Bible Study: Is "speaking in tongues" relevant today? Can one speak in tongues at will?
I've been studying this subject and I know that sometimes we tend to make a verse out to mean what we would like it to mean, but let's look at what the bible really says about speaking in tongues. Feel free to discuss or disagree, but let's do it with love and in a friendly manner.
Speaking In Tongues At Will
It's what the Bible says, that counts. It accurately states that a believer who has the gift of tongues, CANNOT speak in tongues, anytime they wish. The Bible says that the ability to speak in tongues is a gift given by the Holy Spirit, but it doesn't guarantee that the believer can do it at any time, or at will. He gets utterance at his will. The phrase "as the Spirit gave them ability" (Acts 2:4) confirms that the Holy Spirit grants the gift, and its use is contingent on the Spirit's prompting, not on the believer's own will.
"The Holy Spirit filled all those gathered together in one place, enabling them to speak in various languages as the SPIRIT gave them utterance."
The Holy Spirit's Role
The Bible emphasizes that the gift of tongues is a divine gift, not a skill acquired by the believer. The Holy Spirit bestows this ability, and it's the Spirit who determines when and how it is exercised.
Not a Personal Command
While believers are encouraged to seek and grow their faith, the gift of tongues is not something they can force or control at will. It's a response to the Spirit's leading, not a personal command.
Purpose and Context
The Bible provides context for the use of the gift, particularly in church settings. Paul's letters in 1 Corinthians, for instance, address the proper use of tongues in public worship, emphasizing interpretation and edification.
If a believer initiates the speaking in tongues, then it isn't the Holy Spirit; it is the believer that initiated it. And that is the problem with a high percentage of the manifestations of tongues in the church today. The Holy Spirit didn't initiate it to begin with. It cannot be learned, forced, nor taught. It is the Holy Spirit that initiates the speaking of tongues and giving of that gift.
You may call it a prayer language, but it can be counterfeited, or it could be a learned utterance, but that's not biblical, and unless it is initiated by the Holy Spirit, it isn't of the Holy Spirit.
The verse that explicitly states the Holy Spirit is the source of speaking in tongues isActs 2:4.It reads:
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them ability".
This passage describes the apostles receiving the Holy Spirit and immediately being empowered to speak in languages they had not learned, fully demonstrating the Spirit's role in initiating this gift.
Here's why this is key in this verse:
Empowerment by the Spirit
The verse directly attributes the ability to speak in tongues to the Holy Spirit's empowerment.The Bible says, "as the Spirit gave them ability".
Initial Manifestation
This verse describes the first time speaking in tongues occurred in the Bible, marking it as the Spirit's initial manifestation of this gift.
So the biblical answer to the question "can you speak in tongues at will?" Is no. Yes, you can refuse to be used, but you can not initiate something the Holy Spirit has not first initiated and have it be genuine.
To suggest that we can initiate a genuine manifestation, is to say we control the Holy Spirit, and tell Him what to do.
Sixteen Contrasts of Tongues and Prophecy
1. Tongues are spoken to God; prophecy is spoken to teach people (1 Cor. 14:2-3).
2. Mysteries or things not understood, are spoken in tongues; all things spoken in prophecy are clear (1 Cor. 14:3-4).
3. Tongues edify the speaker; prophecy edifies the speaker and others (1 Cor. 14:3-4).
Note: 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 KJV - Verse 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Verse 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; ...
4. Tongues enable one to fellowship and communicate with God; prophecy speaks to people to edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:2-4).
5. The prophet is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless the tongues are interpreted and understood (1 Cor. 14:5).
6. Tongues are no profit to the public, unless interpreted by another born-again believer that is present at that time; all prophecy is profitable to the public (1 Cor. 14:5-13,27-28).
7. The speaker in tongues, must pray for the interpretation; the prophet need not, for his message is in his own tongue (1 Cor. 14:3-13).
Note: 1 Cor. 14: verses 5-13, and 27-30 says:
"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace."
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
8. 1 Corinthians 14:11 states, "So likewise you, if you utter by the tongue, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air."
9. In all gifts, the main purpose is to excel in edifying the church (1 Cor. 14:12). In this, prophecy is greater than tongues (1 Cor. 14:1-6,27-28).
