6 Reasons Why We Should Speak in Tongues

By DAVID HALL

The core doctrine that really defines the Pentecostal expression of Christianity is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. It has been and continues to be a core belief in our churches across the world. It’s a message we should preach from the rooftops. We must be unashamed of the Holy Ghost.

I have heard so many sermons on this subject where the preacher is giving a disclaimer, apologising for the 'awkwardness', and trying to naturalise the supernatural ministry of the Spirit. I believe this expression of our worship, prayer and devotion shouldn’t be relegated to small groups, camps or special service, but should be preached with passion and with signs following. I want my kids to be raised in a church where they see tongues as a natural and wonderful part of our walk with God.

The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about speaking in tongues. Whilst regulating proper use of prophesying in tongues, he also proclaimed his passion for speaking (and singing in tongues).

In 1 Corinthians 14:5 Paul writes, “I wish you all spoke in tongues.” Later in 1 Corinthians 14:18 he says, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all…”

If he said he spoke in tongues more than the Corninthians, he must have done it a lot. They did it so much, he seemed to slow them down a bit.

I want to give six reasons we should be regularly speaking in tongues and why our congregations should too.

1. IT IS THE INTIAL EVIDENCE THAT YOU’VE BEEN FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST

In Acts 2, Acts 10 and in Acts 19 when people were filled with the Holy Spirit, they received a prayer language. They spoke in other tongues.

We need to have faith that when we pray for people to be filled with the Spirit, that they’ll receive all that is available to them; especially speaking in tongues.

2. IT BRINGS CLARITY IN MY WORLD AND CONFUSION IN THE ENEMY’S CAMP

'For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.' (1 Corinthians 14:2)

'Mysteries' means secrets between friends; what is known only to the initiated. We have end to end encryption with God. So when we pray in the Holy Ghost, the devil has no understanding of what is being prayed. He has to wear the consequences that come from a believer laying hold of God by praying in the Spirit.

I am certain that when we pray in the Spirit the enemy is in nervous anticipation of what God is going to do.

3. TO MAGNIFY GOD

This is not just a prayer language, it’s a praise and worship language. I don’t only pray in the Spirit, I worship and praise in the Spirit. Tongues intensifies our worship.

I heard a pastor in Texas, Tommy Burchfield say that “it’s my supernatural, supercharged praise".

'For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? For you indeed give thanks well, but the other is not edified. (1 Corinthians 14: 14-17)

4. TO BUILD YOURSELF UP

'He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself' (1 Cor 14:4)

'Build yourself up in your most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost.' (Jude 20)

When we pray in the Spirit, we charge ourselves up like a battery. When my phone goes under 20% charge, I look for a charger. Too many believers are running around on low battery. We have to stay charged up with the Holy Ghost.

Paul puts it differently to Timothy, he reminds Timothy 'to stir up the gift of God' (2 Timothy 1:6)

According to the original Greek, 'edifies' means 'to build a house, erect a building or to restore by building, to rebuild, repair.

5. YOU BREAK FEAR & UNLOCK PEACE

'Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.' (2 Timothy 1:6–7)

When we stir up this gift, we tap into that power that breaks fear and gives us peace that comes with a sound mind. Pastoring is a tough job sometimes, thank God that in the chaos I can touch Him and find peace in my mind.

6. WE GIVE GOD CONTROL

When you got saved, Jesus took a hold of your heart, but when you got filled with the Holy Spirit, He took hold of your tongue.

James 3:1–12 tells us that the tongue is the most unruly member of the body. It’s no coincidence that the Holy Spirit took a hold of the part of us that can lead us into trouble or success. Praying in the Holy Ghost tames the tongue.

We need to make room for the Holy Spirit afresh. Give him the control over our lives, our families, our ministries. I heard it said that you can grieve, resist, quench, blaspheme the Holy Ghost but you can’t control the Holy Ghost. Yield to Him afresh today!