THE BENEFITS OF SPEAKING IN OTHER TONGUES

March 2024

“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.”

—I Corinthians 14:18

I Corinthians14 is one of the most misunderstood chapters in the Bible. Those who misunderstand believe that Paul is speaking against tongues when, in fact, he plainly says in verse 18 that he thanks God for tongues, and in verse 39 he states, “Forbid not to speak with tongues.” What Paul is dealing with in this chapter is the proper use of three of the gifts of the Spirit in a church service. These gifts are prophecy, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.

Never forget that seven of the nine gifts were in operation in the old covenant; the only two that were new were tongues and interpretation of tongues. Since they were the newest, there needed to be proper instruction on their use in a public gathering. The instruction was that if there was no one to interpret, it would be better for the gift of prophecy to be used as it would be in the language of the people whereby everyone could understand.

It is important for the reader to understand that the gift of tongues is not the same as one’s personal prayer language. To simplify, let me put it this way: everyone who is filled with the Spirit will speak in tongues, but not everyone who speaks in tongues has the gift of tongues. Also, one’s personal prayer language is not meant to be interpreted as it is one’s personal language.

So, what are the benefits of a person being filled with the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues?

I Corinthians 14:2 says, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men but unto God.” This tells us that tongues is a divine means of communication between the speaker and the Lord. This is so important, for the Holy Spirit is the one who helps us to pray, helps us to worship, and helps us as it regards bringing our petitions before the Lord.

I Corinthians 14:4 says, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself.” The word edify means “to comfort, encourage, give strength, or to build up.” It is the Holy Spirit who works in us to develop us and help us to grow in grace. The Holy Spirit knows what we need, and He is the one who brings it to pass.

I Corinthians 14:14 says, “For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth.” One’s spirit praying is the highest form of worship that a believer can engage in. It’s that which comes from deep within and not from one’s own mind.

Acts 2:11 says, “We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” When a person prays in the Spirit, he is proclaiming the Lord’s mighty works whether in creation, deliverance, miracles, etc. He is literally magnifying and glorifying the mighty power, wonder, and works of the Lord.

Jude 1:20 says, “Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Praying in the Spirit helps to develop our faith because when a person is praying in the Spirit, he is praying faith, praying victory. There is no doubt or unbelief in the Holy Spirit.

Isaiah 28:12 says, “This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest.” This was spoken by Isaiah about 750 years before the day of Pentecost, and there is a great truth here as it regards the Holy Spirit. In Hebrew, the word weary means “languid, faint, or thirsty.” The idea is that the journey of life is not without its trials and tribulations, and, at times, we became weary, but the Holy Spirit brings us living water. The word rest has two meanings. First, it means “resting place.” Second, it means “to settle down.” The idea is that in the midst of our trials, we can find a resting place. Isaiah 28:12 goes on to say, “This is the refreshing.” Refreshing means “to find ease, to make to rest.” It has the idea of being refreshed or recharged in the midst of a great trial.

There are other benefits that I could mention, but I believe I have covered the most important ones.

Let me close with this thought for you—never forget that when a person prays in the Spirit it is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. Acts 2:17 says, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh.”

The last days began on the day of Pentecost and will continue until the rapture takes place.