The Pharisees enjoyed being pious in public (in front of each other) because their worship didn't include humility. Their piety (love for God) was not genuine, it was motivated by ego.
Jesus tells us that we should not pray in public. He said that we should practice our piety in a way that preserves our humility (pray in private). NOBODY is better than another (brethren or not) no matter what gift is given. If you really do have a gift and do not remain absolutely humble, you will also be given a "thorn" in the side in order that you remain humble.
2 Corinthians 12:7
"And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh,...". |
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---more_excellent_way on 7/6/08 |
I know for a fact that I am not less blessed than some tongue talkers I've known.
What does that mean?
That means that blessings aren't just gifts of the spirit; I have many, but the greatest gift is what I receive in my spirit from God by walking with him.
Answered prayers, confirmations of his working in my life to mold, guide, and protect me.
Jesus being with me always is all the gift I'll ever need, that's the true blessing, the intimacy and care of our faithful God. |
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---Pharisee on 7/4/08 |
I don't think that they are any less blessed because they have not received the Holy Spirit. I feel that when the individual is ready to be blessed fully, then God is always ready to bless and give them a spiritual increase. A decrease in the flesh is a must, and as the Holy Spirit increases, then that person will bear the fruits of the spirit in his/her life. The Holy Spirit is freely given! |
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---Susan on 5/3/07 |
There are greater gifts from the Holy Spirit, and I thank God for them.
Read 1 Corinthians Chapters 12 to 14. The gift of tongues is not one of the greater gifts and it is unfruitful unless paired also with one with the gift of interpretation.
Bottom line, those without that particular gift are still blessed if they have received the Holy Spirit. |
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---lorra8574 on 4/29/07 |
if you dont have the gift of tongues dont be worried or feel badly. the greatest gift from the lord is his Grace. the greatest gift for a deciple is his or her capacity to love God and fellow man. thats just my opinion... shawn :0) |
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---shawn on 4/29/07 |
Thank you, Jeffrey! I've copied your notes and I'll look up the verses in an "English" translation(!) That KJV stuff goes right by me - lol.
Sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time. I hope you're feeling better! |
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---DoryLory on 9/6/05 |
12.
SiT is (when interpreted) a message from God to edify the people:
1 Cor 14:5:
I would that ye all spake with tongues; but rather that ye prophesied: for greater {is} he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
1 Cor 14:13:
Wherefore let him that speaketh in an {unknown} tongue pray that he may interpret.
'Unknown' is added. See #2.
Notice the person speaking in tongues is the one to interpret. |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
11.
SiT is a sign to unbelievers:
1 Cor 14:22:
Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying {serveth} not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Mark 16:17:
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
10.
SiT is rest to the soul:
Isaiah 28:11-12:
For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
To whom he said, This {is} the rest {wherewith} ye may cause the weary to rest; and this {is} the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
1 Cor 14:21:
In the law it is written, With {men of} other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
9.
SiT is to renew you and strengthen you with might in your inner man:
2 Cor 4:16:
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward {man} is renewed day by day.
Eph 3:16:
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
8.
SiT is to give thanks well:
1 Cor 14:17:
For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.
SiT is for (1) The Spirit (God) to bear witness with our spirit (the gift) and (2) to know we are joint heirs with Christ:
Rom 8:16-17:
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with {him}, that we may be also glorified together. |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
7.
Our weakness is that "we know not what we should pray for as we ought."
This is our spirit (the gift God gave each of us when we were saved), which is subject to us (1 Cor 14:32), making intercession to God for the saints. In v.26, "maketh intercession" is the same word as "he maketh intercession" in v.27, but with "super" in front of it.
When we SiT, our spirit makes super intercession for the saints. |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
6.
SiT is for intercession:
Rom 8:26-27:
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what {is} the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to {the will of} God.
In the original Greek text, "infirmities" is the word "weakness" (singular). |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
Sorry, Dory. I didn't intend to be "AWOL". I've just had a real heavy workload and I've had surgery. I know that's not an excuse for not holding forth the Word of Life to those who want to hear it, but it's what happened. Sorry! |
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---Jeffrey on 9/3/05 |
No people that do not have the gift of tongues are no less or more blessed than those who do. This kind of thing can be very damaging to a young christian particularly those that have mental or emotional problems. It is interesting that a chapter of the FGBMF in Illinois has condemned the Roman Catholic tongues movement because of its lack of scriptural support. One should bless others by praying for the gift of discernment. |
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---lee on 8/30/05 |
1 corinth 12:28-31"God has appointed these in the church:first apostles,second prophets,third teachers,after that miracles, then gifts of healings,helps,administrations,varieties of tongues.Are all apostles?Are all prophets?Are all teachers?Are all workers of miracles?Do all have gifts of healings?Do all speak with tongues?Do all interpret?But earnestly desire the best gifts.And yet I show you a more excellent way."Not everyone is given the same gift.Seek the one that is best for you. |
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---Ann5758 on 8/26/05 |
Jeffrey, did you go AWOL?! Summarizing from your notes plus with a few I've added, I've got a list of 9 benefits to speaking in tongues so far. Anyone have anymore to add? I'd like to know what the other 7 are.
