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4.6 Spiritual languages are for the construction of the believer himself
The Lord gives us a tremendous opportunity to build ourselves up in faith, by using the languages which the Holy Spirit gives us to pronounce. He gives it in order for us to grow strong, and no longer be a victim of the feelings of insecurity, forced on us by satan.
a) whoever speaks in spiritual languages, builds himself up.
“I would like every one of you to speak in tongues” , says Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:5. Isn’t it a necessity for everyone to become stronger in faith?
b) keep yourself (= build yourself up) in God’s love by praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 20). In the T.E.V. we read: “But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit…”
There is a guiding (original text: constructing) power of God within our reach: the Holy Spirit.
And by this Spirit God’s love is also poured out in our hearts (Romans 5:5). We now have the possibility to be connected in eternity with God, in love through his Spirit. This doesn’t happen automatically but only happens by developing/practising the spiritual languages regularly and seriously. In this way we’ll experience God’s closeness deeper.
We will also notice that in this way the darkness will vanish more and more and that we will be living in God’s light more and more.
By the baptism in the Holy Spirit we are stronger and stronger against satan’s violence, which is being revealed more in this time, as we’ve already explained in the beginning of this study.
c) speaking in spiritual languages is part of God’s spiritual armour.
When the call to put on the spiritual armour is pronounced it is closed with: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests”(Ephesians 6:18). A prayer that is inspired by the Holy Spirit is what is meant here and what else can this be than the praying in spiritual languages?
Because our battle is a spiritual battle, it is not a battle against flesh and blood but against the rulers and demons in the spiritual world, we should be well armoured and also protected. Put on the complete spiritual armour of God to be able to stand strong …and pray in the Spirit!
Again this is a clear instruction about the value of the power of speaking spiritual languages!
Great! God took such good care of us. He doesn’t let us live in this world as orphans (unprotected) (see John 14:18). It is not his fault when we suffer a spiritual defeat. He wants us to be conquerors in Christ (by his Spirit).
Corrie ten Boom once said it so explicitly:
“There are so many that have given everything to the Lord out of love for Him. It is a pity that so few have received everything of what He offers to them.”
The baptism in the Holy Spirit is indeed also an equipment for the battle in God’s service (Acts 1:8 says: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you…”).
d) speaking spiritual languages helps us in case of an emergency.
There must have been moments in your life of sudden emergencies, where you couldn’t think clearly. The fear, the need, the sadness and the unexpected paralysed you. Oh God, how should I handle this! What should I do? How can I help in this situation?
What a great God! Especially for these circumstances He has already thought of a solution for you. When we don’t exactly know how to pray anymore, or know what to do, He is there to help us.
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” (Romans 8:26,27).
Also in this process spiritual languages are vital. Who doesn’t need the help of the Holy Spirit?
e) it is for all people.
It is clear when we look in the Bible that this expression of the Spirit is meant for all believers.
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues”(Mark 16:17).
And with that we see the repeated call of Paul: “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Corinthians 14:1) and verse 5: “I would like every one of you to speak in tongues.”
God works ‘all in all’ (1 Corinthians 12:6) and “to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (verse 7).
So… it is meant for everyone!
This is the way it should be. It wouldn’t be fair that all these possibilities are given to an individual and not to all. We all need construction. We all stand in the battle against satan and his accomplices. The promise is there for anyone that comes and takes!
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