Speaking in Tongues: Biblical Conditions and Modern Deceptions

A church congregation with a person speaking in tongues

Introduction

Good morning. Today, we delve into the topic of speaking in tongues—a spiritual gift that has sparked much discussion and controversy within the Christian community. The Bible provides specific conditions for the proper use of this gift, emphasizing the need for witnesses and interpreters. Unfortunately, some modern televangelists and self-proclaimed prophets misuse this gift for personal gain, leading many astray. Let us explore the biblical guidelines for speaking in tongues and discern the truth from deception.

The Gift of Speaking in Tongues

The gift of speaking in tongues is mentioned several times in the New Testament, primarily in the book of Acts and Paul's letters to the Corinthians. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that enables a person to speak in a language they have not learned, often as a sign for unbelievers and for the edification of the church.

Scripture Reference: "All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." (Acts 2:4)

Key Point: Speaking in tongues is a divine gift meant to glorify God and build up the body of Christ.

Biblical Conditions for Speaking in Tongues

The Apostle Paul provides clear guidelines for the proper use of this gift within the church.

1. Presence of Witnesses and Interpreters: Paul emphasizes that speaking in tongues should be accompanied by interpretation so that the entire church can be edified.

   Scripture Reference: "If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God." (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)

2. Order and Edification: The use of tongues should be orderly and contribute to the edification of the church, not cause confusion or division.

   Scripture Reference: "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people." (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Key Point: The gift of tongues should be exercised in a way that builds up the church, with interpreters present to ensure the message is understood by all.

Modern Deceptions and Misuse

Unfortunately, some modern televangelists and self-proclaimed prophets misuse the gift of speaking in tongues for personal gain, manipulating and deceiving people.

1. False Prophets and Manipulation: Some individuals claim to speak in tongues without interpreters, using the spectacle to attract followers and donations.

  Scripture Reference: "For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:13)

2. Personal Gain and Exploitation: These false prophets exploit people's faith and vulnerability for financial gain, deviating from the true purpose of spiritual gifts.

   Scripture Reference: "In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping." (2 Peter 2:3)

Key Point: Believers must be discerning and cautious, ensuring that the exercise of spiritual gifts aligns with biblical guidelines and glorifies God, not man.

Lessons for Today

1. Discernment and Caution: Be discerning about those who claim to speak in tongues. Ensure their practices align with biblical teachings and that there are interpreters present.

   Scripture Reference: "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)

2. Focus on Edification: Spiritual gifts should always be used for the edification of the church and the glorification of God, not for personal gain or spectacle.

   Scripture Reference: "Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church." (1 Corinthians 14:12)

3. Stay Grounded in Scripture: Regularly study the Bible to understand the proper use of spiritual gifts and to guard against deception.

   Scripture Reference: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)

Conclusion

The gift of speaking in tongues is a powerful expression of the Holy Spirit, meant to glorify God and build up the church. However, it must be exercised according to biblical guidelines, with witnesses and interpreters, to ensure clarity and edification. Beware of modern deceptions where false prophets misuse this gift for personal gain. Stay grounded in Scripture, practice discernment, and seek to use spiritual gifts in ways that honor God and edify the church.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts You bestow upon us. Help us to use these gifts according to Your Word, for the edification of the church and the glorification of Your name. Grant us discernment to recognize and avoid deception. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.