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4.10 Spiritual languages are a sign of recognition
a) for the believers.
It is for sure that the believers will be recognized by one thing; that is the ability to speak spiritual languages and that they’ll be able to drive out demons (Mark 16:17). Praise the Lord, for at least we have a sign, a landmark, that we belong to them who are called by the Lord:
‘believers’. Of course this is not the only sign.
But mind this summary of Mark. It’s all about the spiritual work of God’s Spirit in his followers – those are the signs!
b) for the non-
When non-
Paul does warn against a mistake that happened in the Church in Corinth. There was no order. We shouldn’t all pray out loud without order, but we should pray one by one.
Speaking spiritual languages is the sign of the baptism in and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believers. And it is the sign of a special work of God in the midst of the Church (1 Corinthians 14:21 and 23).
c) for God.
The human tongue can be an instrument that is difficult to tame. Sometimes she is being ‘set on fire’ by hell. The tongue can be an unpredictable and deadly evil. See James 3:6 and 8.
Sometimes people bless with it and sometimes they curse with it.
James says that the tongue is to be compared with a small rudder of a big ship. Whoever can control the rudder can control the ship.
It is the same thing with the tongue. Whoever tames his tongue, is able to tame, to control his whole (spiritual) body.
It is great that God now, especially by the baptism in and the fulfilment with the Holy Spirit brings our tongue under his ‘control’.
In this way He makes clear to us, that He Himself is able and that He enables us to bring and keep our lifeboat, naturally as well as spiritually, in a safe course. .
This is the way it is.
Let us live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – by putting our words and actions under the government of the Holy Spirit.
It is also good to read Proverbs 18:20 and 21 and compare. “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
What a perspective for speaking spiritual languages. Through this we (discuss) share secrets or hidden things with God. What a privilege for us as ‘common’ people! We, who most probably have never talked to a president (although he is a ‘servant’) or the Queen. And we who never have shared secrets with him or her, are allowed to do this with our infinitely much greater God! Take time to think about this…!
We also build up ourselves when we speak to God in this way. And who wouldn’t desire that also? Still it is incomprehensible that people who call themselves serious believers reject this beautiful gift (for themselves)!
“The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8). Again: who will reject this?