Having broached the topic of tongues, let's ask the question, "What are tongues?" During my years in business, I once had a coworker ask me, upon finding out I was a believer, "So, you are a born again, 'tongue talking' man?" Our conversation went on from there. However, one might ask the question, "What did he meaning by "tongue talking?" Let's take up the question "What does it mean to speak in tongues?"
When one speaks in tongues what is he, or she, doing? What are tongues? Many disagree over just what tongues are. People like to describe them as "heavenly languages," or angelic ones. Some say they have no pattern but are merely ecstatic utterances. Others believe them to be a supernatural ability to speak or understand a foreign language for the purpose of evangelism (this is where I tend to go). Each camp produces its own proof texts to support their particular view, or flavor of a particular view. This is unfortunate because the only view any should care about is God's view. In seeking to understand just what "tongues" are one must seek to read their understanding from, rather than into, Scripture.
What are tongues? What do the Scriptures say? How can we distill a right understanding when each group seems to produce a set of supporting Scriptures to prop up their own view? It does seem difficult at times to unwrap a clear understanding, particularly when some passages are less clear than others. We must employ wise interpretive practices on such an important topic. While there are more than a few less clear passages on what tongues are, we must look to the clearer passages in order to inform our thinking on the matter of tongues. So, let’s ask and answer the question (What are tongues?) using God’s clear and inerrant word.
Let's begin by understanding the clearer passages so that we can begin to understand this difficult topic more clearly. Let's understand the easily understandable and work through the more difficult passages so that we can eventually build a clear understanding or definition in the coming pages. What does the Bible say and say very clearly about tongues? Speaking to the unruly church at Corinth through the pen of His apostle, Paul, the Holy Spirit says this.
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? 7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning (1Co 14:6-10).
He admonishes the carelessness with which they conduct their public worship services. He tells them not to engage in disorderly practices like speaking in tongues all at once, or speaking unintelligibly. Speaking in tongues for “tongues’ sake” is wrong (verse 6). Meaningless noise is of no use if it is unintelligible because it benefits no one (verses 7-8). Tongues spoken for self-exaltation or for unloving, selfish purposes is like speaking to air because it does not edify or build up anyone---there is no benefit (verse 10). Paul reminds them that tongues are languages and because they have meaning, they are spoken for a purpose (presumably for the glory of God’s and the good and growth of others)—verse 10.
Linger at verse 10. What are tongues? They are languages. Specifically, they are languages employed by humans for human understanding, edification, and application. You may say, “But what about private prayer languages and the tongues of angels?” Rest assure we will come to these topics. Nevertheless, let’s go about this in an orderly approach. What is Paul saying to the church at Corinth here?
His emphasis and conclusion are found in verse 10, “There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning (1Co 14:10).” His admonition and exhortation are found in verses 6-9—use tongues (that is languages) for the sake of others rather than other purposes. Tongues, according to the Spirit, in these verses are languages. When the Holy Spirit speaks through the pens of the “human writers” of Scripture about tongues the emphasis is a supernatural ability to speak, understand, interpret, or explain in a foreign language or that, which has been spoken, in a foreign language.
Can we be certain of this? Let’s allow Scripture to illumine and or interpret Scripture for us. Let’s consider the “mother” of all passages on tongues: the events of Pentecost in Acts 2! As the New Testament Church was born at Pentecost, the disciples spoke in tongues. What does the Holy Spirit, speaking through the pen of Luke, writing Acts, reveal about tongues in this passage? What does the Bible say?
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 "And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God." 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean (Act 2:1-12)?”
What does the Spirit, speaking through the Scripture writer’s pen indicate about “tongues?” He indicates that tongues are foreign languages.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 "And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God." 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean (Act 2:4-12)?”
This passage gives us insight into what the Spirit is saying through the pen of His apostle, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14: “There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning (1Co 14:10).” Clearly, tongues refers to foreign languages. You see this in the near context in 1 Corinthians 14:
But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? 7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp…10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning (1Co 14:6-10).
The wider context of Acts gives us further clarity:
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, "Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 "And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs-- we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God." 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean (Act 2:4-12)?”
