Text:
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
Memory Verse:
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries” (1 Corinthians 14:2).
Tongues are used as a means of spiritual edification. 1 Corinthians 14:4 says, “he that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself.” The word edifies means to build up. Speaking in tongues is not for mental edification, but for spiritual edification.
Speaking in tongues is the doorway into all the other spiritual gifts. Some people want to experience all the gifts of the Spirit at once, but you have to go through the door to get into the supernatural. Also, it is as the Spirit of God wills, not as we will or wish (1 Corinthians 12:11) In other words, you cannot force or “put on” a manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit – as some people
believe or are made to believe.
Speaking in tongues allows you to pray to God by the empowering of the Holy Spirit. When you pray in tongues, you are yielding to the Holy Spirit who dwells in you. Then you are allowing that same Spirit to pray through you, so you are in tune with Him. (Acts 2:4) says, “And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.”
God has given each of us a supernatural means of edifying or building ourselves up spiritually. Also, God has given us a supernatural means of communicating with and worshipping Him. Are you as a Spirit-filled believer taking full advantage of the gift of tongues? Praying in tongues allows the Holy Spirit to strengthen your prayer life.
Prayer Points:
1. Lord, help me to use my tongue for Your purpose.
2. Lord, help me to be in tune with You while praying.
