Weapons for the Believer 5.8 and 5.9 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues

Weapons for the Believer 5.8 and 5.9 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first four in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapons are referred to as The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits,

Different Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.

When our faith intersects with the Spirit’s power, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in those moments. I do not believe these are given permanently as some teach. I do not believe that some “posses” these gifts, but instead are given in the moment when needed. Consequently any or all of these may manifest in each Believer as the Spirit chooses.

There are nine gifts list by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Traditionally these have been divided into three groups: The Power Gifts, The Revelation Gifts, and The Speaking Gifts.

            The Power Gifts:                  Faith (or special faith, as some have described it)

                                                            Gifts of Healing (the only plural gift)

                                                            Working of Miracles

            The Revelation Gifts:          Word of Wisdom

                                                            Word of Knowledge

                                                            Discerning of Spirits

            The Speaking Gifts:                        Prophecy

                                                            Tongues

                                                            Interpretation of Tongues

Today we will look at the final two of these in more detail: Tongues, and the Interpretation of Tongues. You don’t see these gifts in operation much in the local church. At one time during the height of the Charismatic Renewal these gifts were seen in just about every service. I’m not sure what changed. I think because of some abuse of the gifts people became leery of them. Others considered them “uncouth” for the church. They are still as much a part of the ministry of the Holy Spirit as when Paul penned 1 Corinthians.

In essence, the combination of the two gifts, Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues, is equivalent to Prophecy. When one speaks in an unknown tongue in a public gathering only the one speaking is blessed unless someone interprets. When someone interprets the word given by the Holy Spirit through tongues it will bring edification, exhortation, and comfort.

Tongues are not used to “wage war” with the enemy. Because it is a language that only the Holy Spirit knows the devil or other evil spirit has no idea what you’re saying. The Gift of Tongues is for ministry to the Body of Christ, or can be used by the Holy Spirit as a sign to the unbeliever.

1 Corinthians 14:1-6 (ESV) Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up.

Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or teaching?

1 Corinthians 14:22 (ESV) Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers.

There is much confusion about tongues, primarily because the mainstream protestant, evangelical churches do not give place to them in their doctrine. Most will not categorically deny they exist, because they are mentioned in the New Testament many times. As I stated at the beginning, I believe it is because there has been much abuse of these, and other, Gifts of the Holy Spirit; mostly through ignorance. Others will place them on the back burner of their faith because of these words from Paul.

1 Corinthians 14:13-19 (ESV) Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying? For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up. I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

“I would rather speak five words with my mind …” That seals it for most. Why would we do something that is unfruitful? I have a different question. If Paul “spoke in tongues more than all of us” apparently he felt this activity worth his time. That should provoke us to find out more about this Gift that Jesus gave us after He ascended to Heaven. It must be pretty important. Why would Jesus send something that is of no value? He wouldn’t. That’s my point.

Before you throw the last two Gifts of the Holy Spirit out with yesterday’s news take some time to read through Acts and 1 Corinthians. It could open up a new world for you!

Father

Father

I love words. I see more humor in them than most, or at least the things that I think are funny. Like today as we were driving the Nashville I noticed signs on two different businesses. One said Bobo Variety’s. It amazes me that someone would have paid money to have a sign made and installed without someone else at least challenging them on the wording. I think they intended one of these other, more plausible, wordings: Bobo’s Variety or Bobo Varieties. Either would have been a better fit.

The other had a similar error. The sign read Video’s Plus. Apparently the same sign maker did this one. I’m not sure what the apostrophe was supposed to add to this name.

I don’t consciously look for things like this. They just jump out at me. I’m not sure exactly what all that has to do with the topic at hand. I just thought you might enjoy them like I did.

It’s Saturday night, Father’s Day Eve. We had a baby shower for my first grandchild today. It is also my wife’s birthday. As we settle in for the night I began to reminisce about my father. He died when I was nine. I don’t remember much about him, which is unfortunate. I know he was a remarkable man. I’ve shared on that many times. But tonight is a little different. My dad died about 7 months before his first grandchild was born. I know he would have been an amazing grandfather. It is one of the deep regrets that I have for my own children. They have never known either of their grandfathers.