What does this mean? This means tongues are real languages spoken and understood by mortal men and by some to whom He gives a supernatural ability to communicate in mother tongues of hearers without specialize language training, as was the case of the events of Pentecost in Acts 2. This becomes clearer to those who read the whole of the New Testament, finding their way into the book of Revelation:
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Rev 7:9-10).”
Here the Spirit reveals the internationality of the church because people are saved from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. We see the diversity of color, locale, and language reflected in the words of the Holy Spirit (spoken through the pen of the Apostle John). Every tongue confesses Christ. Controversies on matters of continuation or cessation aside, this is a glorious thought and sight! Let’s savor it before moving on. While we may, or may not, differ on the matter of tongues, let us rejoice in the salvation that Christ brings!
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb (Rev 7:9-10).”
We understand that there are other verses, which at least on the surface, may indicate another “identity” for tongues. However, the honest reader must ask and answer this question, “What is the Holy Spirit saying in these passages about the nature, or definition, of tongues?” You must ask and answer this question directly because it is vital to addressing some of the abuses of a select few, who like the unruly Corinthians, today disregard God’s word on the biblical practices of this supernatural gift.
Language has structure and form. Even the untrained ear detects this when exposed to a foreign language. Scripture indicates as much in 1 Corinthians 14:
7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? 8For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? 9So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air. 10There are, perhaps, a great many kinds of languages in the world, and no kind is without meaning (1Co 14:6-10).
What are tongues? Tongues are languages. The Scriptures indicate they are foreign languages. They have structure, pattern; grammar.
PS: We will post again, on or before August 8.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Chapter Three: What About Tongues (part one)?
Speaking in tongues is a "big deal" in some circles. Speaking in tongues in a worship service and the revelation that a pastor or some other person has a "private prayer language" has caused confusion from time to time among denominations (like the Southern Baptist Convention), seminaries (www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/juneweb-only/126-12.0.html), and individual churches. It is safe to say that this matter can be quite divisive.
What's the big deal? The answer to this question depends on who you talk to. The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) believes that evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling after salvation, or at salvation, is speaking in tongues (www.upci.org/doctrine/holyGhost.asp).
The UPCI would point to the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as another manifestation of His indwelling a believer. However, since a person can't be saved without the Holy Spirit's indwelling, charismatics in some circles contend that if you do not speak in tongues, then you must not be saved. That's a "big deal" because such positions are divisive indeed, not to mention erroneous.
Therefore, we take up the question "What about tongues?" What about tongues? Should everyone speak in tongues? Does every Christian receive the gift of tongues? Did every New Testament believer receive the gift of tongues after Pentecost? What does the Bible say?
Paul writing to the unruly church at Corinth admonishes them for their aberrant practices, while at the same time encouraging them to earnestly desire the more important spiritual gifts:
Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way (1Co 12:27-1)
The Holy Spirit, Himself, speaking through the pen of Paul teaches us that not every believer receives the same gifts, not even tongues. He even goes as far as to rank the gifts in terms of importance. One cannot miss that "various kinds of tongues" is last on the list. Pay close attention to verse 30. Does not the Spirit say through the writing of the Apostle Paul: "All do not speak with tongues, do they?" Speaking through the pen of Paul in the epistle of Romans, the Holy Spirit says in the inspired Scriptures:
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness (Rom 12:6-8).
Not every person receives every gift, including tongues. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to say that individuals, churches, and denominations, like the United Pentecostal Church International, should avoid putting such a high priority upon speaking in tongues. After all, does not God say, "All do not speak with tongues, do they?" God gives different gifts to people according to His will. Returning to the Scriptures in Romans 12:9, we do well to note:
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;(Rom 12:9-11).
Anyone who elevates himself or others, or indicates another is more "spiritual" than someone else because that one speaks in tongues (and another does not) is not conducting himself, or herself, in a loving way. We are not to give preference, or receive preference, because of "giftedness." The Holy Spirit, speaking through the pen of the Apostle Paul writes that no one should regard himself as superior because he only has what he has been given...to act otherwise is wrong (1 Corinthians 4:7).