1. Speaking in tongues will edify you or build you up, spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4 & Jude 1:20)
2. Speaking in tongues is to pray perfectly (1 Corinthians 14:14)
3. To speak in tongues is to speak divine secrets (mysteries) to God (1 Corinthians 14:15) |
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---DoryLory on 8/24/05 |
4. Tongues are a sign to unbelievers (Corinthians 14:22)
5. Speaking in tongues is to speak the wonderful works of God (Acts 2:11)
6. Speaking in tongues is to magnify God (Acts 10:46)
7. When we do not know what to pray, the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:26)
8. Praying in tongues gives you power (ability, efficiency, and might - Amplified Bible) (Acts 1:8)
9. Praying in tongues helps you witness (Acts 1:8) |
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---DoryLory on 8/24/05 |
They say that people who pray in tongues really do not know what they are talking about; but that is typical with many Christians that do not study their bibles.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. |
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---lee on 8/23/05 |
Don't forget that scripture says to ask God for this gift. Ask him and trust that you will recieve. praying in tongues can refresh you, strengthen you and build up your most holy faith. God withholds no good thing from his children.but he won't give it to someone who doesn't want it. Ask and recieve. |
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---Tsuanne on 8/22/05 |
5.
SiT is to pray perfectly:
1 Cor 14:14:
For if I pray in an {unknown} tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
"Unknown" is added. Take it out. (See #2.)
When you SiT, you don't understand what you say. But the words come from the spirit God gave you (Acts 2:38, 10:45), which is holy. So the words are perfect for the situation. I often SiT when the thing I'm praying for is important. |
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---Jeffrey on 8/22/05 |
4.
SiT is to speak the wonderful works of God:
Acts 2:11:
Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
SiT is to magnify God:
Acts 10:46:
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, |
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---Jeffrey on 8/22/05 |
3.
SiT is to speak to God divine secrets (mysteries):
1 Cor 14:2:
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.
Notice SiT is speaking in the spirit.
"Unknown" is added. Take it out. (See #2.)
"Him" is also added. Take it out because in Acts 2 someone understood "him", however, the person speaking does not understand what he speaks. |
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---Jeffrey on 8/22/05 |
2.
In Jude 20, "praying in the Holy Ghost" is speaking in tongues. You can also pray with your understanding. (1 Cor 14:15)
When you speak in tongues, you speak a language you don't understand. In 1 Cor 14:4, in KJV, "unknown" is in italics to show it was added. Take it out because sometimes, like in Acts 2, it will be a known language to someone present.
Notice both verses say that speaking in tongues edifies you or builds you up. |
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---Jeffrey on 8/22/05 |
1.
Dory, I knew if I opened my big mouth, someone would call me on it. :) But this will be a good review for me. I'll give you what I can remember, some now and some later, ok?
Speaking in tongues (SiT) is to edify you (or build you up, spiritually):
1 Cor 14:4:
He that speaketh in an {unknown} tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Jude 20:
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, |
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---Jeffrey on 8/22/05 |
Good point, Jeffrey. There needs to be a distinction between the "Gift of Tongues" and "speaking in tongues." The Gift of Tongues is for the benefit of an entire congregation or group and other than being used of God to be a blessing, has no special benefit to the one speaking forth in the tongue.
How about listing those 16 benefits to speaking in tongues? :) |
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---DoryLory on 8/21/05 |
It depends what you mean by "blessed". Many churches HAVE A FORM of godliness, but they DENY THE POWER thereof. Scripture says, unless you have the spirit of Christ, you are none of his. If you truly believe and love God completely, then you will want all that God has for you, in order to be the best servant for him. We need to be endued with power from on high in order to effectively war against the enemy. Please read Mark 16:17,18. |
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---Eloy on 8/20/05 |
Aside from the instruction in 1 Cor 12, 13, and 14 on how to use it in the church, speaking in tongues is mentioned specifically in Acts 2, 10, and 19, and by reference in several other places. Use an interlinear to see the words added or changed from the original, and you'll discover that, besides being a manifestation (not a gift) of the spirit and available to all believers, there are about 16 different benefits of speaking in tongues. - jeffr5976 |
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---Jeffrey on 8/20/05 |
Jerry, let's not mislead people. I am NOT a liar! From what I understand, speaking in tongues is a special language that only God can understand. Therefore, when we speak in tongues, we are speaking directly to Him. It isn't something one can just "do" either. I very rarely do it. Only on the occasion, when the Lord prompts me to. Also, when I received the gift, I asked the Lord if it was of Him, and if not, to take it away. Well, I still have it.