10. The human spirit of the speaker is the thing edified by tongues; prophecy benefits all people (1 Cor. 14:1-5,14 - 15:24-25).
11. Tongues are a great personal blessing, but 5 words of prophecy are more important in public services than 10,000 words in tongues (1 Cor. 14:17-19).
12. Tongues are a sign to unbelievers; prophecy, to believers (1 Cor. 14:21-22).
13. All speaking in tongues at once, causes confusion by the unsaved, whereas with prophesying, the unsaved are convicted of sin (1 Cor. 14:23-25).
14. Every gift must be used to edify the church (1 Cor. 14:26). Prophecies do this better (1 Cor. 14:1-5,23-25).
15. Only one message is allowed in a church service, if not interpreted; three messages in prophecy are allowed (1 Cor. 14:3,27-31).
16. Three messages in tongues are allowed in any church service, if they are interpreted. This many messages in prophecy are always allowed (1 Cor. 14:27-32).
Then we have the Baptism OF the Holy Spirit - This takes place when one who has accepted Jesus as their personal Savior for salvation, and is immediately filled with and receives the HOLY SPIRIT. Is in fact, baptized IN and WITH, The HOLY SPIRIT of Promise, the very moment they accept Jesus as Savior. The evidence of that is not tongues as in the Day of Penticost, but that the receiving of the Holy Spirit, produces "spiritual fruit" as the sanctification process takes root in that person. Paul's writing about the fruits of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5: 22-23, where he lists the "Fruits of the Spirit" in born-again believers, as follows:
Love:
A strong desire for the well-being of others, acting with affection and kindness.
Joy:
A state of happiness and contentment, even in the midst of difficulties.
Peace:
A state of tranquility, calmness, and harmony with oneself and others.
Patience:
The ability to wait calmly and quietly, especially in the face of adversity.
Kindness:
A disposition to be considerate and generous towards others.
Goodness:
A quality of being morally upright, honest, and compassionate.
Faithfulness:
A quality of being loyal, trustworthy, and reliable.
Gentleness:
A quality of being soft and mild-mannered, showing consideration for others.
Self-Control:
The ability to regulate one's emotions and actions, through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Now, what does it mean that tongues shall cease?
First Corinthians 13:8–10: “ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there betongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
First Corinthians 12–14 is all about the proper use of spiritual gifts. Paul writes to the Corinthian church to correct the improper use of some gifts and the improper emphasis they put on certain of the more “spectacular” gifts. Right in the middle of his discussion, he speaks about the superior quality of love. Even though the Corinthian church was very gifted, they were not using their gifts in love for each other. Paul goes on to say that all of the various gifts will one day cease to function, but love will never fail. The question that many struggle with is just when these gifts will cease. Paul gives the answer in the text: “when the perfect comes” (1 Corinthians 13:10):
1 Corinthians 13:10 KJV
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part, shall be done away.
There's none more perfect, than Jesus. This means when Jesus comes, tongues shall cease, as He is the perfect one. We won't need tongues then, nor interpretations nor prophecies, as when we live with him, we shall know all things, just as he does.
We must be careful not to abuse the gift of tongues, by those who CLAIM to exercise tongues. That is, those who feign it. I've even heard people tell others that they must not be saved, since they can't speak in tongues. That is an arrogant and unloving claim which can divide the church, so it's important we look at what God's word says about the gift of speaking in tongues. It is not to be used with pride against others. That is not love and the Bible says that the greatest of all the gifts is charity/love. Further, scripture says that not all receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There are different gifts of the Spirit and some may not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues. That does not mean they are in a different category with God, nor as precious to him, as others.
The key Bible verse that addresses the Holy Spirit's role in giving spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 12:11:
"But all these worketh in the one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL."
"All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit", emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the one behind all the spiritual gifts, unifying them despite their diversity. We do not choose which gift we'll receive from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sovereignly determines which gifts are given to each individual, according to His perfect will.
This verse, along with the surrounding context of 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, clarifies that while there are various types of gifts and manifestations, they all originate from the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them as He chooses for the common good of the church.