It is safe to say that tongues in the Bible were used not in self-exaltation but God-exaltation. Many charismatic churches I attended in the past, as a new believer, often put a premium on the manifestation of the gifts. People displayed their "gift of tongues" and at times it seemed that everyone had this gift as some of these churches set aside times in the service where many manifested ecstatic utterances together and at once. According to the Apostle Paul (and the Holy Spirit) such practices were disobedient: "If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; (1Co 14:27)." If God instructs that no more than three people should speak in tongues at a service and that there must always be an interpretation of what is spoken and today numbers of people speak at the same time and without interpretation, then such practices are in disobedience to God's word. Disobedience to God's word is sin.
What about tongues? The gift of tongues is not meant for all people. All people saved did not speak in tongues according to the biblical record. Furthermore, according to the Bible, when the gift was manifested no more than three persons were to speak in tongues in a service and this was never to take place without interpretation. Groups of people speaking in tongues all at once is in disobedience to God's word. I'm reminded that a careless display of such gifts, which was a big problem in the unruly church at Corinth, was considered unloving by the Holy Spirit. Speaking through the pen of Paul, the Spirit says:
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing (1Co 13:1-3).
It would seem that the putting on display of tongues, biblical wisdom, or giving in a way that is not in accordance with the will of God (found here in the word of God) is unloving and renders the ability or gift useless and meaningless. I remember a discussion where someone disclosed, "I have a private prayer language." When this was said, another replied, "Then why tell us?" The point, well taken, was this, why brag about something in public that you say is private? This is the thrust of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
After all, does the Spirit not say about such bragging: For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1Co 4:7) Every good gift, like salvation, is a gift of God, so why show off, or brag. Every gift of grace is undeserved; therefore, no one is special. God gives as He wills.
Apart from the grace of God, we deserve not spiritual gifts but instead we deserve death and hell. Whatever gifts or talents or abilities we have are better than we deserve, since we are all sinners saved by grace. Therefore, let us not elevate ourselves or anyone else as "God's annointed." Instead, let us exalt God.
Based upon what we have considered and what the Bible says, take time to reflect on these five questions before our next discussion. It is vital that we candidly ask and answer these questions before God and in our own hearts as we consider what changes God would have us make in our lives, in our practices, and in our hearts.
ONE: Many churches and denominations and individuals today act as if everyone who is Spirit-filled should have the gift of tongues. The Bible says otherwise. What does this mean in terms of so many churches, denominations, or individuals who contradict the word of God, given to us by the Holy Spirit through, in this case, the pen of the Apostle Paul?
TWO: In many churches today, groups of people speak out at once in tongues. Moreover, it is not uncommon for this to happen. Some churches even set aside time in the worship service for such a display of "spiritual gifts." The Bible teaches that this should not be so. What does this tell us when such events take place in a particular church, or are allowed, tolerated, or even encouraged by a pastor or leadership team? Should such disobedience be tolerated or encouraged? What does the Bible indicate?
THREE: In not a few churches groups of people speaking in tongues all at once do so without an interpreter. The Holy Spirit speaking through the pen of Paul, in the Bible, says this should not be so. What does this say about those who violate Scripture in this way, or churches which permit such behavior?
FOUR: It is not uncommon for people to sort of put their gifts on display for all to see during a service. Some occasionally "brag" about their private prayer language. Does loving oneself more than one cares about God's will or others please God? What does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 say about behaviors lacking love?
FIVE: No one can deny the existence of tongues and other miraculous gifts in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, describes and discusses tongues. Yet, at the same time, He gives principles to govern them and indicates that not everyone will speak in tongues. If we affirm the New Testament descriptions of tongues should we not affirm the New Testament restrictions on tongues? Or, is it right to pick and choose which Scriptures we wish to apply and which we choose to ignore?
PS: the next posting on tongues will be on or before July 30th.
What's the big deal? The answer to this question depends on who you talk to. The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) believes that evidence of the Holy Spirit's indwelling after salvation, or at salvation, is speaking in tongues (www.upci.org/doctrine/holyGhost.asp).
