemporary views. Participants are invited to share their interpretations of biblical passages and perspectives on the relevance of spiritual gifts in modern Christian life.

#SpiritualGiftsToday #SpeakingInTongues #BiblicalInterpretation #HolySpiritInChurch #ChristianDoctrine


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The question of whether speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit are still available today is a significant one that touches on the core beliefs of many Christian denominations. Throughout church history, there have been varying perspectives on the continuation of these spiritual gifts. Some argue that these gifts were specific to the early church and ceased with the apostles, while others, particularly in Pentecostal and charismatic circles, firmly believe that these gifts are still active and vital for the church today. Understanding the scriptural basis for both views, as well as the practical implications for modern Christian living, is essential for engaging in this important discussion. How do you interpret the relevant biblical passages, and what role do you believe the gifts of the Spirit should play in the life of the contemporary church?

You bring up a really valuable aspect of this discussion—the role of the interpretation of tongues. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 and 1 Corinthians 14:27-28, Paul talks about how interpreting tongues is essential for making sure the message benefits everyone, not just the speaker. Without interpretation, he points out that speaking in tongues might actually cause confusion rather than help build up the church. In many charismatic circles, both speaking in tongues and interpreting them are seen as ways to strengthen spiritual growth and bring clarity to what God wants to communicate.

If you’re curious to dive deeper, this article sheds more light on the purpose and importance of interpretation: 10 Things You Should Know About the Spiritual Gift of Interpretation of Tongues.

Thanks for that article

All I know is, I have attended a couple of services of speaking in tongues and felt like a fool for even being there. It was nothing more than people going BWALLA-GALLA-OOGA-MAHOOGA and staring at me like an infidel for not joining in the festivities. Not one, understandably, attempted to interpret. Some of the “guidance” for speaking in tongues is to intentionally do the BWALLA-GALLA thing until you get the hang of it and the Holy Spirit actually kicks in. What??? I don’t know pooh-pooh whatever was going on in the first century as described in Acts, but I regard the modern phenomenon as 110% self-induced and spiritually bogus.

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If they were looking at you in that way its totally wrong and against the true Spirit of God. But I do ask were they speaking in tongues during song service or altar call or was it quiet in the church when they spoke. In quiet reverent moments of service if one speaks there must be an interpreter or to keep quiet to themselves and God. But it is almost normal in a Pentecostal church to speak in tongues during song service and altar call.

1 Corinthians 12:29-30, “Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

Addresses the diversity of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, emphasizing that not every believer will have the same role or gift. The church is likened to a body, with each member having a distinct function, and all are necessary for the health and growth of the church. This diversity ensures that the church operates effectively, with apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, those with gifts of healing, and others each contributing uniquely to the mission of the church.

It is important to distinguish between the different types of speaking in tongues mentioned in the New Testament . The Bible teaches that speaking in tongues serves different purposes and contexts. First, there is speaking in tongues as the initial evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit , which is a private and personal experience for every believer baptized in the Holy Ghost. This experience is a sign of the New Birth and is distinct from the spiritual gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 12 refers to the specific gift of tongues used in a public worship setting . This gift, meant for the edification of the church, typically occurs during quiet spiritual moments and requires interpretation . Not all believers will possess this particular gift , just as not all are apostles, prophets, or teachers. This public exercise of the gift of tongues, accompanied by interpretation, is different from the personal prayer language experienced by individuals when they receive the Holy Spirit.

While every believer is encouraged to seek and receive the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues as a personal experience, the specific gift of tongues used in church settings for communal edification and requiring interpretation is given according to God’s sovereign will and purpose. This distinction clarifies the different roles of speaking in tongues within the body of Christ, both for individual spiritual growth and for the edification of the church.

1 Corinthians 14:5, “I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying,”

Highlights the primacy of edification within the church community. While speaking in tongues is valued as a significant spiritual gift and a personal means of communication with God, prophecy holds a higher place in communal worship because it directly edifies the congregation. Prophecy, which involves conveying messages from God that offer encouragement, instruction, and correction, serves to build up the church more effectively than speaking in tongues, unless the tongues are interpreted. The interpretation of tongues bridges the gap, making the message accessible and beneficial to the entire church. Thus, this scripture is seen as guiding believers to seek spiritual gifts that not only enhance their personal spirituality but also contribute to the collective strength and edification of the church body.

1 Corinthians 14:6, “Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?”

Highlights the importance of intelligible communication within the church for edification. While speaking in tongues is highly valued as an evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and a personal prayer language, this verse emphasizes that public ministry should primarily focus on understandable messages that build up the church. Speaking in tongues, unless interpreted, does not benefit the congregation because it lacks clear communication. Therefore, Paul urges believers to prioritize delivering revelations, knowledge, prophecies, and doctrines in a language the congregation understands. This approach ensures that the church is instructed, encouraged, and edified. This passage is advocating for a balanced practice of spiritual gifts, where the edification of the church body through comprehensible teachings and prophetic insights takes precedence in corporate worship settings.