I hope you enjoyed this Bible study. It's always a joy to learn more from God's Word.
Speaking In Tongues At Will
It's what the Bible says, that counts. It accurately states that a believer who has the gift of tongues, CANNOT speak in tongues, anytime they wish. The Bible says that the ability to speak in tongues is a gift given by the Holy Spirit, but it doesn't guarantee that the believer can do it at any time, or at will. He gets utterance at his will. The phrase "as the Spirit gave them ability" (Acts 2:4) confirms that the Holy Spirit grants the gift, and its use is contingent on the Spirit's prompting, not on the believer's own will.
"The Holy Spirit filled all those gathered together in one place, enabling them to speak in various languages as the SPIRIT gave them utterance."
The Holy Spirit's Role
The Bible emphasizes that the gift of tongues is a divine gift, not a skill acquired by the believer. The Holy Spirit bestows this ability, and it's the Spirit who determines when and how it is exercised.
Not a Personal Command
While believers are encouraged to seek and grow their faith, the gift of tongues is not something they can force or control at will. It's a response to the Spirit's leading, not a personal command.
Purpose and Context
The Bible provides context for the use of the gift, particularly in church settings. Paul's letters in 1 Corinthians, for instance, address the proper use of tongues in public worship, emphasizing interpretation and edification.
If a believer initiates the speaking in tongues, then it isn't the Holy Spirit; it is the believer that initiated it. And that is the problem with a high percentage of the manifestations of tongues in the church today. The Holy Spirit didn't initiate it to begin with. It cannot be learned, forced, nor taught. It is the Holy Spirit that initiates the speaking of tongues and giving of that gift.
You may call it a prayer language, but it can be counterfeited, or it could be a learned utterance, but that's not biblical, and unless it is initiated by the Holy Spirit, it isn't of the Holy Spirit.
The verse that explicitly states the Holy Spirit is the source of speaking in tongues isActs 2:4.It reads:
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them ability".
This passage describes the apostles receiving the Holy Spirit and immediately being empowered to speak in languages they had not learned, fully demonstrating the Spirit's role in initiating this gift.
Here's why this is key in this verse:
Empowerment by the Spirit
The verse directly attributes the ability to speak in tongues to the Holy Spirit's empowerment.The Bible says, "as the Spirit gave them ability".
Initial Manifestation
This verse describes the first time speaking in tongues occurred in the Bible, marking it as the Spirit's initial manifestation of this gift.
So the biblical answer to the question "can you speak in tongues at will?" Is no. Yes, you can refuse to be used, but you can not initiate something the Holy Spirit has not first initiated and have it be genuine.
To suggest that we can initiate a genuine manifestation, is to say we control the Holy Spirit, and tell Him what to do.
Sixteen Contrasts of Tongues and Prophecy
1. Tongues are spoken to God; prophecy is spoken to teach people (1 Cor. 14:2-3).
2. Mysteries or things not understood, are spoken in tongues; all things spoken in prophecy are clear (1 Cor. 14:3-4).
3. Tongues edify the speaker; prophecy edifies the speaker and others (1 Cor. 14:3-4).
Note: 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 KJV - Verse 3. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. Verse 4. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; ...
4. Tongues enable one to fellowship and communicate with God; prophecy speaks to people to edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:2-4).
5. The prophet is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless the tongues are interpreted and understood (1 Cor. 14:5).
6. Tongues are no profit to the public, unless interpreted by another born-again believer that is present at that time; all prophecy is profitable to the public (1 Cor. 14:5-13,27-28).
7. The speaker in tongues, must pray for the interpretation; the prophet need not, for his message is in his own tongue (1 Cor. 14:3-13).
Note: 1 Cor. 14: verses 5-13, and 27-30 says:
"If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace."
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
8. 1 Corinthians 14:11 states, "So likewise you, if you utter by the tongue, how shall it be known what is spoken? for you shall speak into the air."
9. In all gifts, the main purpose is to excel in edifying the church (1 Cor. 14:12). In this, prophecy is greater than tongues (1 Cor. 14:1-6,27-28).
10. The human spirit of the speaker is the thing edified by tongues; prophecy benefits all people (1 Cor. 14:1-5,14 - 15:24-25).
