I will be the first to admit that sometimes I am clueless when it comes to prayer and the words I need to pray (and declare, mostly). But, there is a way out when we do not know what to pray and what to say.
1 Corinthians 14:2 reads, "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." This verse is part of a larger discussion about spiritual gifts bestowed on the ekklēsia (see this post), particularly focusing on the gift of tongues. In this post, we'll delve into the meaning of this verse from a grace perspective, exploring the relevant Greek words and their implications for our understanding of this gift.
The Greek Words
To fully grasp the meaning of this verse, it's helpful to examine the key Greek words used:
"[Unknown] tongue" (glōssa or γλώσσῃ ἀγνώτῳ): This refers to an unfamiliar language, completely unintelligible to those present.
"Speaketh not unto men" (οὐ λαλεῖ πρὸς ἀνθρώπους): This indicates that the speaker is not addressing the human audience. The words are not intended for their understanding or benefit. In fact, the good fight of faith for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.[2 Cor 10:4-5] Spiritual in every sense.
"But unto God" (ἀλλὰ πρὸς τὸν Θεόν): This implies that the speaker is communicating directly with God. The communication is at a level directed to the realm of God.
"In the spirit" (pneumaτ ῷ πνεύματι): The speaker is operating under the divine direction of the Holy Spirit. The words are not the product of their own human intellect or volition, but of the Spirit of Truth.
"Speaketh mysteries" (λαλεῖ μυστήρια): The speaker is uttering profound truths or secrets that are an enigma beyond human understanding.
So, what is this understanding
From a grace perspective, the gift of tongues is not primarily about human communication or understanding. That would have been unfair. It's an all empowering supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, designed to glorify God, edifying the ekklēsia. Here are some key points to consider:
A Gift for God's Glory: The primary purpose of the gift of tongues is to glorify God in a visible and powerful manner. When a believer speaks in tongues, they are declaring the hidden truths straight from the heart of God. Everything that Jesus spoke, He spoke in this divine way, speaking about the Father’s love, healing, casting out demons, bringing the Gospel …
A Manifestation of the Spirit: The gift of tongues is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit, not in the mere uttering of words, but in the manifestation of what those words command. It's not a human ability or talent, but a divine gift and intervention that is bestowed upon believers by the grace of God.
A Spiritual Mystery: The words spoken in tongues are often described as "mysteries" because they are beyond human comprehension. They are not intended for human understanding, but for the glory of God, taking heir-like dominion and the edification of the ekklēsia.
A Sign of the Spirit's Presence: In the early church, the gift of tongues served as a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and power. It brought a tangible manifestation of God's grace and a demonstration of His work (exactly what Jesus did) in the lives of believers.
A Complement to Other Gifts: The gift of tongues is not intended to replace other spiritual gifts, such as prophecy or teaching. Rather, it is meant to complement these gifts and contribute to the overall spiritual growth and development of the ekklēsia.
Application for Today
The so-called church has brainwashed believers that the gift of tongues is no longer prevalent in the church today as it was in the first century. What a lie! The principles outlined in 1 Corinthians 14:2 remain relevant and fitting, especially in a confused world like the present. We can learn from this passage about the importance of spiritual gifts (complemented by speaking in tongues), the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, and the need to prioritise the glory of God in all that we do.
In conclusion, as we seek to understand and appreciate this gift, we are reminded of the incredible passion and grace of God and the immeasurable blessings that He has bestowed upon His people, whilst at the same time not leaving them destitute without means and method.
Life and Death in the Power of the Tongue
In addition to the points discussed above, we can also consider the power of words and its biblical principle that "life and death are in the power of the tongue" (Proverbs 18:21). This verse highlights the power of words to both heal and harm. Our words can bring life and encouragement to others, or they can be destructive and hurtful.
In the context of the gift of tongues, this principle reminds us that our words should always be used for the glory of God and the edification of others. We should speak words of love, kindness, and truth, that build up and encourage those around us. We should also be mindful of the power of our words to hurt or destroy, and strive to use our words wisely and responsibly. When we employ the words of the Spirit of Truth, we mitigate the risk of not knowing what to say or possibly using our words ineffectively.
As we live our lives, let us remember the power of our words and the even greater power of the words of the Spirit of Truth that makes our words powerful but responsible, effective, lovingly, healing, comforting and graceful. Let us use the words spoken through us to bring life, hope, and encouragement to those around us, glorify God with manifestation of our words.
More
For more on the subject of tongues, read this post on wherever whosoever ministry - the start
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