HE WHO SPEAKS IN A LANGUAGE EDIFIES HIMSELF
Sakkie Parsons
Vertaal van Afrikaans: “Hy wat in tale spreek, stig homself”
Someone wrote to me and asked me my opinion on a statement that a church leader seems to have made, that speaking in tongues no longer happen today.
I would like to share my answer to the person with you.
The person wrote:
“There have been times when I have questioned this, especially after a sermon by one of our pastors in which he indicated that speaking in tongues does not happen anymore, it was only in Jesus’ time and then it was also so that other people could understand their own language through them.”
In my opinion, it is not only wrong, but also dangerous to make a statement that speaking in tongues was only for the time of Jesus.
I would like to see where someone, who must give guidance to others, read in the Word/Bible, that speaking in tongues no longer happen today.
I cannot think of a single passage in the Word that one could use to support such a foolish statement.
If I understand the Word correctly, we read, to put it this way, “of two kinds of tongues which the Spirit give.”
One is a language that others understand because it is their own language that they hear.:
ACTS 2:1-6 The Day Of Pentecost
1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place, 2and suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit]. 4And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately].
5Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout and God-fearing men from every nation under heaven. 6And when this sound was heard, a crowd gathered, and they were bewildered because each one was hearing those in the upper room speaking in his own language or dialect.
The other language is what my spirit speaks to our Lord to my edification.
1 COR 14:2-4
2For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. 3But [on the other hand] the one who prophesies speaks to people for edification [to promote their spiritual growth] and [speaks words of] encouragement [to uphold and advise them concerning the matters of God] and [speaks words of] consolation [to compassionately comfort them]. 4One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church [promotes growth in spiritual wisdom, devotion, holiness, and joy].
I said that in my opinion it is not only wrong, but also dangerous to make a statement that speaking in tongues was only for the time of Jesus.
Paul writes:
1 COR 12:4-6;
4Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served]. 6And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them].
Then he gives us a list of 9 graces, ministries, and operations namely:
1 COR 12:8-11
8To one is given through the [Holy] Spirit [the power to speak] the message of wisdom, and to another [the power to express] the word of knowledge and understanding according to the same Spirit; 9to another [wonder-working] faith [is given] by the same [Holy] Spirit, and to another the [extraordinary] gifts of healings by the one Spirit; 10and to another the working of miracles, and to another prophecy [foretelling the future, speaking a new message from God to the people], and to another discernment of spirits [the ability to distinguish sound, godly doctrine from the deceptive doctrine of man-made religions and cults], to another various kinds of [unknown] tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. 11All these things [the gifts, the achievements, the abilities, the empowering] are brought about by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, distributing to each one individually just as He chooses.
If someone now highlights a passage from 1 COR 12:10, as if it would no longer apply today, namely:
“To another all kinds of languages, to another interpretation of languages.”
Then what plausible reasoning can that person use to tell me that, for example, it would be wrong if I were to say, that the following from the same section is also no longer applicable today:
“and to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit.”
Then we open the way for everyone to remove from the Word, whatever he/she wants to.
Fortunately, we now know:
2 TIM 3:16-17
16All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; 17so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
All I must do, is read the Word, and take it in as Jesus say I should:
Mark 10:15
15“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”
Mat 11:25-26 Come to Me
25At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth [I openly and joyfully acknowledge Your great wisdom], that You have hidden these things [these spiritual truths] from the wise and intelligent and revealed them to infants [to new believers, to those seeking God’s will and purpose].
26Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight.
Always remember –
To speak in a foreign or spiritual language is a gift from God for some people. This is not a requirement of God for all Christians.
Greetings,
Sakkie
Email: bediening@sakkieparsons.co.za
Website: www.sakkieparsons.co.za
Cell: 083 457 6669
Jude 1:24-25 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
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