11. Tongues are a great personal blessing, but 5 words of prophecy are more important in public services than 10,000 words in tongues (1 Cor. 14:17-19).
12. Tongues are a sign to unbelievers; prophecy, to believers (1 Cor. 14:21-22).
13. All speaking in tongues at once, causes confusion by the unsaved, whereas with prophesying, the unsaved are convicted of sin (1 Cor. 14:23-25).
14. Every gift must be used to edify the church (1 Cor. 14:26). Prophecies do this better (1 Cor. 14:1-5,23-25).
15. Only one message is allowed in a church service, if not interpreted; three messages in prophecy are allowed (1 Cor. 14:3,27-31).
16. Three messages in tongues are allowed in any church service, if they are interpreted. This many messages in prophecy are always allowed (1 Cor. 14:27-32).
Then we have the Baptism OF the Holy Spirit - This takes place when one who has accepted Jesus as their personal Savior for salvation, and is immediately filled with and receives the HOLY SPIRIT. Is in fact, baptized IN and WITH, The HOLY SPIRIT of Promise, the very moment they accept Jesus as Savior. The evidence of that is not tongues as in the Day of Penticost, but that the receiving of the Holy Spirit, produces "spiritual fruit" as the sanctification process takes root in that person. Paul's writing about the fruits of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5: 22-23, where he lists the "Fruits of the Spirit" in born-again believers, as follows:
Love:
A strong desire for the well-being of others, acting with affection and kindness.
Joy:
A state of happiness and contentment, even in the midst of difficulties.
Peace:
A state of tranquility, calmness, and harmony with oneself and others.
Patience:
The ability to wait calmly and quietly, especially in the face of adversity.
Kindness:
A disposition to be considerate and generous towards others.
Goodness:
A quality of being morally upright, honest, and compassionate.
Faithfulness:
A quality of being loyal, trustworthy, and reliable.
Gentleness:
A quality of being soft and mild-mannered, showing consideration for others.
Self-Control:
The ability to regulate one's emotions and actions, through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Now, what does it mean that tongues shall cease?
First Corinthians 13:8–10: “ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there betongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. [10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."
First Corinthians 12–14 is all about the proper use of spiritual gifts. Paul writes to the Corinthian church to correct the improper use of some gifts and the improper emphasis they put on certain of the more “spectacular” gifts. Right in the middle of his discussion, he speaks about the superior quality of love. Even though the Corinthian church was very gifted, they were not using their gifts in love for each other. Paul goes on to say that all of the various gifts will one day cease to function, but love will never fail. The question that many struggle with is just when these gifts will cease. Paul gives the answer in the text: “when the perfect comes” (1 Corinthians 13:10):
1 Corinthians 13:10 KJV
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part, shall be done away.
There's none more perfect, than Jesus. This means when Jesus comes, tongues shall cease, as He is the perfect one. We won't need tongues then, nor interpretations nor prophecies, as when we live with him, we shall know all things, just as he does.
We must be careful not to abuse the gift of tongues, by those who CLAIM to exercise tongues. That is, those who feign it. I've even heard people tell others that they must not be saved, since they can't speak in tongues. That is an arrogant and unloving claim which can divide the church, so it's important we look at what God's word says about the gift of speaking in tongues. It is not to be used with pride against others. That is not love and the Bible says that the greatest of all the gifts is charity/love. Further, scripture says that not all receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. There are different gifts of the Spirit and some may not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to speak in tongues. That does not mean they are in a different category with God, nor as precious to him, as others.
The key Bible verse that addresses the Holy Spirit's role in giving spiritual gifts is 1 Corinthians 12:11:
"But all these worketh in the one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as HE WILL."
"All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit", emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is the one behind all the spiritual gifts, unifying them despite their diversity. We do not choose which gift we'll receive from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit sovereignly determines which gifts are given to each individual, according to His perfect will.
This verse, along with the surrounding context of 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, clarifies that while there are various types of gifts and manifestations, they all originate from the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them as He chooses for the common good of the church.
I hope you enjoyed this Bible study. It's always a joy to learn more from God's Word.