Melissa |
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---Melissa on 8/20/05 |
Definitely NO! However,today it is said baptism of the spirit is manifested in the speaking of tongues,according to the BIBLE this is incorrect.Upon salvation one is blessed with THE HOLY SPIRIT of GOD,the infilling depends upon our communion with HIM,the bible tells us quench not...the bible also tells us to desire the best gifts and yet I show you a more excellent way.Next time someone ask you about the gifts,YOU ASK him what about the FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT according to the book of Galatians. |
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---joanna on 8/20/05 |
"Tongues" are nothing more than languages, Spanish, english etc.
Ac:2:5: And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
Ac:2:6: Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
Not at all complicated... :) |
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---Dave5343 on 8/20/05 |
Tongues are gifts and in a family if one is given a pair of socks and the other is given a woolen hat by their father they are all blessed. Who says there is a scale of blessings and gifts? Who weighs the blesings of the Lord? Is it man ? If it is, then what scale are you using I would want to know.What measurement is being used? We have all been blessed the same for God is not partial. He loves us the same. |
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---Steve on 8/20/05 |
I Cor.13th chapter is often called "The Love Chapter", Christian means Christlike, 'supposedly' so are christians.
I've found this is not always the case!
"Be angry, sin not...."
Bottom Line on Gifts Of The Spirit? [Mk.3:22-26].
It's Getting Like Ephesus Here, Wonder Why? I Cor.15:32-33. |
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---bob6749_[Elishama] on 8/20/05 |
To him who said tongues shall cease.Don't read the Bible in parts.Understand the context the verse has been taken then ask the Holy Ghost to reveal what it means to you .Don't judge the Man of God.Benny Hinn is a Man of God. Remember, Miriam when she spoke evil of Moses, the Lord heard it and she was struck by Leprosy . You need to repent b4 God .Leave the Man of God alone, Whatever he has done wrong its btwn him and God. There is only one Judge,His name is Jesus of Nazareth, Son of The Living God. |
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---Steve on 8/20/05 |
Pharisee: I really liked your response. I personally do not speak the Babylonian language which some tout so highly, but I know the sweet communion with God of which you speak. |
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---Jerry on 8/20/05 |
1 Corinthians 13:8-10, states that the gift of tongues will cease, that which is perfect has come. The Lord Jesus Christ being perfect has come all the partial gifts has stopped. All those who have the so call gift of tongues are liers, as well those people like Benny Hinn and Oral Roberts. So they are NOT blessed by the Holy Spirit. Either believe the scriptures or reject it, your choice.
Moderator - So knowledge has ceased? |
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---jerry on 8/20/05 |
continued:
"Heavenly" languages do have advantages, as they confuse "the adversary", edifying the soul simultaneously!
No matter the gift, when filled, you'll know it, nothing like it, you won't care what others think, IF you have it!
Be encouraged, "wait, wait I say on The Lord", as "to whom much is given, much will be required"!
KEEP YOUR EYES ON JESUS, REMEMBER SIMON PETER WHILE HE [SURFED] WALKED ON WATER!
Prov.10:22. |
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---bob6749_[Elishama] on 8/20/05 |
Well said Melissa.
There's diverities of tongue's as well as diversities of gifts also [I Cor.12:1-31, 14:1(4-5)40]. Unknown, heavenly, diverse, other, new, stuttering tongues to name a few.
God's greatest gift? YeSHUA/Jesus/Messias The "giver" of eternal life & of gifts [I Cor.12:5]. Cp.I Cor.13:1-12, Gal.5:22-26. |
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---bob6749_[Elishama] on 8/20/05 |
No. I have the gift of speaking in tongues, and my husband does not, yet he is truly blessed in other ways that I am not. For instance, his gift is the understanding and teaching of God's Word. God has special gifts for everyone, and He knows who to give what gift.
Melissa |
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---Melissa on 8/19/05 |
Dave, the Holy Spirit is not partial; He gives spiritual gifts to each of us. There are no favorites. The gift of tongues just happens to be one of the gifts; albeit a very important one, but it certainly does not determine our salvation. GOD LOVES US ALL EQUALLY!!! Just keep singin' and lovin' in His Name, Jesus our Lord! Blessings! |
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---Elsie on 8/19/05 |
It really depends on the particular situation one would find oneself in. If I were called to serve as a missionary to a country where people speak a language I don't know and it obviously would enhance the quality of my service, then that gift would be both necessary and welcome! |
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---Pierr7958 on 8/19/05 |
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