PRAYING IN TONGUES
by Pastor Richard Tow
February 28, 2016
Text: I Cor. 14:18

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Description: This message addresses the VALUE of praying in tongues, the VALIDITY of the gift for today, and the VOLUNTARY nature of receiving and exercising the gift.

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OUTLINE

Praying in Tongues

Intro
A. Series based on Isaiah 56:7 “…my house shall be called a house of prayer….”
B. Pray with “…all kinds of prayers…” (Eph. 6:18)
C. Subject today: Praying in Tongues
3 Things Need to Know
(1) Praying in tongues is Valuable.
(2) Praying in tongues is Valid.
(3) Praying in tongues is Voluntary.

I. Praying in tongues is VALUABLE.
A. Is a means by which believer builds himself up in preparation for ministry.
1 Cor. 14: 4 “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself….”
Edify carries idea of building or strengthening something.
Is it selfish to edify oneself? You edify yourself when read Bible or pray in native language.

B. Enables believer to communicate beyond limits of the natural mind.
1 Cor. 14:2 “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.”
We don’t always know what to pray or how to pray it (Rom. 8:26)

C. Is a way to talk with God.
1 Cor. 14:2 “He who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God….”
Paul’s purpose in 1 Cor. 14 is to teach the proper use of tongues. The primary purpose of tongues is to build up oneself. This prepares us to edify others, which is primarily done through prophesy (inspired speaking in known language).
II. Praying in tongues is VALID.
A. Primary passage Cessationists use to say tongues not for today is 1 Cor. 13:8-13.
Key phrase: “when that which is perfect has come.”
When we are in heaven in a state of perfection we will not need tongues, healing or any other gifts of the Spirit. The gifts are for the here and now while in mortal bodies.

B. Specific statements Paul makes in 1 Cor. 14
Verse 5 “I wish you all spoke with tongues….”
Verse 15 “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” In passage, to pray with the spirit is to pray in tongues.
Verse 18 “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all….”
C. Many other NT passages affirm the validity of praying in tongues.

III. Praying in tongues is VOLUNTARY.
A. God honors free will.
Matt. 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be
filled.” Desire is significant because we must choose it.
Luke 11:13 “…how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who
ask Him.” What is the one qualification for receiving the Holy Spirit in that verse?

B. Receiving from God is always a cooperative experience between the giver (God) and the receiver.
When you got saved, how did it happen?
The pattern (Romans 10:8-9):
(1) Believed the message
(2) Did something with your mouth.
Same true for praying in tongues.
Faith is an action word.
Acts 2:4 “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Who is doing the speaking? Not the Holy Spirit.

My personal experience

Invitation to Receive