The UPCI would point to the manifestation of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5 as another manifestation of His indwelling a believer. However, since a person can't be saved without the Holy Spirit's indwelling, charismatics in some circles contend that if you do not speak in tongues, then you must not be saved. That's a "big deal" because such positions are divisive indeed, not to mention erroneous.
Therefore, we take up the question "What about tongues?" What about tongues? Should everyone speak in tongues? Does every Christian receive the gift of tongues? Did every New Testament believer receive the gift of tongues after Pentecost? What does the Bible say?
Paul writing to the unruly church at Corinth admonishes them for their aberrant practices, while at the same time encouraging them to earnestly desire the more important spiritual gifts:
Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it. 28 And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. 29 All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? 30 All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? 31 But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way (1Co 12:27-1)
The Holy Spirit, Himself, speaking through the pen of Paul teaches us that not every believer receives the same gifts, not even tongues. He even goes as far as to rank the gifts in terms of importance. One cannot miss that "various kinds of tongues" is last on the list. Pay close attention to verse 30. Does not the Spirit say through the writing of the Apostle Paul: "All do not speak with tongues, do they?" Speaking through the pen of Paul in the epistle of Romans, the Holy Spirit says in the inspired Scriptures:
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness (Rom 12:6-8).
Not every person receives every gift, including tongues. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to say that individuals, churches, and denominations, like the United Pentecostal Church International, should avoid putting such a high priority upon speaking in tongues. After all, does not God say, "All do not speak with tongues, do they?" God gives different gifts to people according to His will. Returning to the Scriptures in Romans 12:9, we do well to note:
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;(Rom 12:9-11).
Anyone who elevates himself or others, or indicates another is more "spiritual" than someone else because that one speaks in tongues (and another does not) is not conducting himself, or herself, in a loving way. We are not to give preference, or receive preference, because of "giftedness." The Holy Spirit, speaking through the pen of the Apostle Paul writes that no one should regard himself as superior because he only has what he has been given...to act otherwise is wrong (1 Corinthians 4:7).
It is safe to say that tongues in the Bible were used not in self-exaltation but God-exaltation. Many charismatic churches I attended in the past, as a new believer, often put a premium on the manifestation of the gifts. People displayed their "gift of tongues" and at times it seemed that everyone had this gift as some of these churches set aside times in the service where many manifested ecstatic utterances together and at once. According to the Apostle Paul (and the Holy Spirit) such practices were disobedient: "If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; (1Co 14:27)." If God instructs that no more than three people should speak in tongues at a service and that there must always be an interpretation of what is spoken and today numbers of people speak at the same time and without interpretation, then such practices are in disobedience to God's word. Disobedience to God's word is sin.
What about tongues? The gift of tongues is not meant for all people. All people saved did not speak in tongues according to the biblical record. Furthermore, according to the Bible, when the gift was manifested no more than three persons were to speak in tongues in a service and this was never to take place without interpretation. Groups of people speaking in tongues all at once is in disobedience to God's word. I'm reminded that a careless display of such gifts, which was a big problem in the unruly church at Corinth, was considered unloving by the Holy Spirit. Speaking through the pen of Paul, the Spirit says:
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing (1Co 13:1-3).
It would seem that the putting on display of tongues, biblical wisdom, or giving in a way that is not in accordance with the will of God (found here in the word of God) is unloving and renders the ability or gift useless and meaningless. I remember a discussion where someone disclosed, "I have a private prayer language." When this was said, another replied, "Then why tell us?" The point, well taken, was this, why brag about something in public that you say is private? This is the thrust of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
After all, does the Spirit not say about such bragging: For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1Co 4:7) Every good gift, like salvation, is a gift of God, so why show off, or brag. Every gift of grace is undeserved; therefore, no one is special. God gives as He wills.
Apart from the grace of God, we deserve not spiritual gifts but instead we deserve death and hell. Whatever gifts or talents or abilities we have are better than we deserve, since we are all sinners saved by grace. Therefore, let us not elevate ourselves or anyone else as "God's annointed." Instead, let us exalt God.