1 Corinthians 14:7, “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?”

This is understood as an illustration emphasizing the need for clarity and intelligibility in the use of spiritual gifts within the church. Just as musical instruments must produce distinct and recognizable notes to convey a melody or harmony, so too must spiritual gifts, particularly speaking in tongues and prophecy, be used in a manner that edifies and instructs the congregation. This verse underscores the importance of making spiritual expressions understandable and meaningful to the listeners. In the context of worship and ministry, it calls for orderly and clear communication so that the congregation can be edified and encouraged. The Church advocates for the proper interpretation and application of spiritual gifts, ensuring that they contribute to the spiritual growth and unity of the church body, much like distinct musical notes contribute to a cohesive and beautiful piece of music.

1 Corinthians 14:8, “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?”

Highlights the critical importance of clarity and distinctiveness in spiritual communication and leadership within the church. This verse as a metaphor emphasizing the need for clear, understandable, and authoritative preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Just as a clear trumpet sound is essential for soldiers to recognize and respond to a call to battle, so must the messages delivered within the church be clear and unambiguous to effectively guide, edify, and prepare believers for spiritual challenges. This clarity is especially vital in the exercise of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and tongues, ensuring that their use edifies the congregation and aligns with scriptural truths. The verse underscores the responsibility of church leaders and believers to communicate God’s message with precision and authority, fostering a spiritually prepared and vigilant community.

At the two I attended, it was more of a mass outbreak of folks shaking their hands above their heads and wildly doing the OOGA BOOGA thing. I was simply in the midst of a congregation of everyone else apparently feeling obligated to do this. Interestingly, it was not far from the site of the Azusa Street Revival! I’ll bow out since I admittedly don’t take any of this seriously.

I completely respect your perspective and the freedom we all have to seek and experience God in our own ways. Our free will is indeed a beautiful gift, allowing each of us to draw near to God as we feel led. When it comes to speaking in tongues and the gifts of the Spirit, I understand how it can seem unfamiliar or even uncomfortable, especially if experiences of it have felt more like outward displays than genuine, inward transformations.

However, I believe there’s a deeper truth here. In the New Testament, particularly in Acts 2 and 1 Corinthians 12-14, the gift of tongues is shown as part of the Spirit’s outpouring—one that filled and empowered believers to connect with God in a profoundly personal way. Speaking in tongues isn’t about showmanship or outward action but rather is described as a direct connection with God, a form of prayer and worship that comes from the Spirit moving within us. When the apostles received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost, the Bible says they spoke in languages they hadn’t learned, glorifying God, and those who heard were drawn to the message. This was God reaching out in a new and powerful way.

In many cases, people who receive the gift of tongues express that it brings an intimacy with God that words alone couldn’t provide. It’s a gift meant to build up, to deepen, and to empower, not to overwhelm or make anyone feel obligated. I believe that God still moves today, just as He did then, and speaking in tongues is part of the rich fullness of what He offers.

God’s love and promises are vast, and seeking His Spirit with an open heart, as the early church did, can lead to experiencing His presence in ways that go beyond words. I hope this perspective sheds light on the heart behind the experience of speaking in tongues. We can choose how we respond to it, and I encourage you, with grace and love, to be open to all that God has for you.

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1 Corinthians 14:9, “So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.”

In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, urging them to prioritize communication that is clear and comprehensible. He contrasts speaking in tongues without interpretation to speaking in a language that others can understand. This ensures that when tongues are spoken in a public setting, there is someone to interpret so that the message can be understood by all present. Spiritual gifts are meant to edify the church and should not be used in a way that leaves listeners without understanding or benefit.

This is a call for practicality and orderliness in the exercise of spiritual gifts within the church community. They emphasize the importance of speaking clearly and with purpose so that the message communicated serves to strengthen believers and glorify God effectively. Thus, from this perspective, Paul’s admonition underscores the responsibility of believers to ensure that their spiritual expressions are not in vain but are meaningful and beneficial to those who hear them.

1 Corinthians 14:10, “There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.”

This verse underscores the diversity of languages or “voices” in the world, each with its own significance. Paul uses this diversity as a metaphor to highlight the need for clarity and understanding in communication within the church. Just as different languages convey specific meanings and messages, so too should spiritual communication be clear and meaningful to those who hear it.

1 Corinthians 14:11, “Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.”

This verse highlights the potential for misunderstanding and lack of edification if spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, are not interpreted or understood by those present. Speaking in tongues is a direct manifestation of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to communicate with God in a deeply spiritual way. However, without interpretation, it can appear unintelligible or even chaotic to those who do not understand its meaning.

The term “barbarian” in this passage is used metaphorically to describe someone who speaks a language that is unknown or incomprehensible to another person. Without interpretation or understanding, the spiritual communication can be ineffective or meaningless to the listeners. It stresses the importance of interpretation as a means to ensure that everyone in the congregation can benefit and be edified by the spiritual gifts being exercised.

1 Corinthians 14:12, “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.”

The Holy Spirit distributes these gifts as He sees fit, and all believers can potentially receive one or more. This zeal for spiritual gifts is encouraged, but the key point is to use them for the “edifying of the church.” Edification means building up the church, not personal gain or showmanship.