Fortunately God has placed some men in their life over the years that have filled that void to some degree. But there is no substitute for the real thing. My sons embody much of what I remember about my father. Kids love them. I know each of them will be an amazing father. And for the sake of their children and grandchildren, I pray a long life will be theirs to enjoy those precious lives that will come through them.

So in light of this day, I decided to look at what all could be found in “Father.”

Fa       – a long, long way to run (Google it. It’s a song reference).

Fat      – too close to home.

At         – where you tend to find fathers … everywhere.

Far      – the lengths to which they will go for their family.

Fear    – their constant battle: to prevent it from coming near their home, and the tactic

            of the enemy to keep them from becoming all that God intends.

Her     – his wife, his reason for waking up in the morning.

The     – reason for living: Jesus and Him crucified.

After    – usually when all is said and done, he is still there.

Earth – God literally made man from dirt. But it also takes this space to hold his love.

Hate   – there’s no room for this, ever.

Heart – he has one, he gives it away.

Feat – without dads ERs would have a lot less business.

Hear – dads do this often.

Heat – dads take this often.

Heft – usually why the ERs are busy.

Tear – they dry many of these, and shed a few.

If you haven’t already done so, talk to your dad.

Weapons for the Believer 5.7 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Prophecy

Weapons for the Believer 5.7 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Prophecy

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first four in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapons are referred to as The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits,

Different Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.

When our faith intersects with the Spirit’s power, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in those moments. I do not believe these are given permanently as some teach. I do not believe that some “posses” these gifts, but instead are given in the moment when needed. Consequently any or all of these may manifest in each Believer as the Spirit chooses.

There are nine gifts list by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Traditionally these have been divided into three groups: The Power Gifts, The Revelation Gifts, and The Speaking Gifts.

            The Power Gifts:                  Faith (or special faith, as some have described it)

                                                            Gifts of Healing (the only plural gift)

                                                            Working of Miracles

            The Revelation Gifts:          Word of Wisdom

                                                            Word of Knowledge

                                                            Discerning of Spirits

            The Speaking Gifts:                        Prophecy

                                                            Tongues

                                                            Interpretation of Tongues

Today we will look at the seventh of these in more detail: Prophecy. In my personal experience in local churches, Prophecy is probably the most abused of the Gifts of the Spirit. There have been many people led astray by sometimes well-meaning people giving a “prophetic word” to someone regarding a particular circumstance or decision they were facing. Just because you have a strong opinion about something does not give you the right to presume to speak for God.

There is a difference between the operation of the Gift of Spirit of Prophecy and that of which some call the “office” of the Prophet. In Ephesians 4 Paul told us that Jesus gave “gifts” to the Church; some apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Maybe we will talk more about these in the future. It is sufficient for now just to know that you do not have to be a “prophet” in order for the Gift of the Spirit called Prophecy to operate through you. The Holy Spirit can speak through you any time He needs a voice in the earth.

Here is the thing that causes the most problems with the operation of prophecy in the New Testament. Most try to act like Old Testament prophets! There is a distinct difference between the Old and New Testament use of prophecy. In the Old, God had to have a mouthpiece in the earth, even to speak to His people. The Spirit would come “on” people and they would speak the words that the Spirit would give them. In the New, the Holy Spirit “indwells” Believers. Every Believer is a mouthpiece for God. When we are born again the Holy Spirit takes residence in us to lead us, empower us, and operate His Gifts through us. But the most important role is to help us produce the Fruit of the Spirit; in our own life, and the lives of others.

Here is New Testament prophecy in a nutshell.

1 Corinthians 14:3 (ESV) On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.

The KJV says, “edification, exhortation, and comfort.” Any prophetic word is going to have this affect. It will 1) upbuild. Prophetic words will not tear down, but instead build up; it will build faith in the hearer and build their hope that God loves them enough to speak to them through another Believer. The one giving the prophetic word will not threaten the hearer, using fear to manipulate an outcome. New Testament prophecy will draw the hearer closer to God, hopefully to the point that they can hear the voice of God themselves, and not have to rely on another.