Based upon what we have considered and what the Bible says, take time to reflect on these five questions before our next discussion. It is vital that we candidly ask and answer these questions before God and in our own hearts as we consider what changes God would have us make in our lives, in our practices, and in our hearts.
ONE: Many churches and denominations and individuals today act as if everyone who is Spirit-filled should have the gift of tongues. The Bible says otherwise. What does this mean in terms of so many churches, denominations, or individuals who contradict the word of God, given to us by the Holy Spirit through, in this case, the pen of the Apostle Paul?
TWO: In many churches today, groups of people speak out at once in tongues. Moreover, it is not uncommon for this to happen. Some churches even set aside time in the worship service for such a display of "spiritual gifts." The Bible teaches that this should not be so. What does this tell us when such events take place in a particular church, or are allowed, tolerated, or even encouraged by a pastor or leadership team? Should such disobedience be tolerated or encouraged? What does the Bible indicate?
THREE: In not a few churches groups of people speaking in tongues all at once do so without an interpreter. The Holy Spirit speaking through the pen of Paul, in the Bible, says this should not be so. What does this say about those who violate Scripture in this way, or churches which permit such behavior?
FOUR: It is not uncommon for people to sort of put their gifts on display for all to see during a service. Some occasionally "brag" about their private prayer language. Does loving oneself more than one cares about God's will or others please God? What does 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 say about behaviors lacking love?
FIVE: No one can deny the existence of tongues and other miraculous gifts in the New Testament. The Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, describes and discusses tongues. Yet, at the same time, He gives principles to govern them and indicates that not everyone will speak in tongues. If we affirm the New Testament descriptions of tongues should we not affirm the New Testament restrictions on tongues? Or, is it right to pick and choose which Scriptures we wish to apply and which we choose to ignore?
PS: the next posting on tongues will be on or before July 30th.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Chapter Two: Scripture (Scripture versus Experience)
Human beings often view their world through the lens of experience or feelings. Thus, how they feel or what they experience at a given moment, or over time, tends to define what they believe to be true. This is exacerbated by the cultural mantras, "just follow your heart," or "if it feels good do it." Today, many people, even Christians, go off half-cocked and embrace whatever strikes their fancy, whatever provides them a thrill, or whatever they want.
Here's the problem. "Following your heart" can get you into real trouble. The Bible says "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. (Pro 28:26)." You can follow your heart in a completely wrong direction. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the "pen" of the writer of Proverbs tell us "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Pro 14:12)" We also know from what the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, "the heart is desperately wicked..." In the same way, doing something because it feels good at the moment is just as foolish for the reasons listed above. Embracing a practice because it gratifies something in us is equally hazardous, for the same reasons. We know that the addict yearns for a fix because it will give him what he needs in the moment. My brother once had a recovered heroin addict tell him, "man... while your in that world the needle is your best friend." We must be careful of getting enticed and carried away by our own lusts (James 1:13-15). We must avoid deceiving ourselves.
This brings us to experience and Scripture. Modern Christianity and too many Christians these days are increasingly evangelized by our secular, experience-driven culture; so successfully that they look to experience over Scripture. This is unfortunate because while our desires and experiences are always subject to change, God's word stands unchanging forever. The Bible says this at least twice; however, if it only said it once, a word from the Spirit of God through the clearly written and understandable Scriptures of God should be authoritative enough for the true believer:
*THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER." And this is the word which was preached to you. (1Pe 1:25)
*The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isa 40:8)
Pay close attention to the Isaiah 40:8 because it speaks to the transient nature of human existence by using grass and flowers as an object lesson. The words immediately preceding verse 8 are : "Surely the people are grass. (Isa 40:7)"
All of this brings us to the role of Scripture in our discussion. God's word must be the final arbiter of what is true and proper. Indeed, it is the basis of what both parties on both sides of the Charismatic Equation claim to believe. Therefore, we must view this issue through the lens of Scripture rather than experience, second hand reports. All truth claims must harmonize with the testimony of Scripture. God is not a god of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He does not contradict Himself, nor does he lie (Numbers 23:19).