So, while Church believes in actively seeking and using spiritual gifts, the ultimate goal is to strengthen the church community. This can involve using prophecy to bring encouragement or correction, using tongues and interpretation to bring a fresh message from God, or using healing gifts to bring physical and spiritual restoration. The specific gift isn’t as important as using it to uplift and empower the church as a whole.

During times of deep, quiet reflection on God in a service, if tongues are spoken publicly, they must be accompanied by interpretation. Otherwise, the individual speaking in tongues should remain silent, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28. The pastor must exercise spiritual discernment in these moments, ensuring that all expressions align with the Spirit’s order and purpose. In situations where things become disruptive or seem out of control, it is the pastor’s responsibility to guide and, if necessary, gently redirect individuals to maintain a spirit of reverence and unity.

Conversely, during altar calls, song services, or even the preaching of the Word, it is not uncommon for multiple people to speak in tongues as they seek personal communion with God. In these instances, individuals are typically not seeking to be heard by the entire congregation; rather, they are engaging privately in worship or prayer. Such expressions are directed toward God alone, fostering a personal connection rather than a public message for the assembly, aligning with 1 Corinthians 14:2, which speaks of speaking in tongues as communication “unto God.”

1 Corinthians 14:13, “Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret”

Emphasizes the importance of understanding and edification within the church. Speaking in tongues is considered a significant spiritual gift, evidenced as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s baptism. However, Scripture also stress that the ultimate purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the church.

In this context, Paul is instructing believers to seek not only the gift of speaking in tongues but also the ability to interpret those tongues. This is crucial because, without interpretation, the message spoken in tongues remains unintelligible to others and does not contribute to their understanding or spiritual growth. By praying for the gift of interpretation, the speaker can ensure that the message is clear and edifying for the entire congregation.

The Scriptures view this dual gifting—speaking in tongues and interpretation—as a way to maintain order and clarity in worship, aligning with Paul’s broader teachings in 1 Corinthians 14 about the orderly use of spiritual gifts. It reinforces the idea that spiritual experiences should not only be personal and intimate but also communal and constructive. This approach helps ensure that the worship experience is inclusive and beneficial for all members, fostering a deeper sense of unity and shared understanding within the church body.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.”

Emphasizes the spiritual nature of speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit and a vital aspect of personal and communal prayer life . This verse highlights the distinction between the spiritual act of praying in tongues and praying in English, or whatever your language is, with the intellectual understanding of what is being said.

When one prays in an unknown tongue , it is the believer’s spirit , under the influence of the Holy Spirit, that is praying . This means that the prayer is a direct, spirit-led communication with God , transcending human language and intellect. While the person praying may not understand the specific words being spoken (their understanding is “unfruitful”), the prayer itself is deeply meaningful and powerful in the spiritual realm. This form of prayer is seen as a way to build up one’s faith, edify the spirit, and connect intimately with God.

Scriptures declare that praying in tongues allows the Holy Spirit to intercede and express prayers that go beyond the limitations of human language and understanding. (See Note) It is a gift that edifies the believer personally, strengthens their spiritual life, and contributes to a deeper, more profound relationship with God. Though the intellect may not grasp the content of the prayer, the spiritual benefits are significant and contribute to the overall growth and edification of the believer.

(Note: [Romans 8:26-27, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

This passage indicates that the Holy Spirit intercedes for believers, especially when they do not know how to pray effectively. The “groanings which cannot be uttered” suggest a form of communication beyond human language, aligning with the idea that the Spirit expresses deep, inexpressible prayers.)

Here, Paul distinguishes between praying with the spirit (in tongues) and praying with understanding. Praying in tongues is depicted as an activity of the spirit, which can go beyond the limitations of the believer’s conscious understanding. Emphasizes the holistic approach to worship, encompassing both spiritual fervor and intellectual comprehension. In this context, praying and singing “with the spirit” refers to engaging in worship through the Holy Spirit, often manifesting in speaking or singing in tongues, a practice highly valued in Pentecostal worship as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and activity.

1 Corinthians 14:16, “Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?”

Underscores the importance of clarity and edification in corporate worship. Scripture emphasizes the active presence and work of the Holy Spirit, particularly through speaking in tongues. However, this verse highlights the necessity for intelligibility in communal settings (during intense quiet moments). When a believer blesses or gives thanks in the Spirit—often understood as praying in tongues—it is crucial for the edification of the entire congregation that others can understand and participate. If the prayer or blessing is in an unknown tongue without interpretation, those who do not understand it cannot meaningfully join in or affirm it with an “Amen.” This passage thus supports the practice of encouraging interpretation when tongues are spoken in a public assembly, ensuring that all present can be edified and unified in their worship and understanding. It aligns with the broader biblical principle that worship should build up the church and foster a sense of communal participation and comprehension.

This seems more like a blog instead of a discussion.

Since we do not offer blogs at this point I’m closing this thread and invite you to find a blogging site instead.