It will 2) encourage. Notice the positive aspects of prophetic words given by the Holy Spirit. God is always out to lift up, not tear down. He always wants to build up the Believer, not destroy them. So too should any prophetic word that we give.

Lastly, it will 3) console. When someone has messed up they do not have to be told they messed up. They know it. Shame has already tried to take root in their soul. The Holy Spirit wants to bring consolation; let them know that they are still loved, that God has not forsaken them. The prophetic word comes to give them a homing beacon to draw them back to the source of their forgiveness, their strength. That is Jesus Himself. That is were our upbuilding, encouragement, and consolation originates.

Revelation 19:10 (ESV) Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Any prophetic word given by the Holy Spirit will be a testimony of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He wants to do in every person’s life. Any word that you hear to the contrary is not from the Holy Spirit. Listen for Jesus whenever someone speaks a prophetic word, and especially when you feel you have a prophetic word for someone else. You are representing Jesus when you speak, so only speak that which the Holy Spirit gives and do not add your own commentary. In doing so you will be a blessing to others, and Jesus will be glorified in the process.

Weapons for the Believer 5.6 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Discerning of Spirits

Weapons for the Believer 5.6 – The Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Discerning of Spirits

According to Paul, there are weapons of warfare.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (ESV)

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.

We are considering ten weapons that the Believer has at their disposal. We looked at the first four in previous posts. If you haven’t read them I encourage you to do so.

The next weapons are referred to as The Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healing, Working of Miracles, Prophecy, Discerning of Spirits,

Different Kinds of Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues.

When our faith intersects with the Spirit’s power, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished in those moments. I do not believe these are given permanently as some teach. I do not believe that some “posses” these gifts, but instead are given in the moment when needed. Consequently any or all of these may manifest in each Believer as the Spirit chooses.

There are nine gifts list by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. Traditionally these have been divided into three groups: The Power Gifts, The Revelation Gifts, and The Speaking Gifts.

            The Power Gifts:                  Faith (or special faith, as some have described it)

                                                            Gifts of Healing (the only plural gift)

                                                            Working of Miracles

            The Revelation Gifts:          Word of Wisdom

                                                            Word of Knowledge

                                                            Discerning of Spirits

            The Speaking Gifts:                        Prophecy

                                                            Tongues

                                                            Interpretation of Tongues

Today we will look at the sixth of these in more detail: Discerning of Spirits. This is truly a defensive tactic given by the Holy Spirit to protect us from deception and any harm that someone might intend toward the Believer.

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

A common mistake people make in relationships is trying to judge someone’s intentions. The writer of Hebrews tells us that it is impossible for us to know the thoughts and intentions of another person, except by revelation from the Holy Spirit. This is the Discerning of Spirits. The Holy Spirit can reveal to us the spirit that is at work in another person, good or bad.

Acts 16:16-18 (ESV) As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

Someone told me years ago while I was serving as a worship leader in my church. He said, “The only thing worse than criticism is a complement. You should never listen to either one.” This young woman was following Paul, Luke (the writer of Acts), and others as they were ministering for the Lord. What she said was true. These men were “servants of the Most High God.” Paul, however, knew by the Spirit that she was not operating by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, but that of another spirit that intended to disrupt the work of the ministry.

This Gift of the Spirit called Discerning of Spirits will lead us into “all truth” which is one of the primary reason ministries of the Holy Spirit. This is what Jesus had to say about this work of the Holy Spirit.

John 16:12-15 (ESV) “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

All truth. Not just the truth that we can perceive with our physical senses, but all truth. Some of this “truth” can only come by the Spirit. As we become more mature Believers we will be able to hear the voice of the Spirit as He directs our steps. Revealing our own thoughts and intents, but that of others we encounter, will give us clear vision in how to approach situations so we can more clearly convey the love of God, and accomplish the purposes of God in our life. Learn to listen to Him.