God's word is tested (Proverbs 30:5) and we do well not to add to it; otherwise we may find ourselves reproved by Him and shown to be lying (Proverbs 30:6). Scripture tells us the word of the Lord is perfect... it makes the simple wise (Psalm 19:7). Scripture does not fade, wither, or go out of date. It forever useful. The Holy Spirit speaking through the pen of the Apostle Paul writes:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.(2Ti 3:16-17)
Scripture comes from God; therefore, it is like Him--perfect, inerrant, and infallible. Because it is breathed out by Him through His Spirit, it is useful (i.e. profitable). What's it useful for? It teaches us what is true (i.e. "for teaching"). It reproves or rebukes our wrong headed directions or practices (i.e. "for reproof"), and it fine tunes our understanding (i.e. "for correction"). Scripture is profitable for "instruction in righteousness (teaching us to live according to God's will).
Why did God provide His Scriptures? Look at the "so that" clause in verse 17: "...so that the man of God will be up to the challenges he faces (i.e. "adequate), prepared (i.e. "equipped") and well rounded to face the questions, challenges, and trials of life (i.e. "lacking in nothing")for whatever challenges God sends his way (i.e. "for every good work"). We have what we need to rightly interpret and understand God's will and principles for every question we have to answer. We have the 66 books of the closed canon. God's word is complete, entire, lacking in nothing and is therefore the source by which we test all things.
Scripture is more reliable than our experiences (ask any recovered, saved drug addict). Because Scripture is in writing it is available for all to read, study, and consider---repeatedly. It is for all people. God's word was given for our good and in writing so that it could be preserved for our reference and study.
Certainly God's word is not a science book; however, when it speaks to science it speaks accurately. It is not a history book; however, where it speaks to history it speaks accurately. Wherever man's wisdom and experience contradicts Scripture, man's wisdom and experience must be declared invalid. It is by the Scriptures, then, with which we will evaluate our topic. Where our experiences contradict the writings of the Holy Spirit speaking through the pens (or styluses) of the prophets, apostles, and other writers of Scripture, we understand our experiences are wrong, misguided, etc.
We ought to be thankful for Scripture. Divine, infinite, truth is there for us in black and white. Scripture is there for our repeated study. The Bible is understandable. Even where our minds are dulled by sin and struggle with a passage or two we can find cross references which shed light on the darkness and dullness of our thinking. That's why we must let Scripture interpret Scripture. Where we might struggle to understand a particular passage, there are clearer passages on the same subject that will help us to clearly understand an issue or question.
Last and certainly not least, let's understand the right way to interpret Scripture. We read it in context. Each verse is a part of a larger thought in a passage or book. Therefore, we cannot read a verse in isolation. It must be understood in context. Otherwise, we end up taking the approach of the cultists like the Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons, and others who rip verses out of context in an attempt to get them to say what they want them to say. This is called reading ideas into Scripture. As Christians, we must read ideas from Scripture, letting God put these ideas into our hearts and heads, rather than attempting to put words in His mouth. After all, He is God---we are His servants.
Having said all this we will next turn our attention to "tongues." We will evaluate the tongues question through the lens of Scripture.
PS: our next posting will be on or before July 23,2009.
Here's the problem. "Following your heart" can get you into real trouble. The Bible says "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered. (Pro 28:26)." You can follow your heart in a completely wrong direction. The Holy Spirit, speaking through the "pen" of the writer of Proverbs tell us "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Pro 14:12)" We also know from what the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Jeremiah, "the heart is desperately wicked..." In the same way, doing something because it feels good at the moment is just as foolish for the reasons listed above. Embracing a practice because it gratifies something in us is equally hazardous, for the same reasons. We know that the addict yearns for a fix because it will give him what he needs in the moment. My brother once had a recovered heroin addict tell him, "man... while your in that world the needle is your best friend." We must be careful of getting enticed and carried away by our own lusts (James 1:13-15). We must avoid deceiving ourselves.
