FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Proclamation:

“All of them were filled with The Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as The Spirit enabled them … When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.”  Acts 2:4-6 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by Luke, the physician, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  When the day of Pentecost came, they were all in one place and on one accord.  There was a sound like a blowing violent wind and they saw what appeared to be tongues of fire which came upon each one of them.  Each of the 120 men and women in the upper room (Acts 1:13-15) was filled with The Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues (Acts 2:4) and each person in the crowd that gathered heard them in their own language. (Acts 2:6)  The crowd included people from the surrounding areas who spoke different dialects and languages. (Acts 2:8-11)  Three thousand people joined the church that day (Acts 2:41) and The Lord God adds to the church daily as He sees fit. (Acts 2:47)

Application:

All believers are filled with The Holy Spirit of God. (Romans 8:9)  Today, however, there seems to have been a misunderstanding of “speaking in tongues.”  Speaking in tongues means speaking in a foreign language or dialect, usually an ancient one, without having learned or been taught the language.  It is done for the benefit of someone who speaks and understands that language or dialect to help the church grow.  When one is given the gift of speaking in tongues it is for the edification of the church and there should be someone else there who has been given the gift to interpret tongues so that the church is edified. (1 Corinthians 12:28-30 and 14:4-5)  If one is speaking in tongues in order to speak to God, that is not necessary for He speaks and understands all languages.  Prayer can be in any language or utterance.  If we are not speaking to God, then our spoken words should be helpful to someone (Colossians 4:6) or they should give God glory.

BELIEVERS SHOULD ENGAGE IN WHOLESOME HELPFUL CONVERSATION

Proclamation:

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Paul began this chapter urging the believers in Ephesus to live worthy of being called Christians.  He said that they should be humble, gentle, patient, and loving. (Ephesians 4:1-3)  Then he said that Christ gave gifts to His people to equip them for works and service. (Ephesians 4:11-13)  That they would no longer be blown over by false teaching or deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:14-16)  Paul then gave them some instructions for Christian living. (Ephesians 4:17-32)  Included among them was the instruction that they were not to speak unwholesome or unhelpful words.  They should build up all who listen to them.  He ended this chapter by encouraging them to get rid of all bitterness and every form of malice and to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving. (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Application:

When we become believers and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are changed.  Our conversation should be different as well as our behavior.  The Bible says that a man is defiled by that which comes out of his mouth and not that which he eats or drinks. (Matthew 15:11)  Our conversation should reflect the grace of God and be seasoned with salt, that is to be helpful, to bring purification to a sin-sick world. (Colossians 4:6)  Our intentions should always be to help others, to build them up and not to tear them down.   

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Proclamation:

"Do you see a man who speaks in haste?  There is more hope for a fool than for him." Proverbs 29:20 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by King Solomon, who was blessed to be the wisest man ever. (1 Chronicles 1:11-12)  Words spoken in haste are rarely helpful.  Solomon was encouraging the people of God to think before they speak.

Application:

Some people say whatever comes to their mind.  "Whatever come up, comes out."  As their thoughts occur they are uttered, without the benefit of being processed or filtered by their brain.  Speaking without thinking is not a very good idea, especially when we are angry.  "… He who restrains his lips is wise." (Proverbs 10:19 KJV) or, as translated in a different version of The Bible, "... He who holds his tongue is wise." (Proverbs 10:19 NIV)  Some things that we think are better off if they are left unspoken.  If what we were going to say is not going to help someone, then we should probably keep that thought to ourselves.  It is a good practice to always think before you speak.