LESSON 107
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT - PART 11

INTRODUCTION: As we learnt earlier, there are three gifts in the “inspirational gifts” group. They are, prophecy divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. In the immediate past study, we studied prophecy. Its three sources are satan, the human spirit and the Holy Spirit. We also learnt how to differentiate between true and false prophecies. In this lesson, we want to study the two other gifts in that group together, that is divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues, I Cor. 12:10. May the Lord satisfy our thirst for spiritual gifts today in Jesus Name. Amen.

1. TONGUES ARE VOCAL MIRACLES
Divers kind of tongues has nothing to do with linguistic ability. They are supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learnt by the speaker. They are vocal miracles. Interpretation on the other hand supernaturally reveals the meaning of what was said in tongues. Therefore, both normally go hand in hand. Tongues are not primarily for teaching or preaching. Instead they are for private devotion between men and God. Also, praying. Without ceasing is only possible if we pray both with understanding and with tongues.

Mark 16:17; I Cor. 14:13; 14:19; I Cor. 14:2 7-28; I Cor. 14:2,4; I Cor. 14:14-15, 18.

2. THE PURPOSE OF TONGUES AND INTERPRETATION
There are several reasons why God could give the gifts of divers kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. Some of them are: (a) Tongues could be given as a sort of secret code when God wants to reveal His mind over an issue to His servant only. Of course, with His permission, the mysteries so learnt could be revealed while preaching the Gospel (b) To assist us to grow in spirit as we grow in age (c) To build us up and establish us in faith (d) To assist us in the controlled use of our tongues (e) To help us get out of tight situations. Interpretation on the other hand could be given to glorify God among heathens. Above all, the greatest purpose of tongues and interpretation is to prepare us for heaven so that we can all understand one another over there.

I Cor. 14:21-22; I Cor. 2:16; Amos 3:7; I Cor. 2:9-10; John 16:13; Eph. 6:19; Col.4:2-3; Luke 1:80, 2:40; I Cor. 3:1-2; Jude 20. II Cor. 8:7; I Cor. 1:4-5; Eph.4:29; Dan. 5:11-12; 24-28; Acts 2:4-8.