This brings us to experience and Scripture. Modern Christianity and too many Christians these days are increasingly evangelized by our secular, experience-driven culture; so successfully that they look to experience over Scripture. This is unfortunate because while our desires and experiences are always subject to change, God's word stands unchanging forever. The Bible says this at least twice; however, if it only said it once, a word from the Spirit of God through the clearly written and understandable Scriptures of God should be authoritative enough for the true believer:
*THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER." And this is the word which was preached to you. (1Pe 1:25)
*The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever. (Isa 40:8)
Pay close attention to the Isaiah 40:8 because it speaks to the transient nature of human existence by using grass and flowers as an object lesson. The words immediately preceding verse 8 are : "Surely the people are grass. (Isa 40:7)"
All of this brings us to the role of Scripture in our discussion. God's word must be the final arbiter of what is true and proper. Indeed, it is the basis of what both parties on both sides of the Charismatic Equation claim to believe. Therefore, we must view this issue through the lens of Scripture rather than experience, second hand reports. All truth claims must harmonize with the testimony of Scripture. God is not a god of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). He does not contradict Himself, nor does he lie (Numbers 23:19).
God's word is tested (Proverbs 30:5) and we do well not to add to it; otherwise we may find ourselves reproved by Him and shown to be lying (Proverbs 30:6). Scripture tells us the word of the Lord is perfect... it makes the simple wise (Psalm 19:7). Scripture does not fade, wither, or go out of date. It forever useful. The Holy Spirit speaking through the pen of the Apostle Paul writes:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.(2Ti 3:16-17)
Scripture comes from God; therefore, it is like Him--perfect, inerrant, and infallible. Because it is breathed out by Him through His Spirit, it is useful (i.e. profitable). What's it useful for? It teaches us what is true (i.e. "for teaching"). It reproves or rebukes our wrong headed directions or practices (i.e. "for reproof"), and it fine tunes our understanding (i.e. "for correction"). Scripture is profitable for "instruction in righteousness (teaching us to live according to God's will).
Why did God provide His Scriptures? Look at the "so that" clause in verse 17: "...so that the man of God will be up to the challenges he faces (i.e. "adequate), prepared (i.e. "equipped") and well rounded to face the questions, challenges, and trials of life (i.e. "lacking in nothing")for whatever challenges God sends his way (i.e. "for every good work"). We have what we need to rightly interpret and understand God's will and principles for every question we have to answer. We have the 66 books of the closed canon. God's word is complete, entire, lacking in nothing and is therefore the source by which we test all things.
Scripture is more reliable than our experiences (ask any recovered, saved drug addict). Because Scripture is in writing it is available for all to read, study, and consider---repeatedly. It is for all people. God's word was given for our good and in writing so that it could be preserved for our reference and study.
Certainly God's word is not a science book; however, when it speaks to science it speaks accurately. It is not a history book; however, where it speaks to history it speaks accurately. Wherever man's wisdom and experience contradicts Scripture, man's wisdom and experience must be declared invalid. It is by the Scriptures, then, with which we will evaluate our topic. Where our experiences contradict the writings of the Holy Spirit speaking through the pens (or styluses) of the prophets, apostles, and other writers of Scripture, we understand our experiences are wrong, misguided, etc.
We ought to be thankful for Scripture. Divine, infinite, truth is there for us in black and white. Scripture is there for our repeated study. The Bible is understandable. Even where our minds are dulled by sin and struggle with a passage or two we can find cross references which shed light on the darkness and dullness of our thinking. That's why we must let Scripture interpret Scripture. Where we might struggle to understand a particular passage, there are clearer passages on the same subject that will help us to clearly understand an issue or question.
Last and certainly not least, let's understand the right way to interpret Scripture. We read it in context. Each verse is a part of a larger thought in a passage or book. Therefore, we cannot read a verse in isolation. It must be understood in context. Otherwise, we end up taking the approach of the cultists like the Jehovah Witnesses, the Mormons, and others who rip verses out of context in an attempt to get them to say what they want them to say. This is called reading ideas into Scripture. As Christians, we must read ideas from Scripture, letting God put these ideas into our hearts and heads, rather than attempting to put words in His mouth. After all, He is God---we are His servants.
Having said all this we will next turn our attention to "tongues." We will evaluate the tongues question through the lens of Scripture.
PS: our next posting will be on or before July 23,2009.
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