Speaking in Tongues – Self Edification
The ministry of tongues is for self edification. Paul shares with us that when we speak with other tongues we are building up and strengthening our inner man.
“He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4).
This verse suggests one of the greatest reasons for the ministry of tongues. He that speaks in an unknown tongue builds himself up. He that speaks in an unknown tongue helps himself. He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself. We must readily agree that we all are in need of anything that will build us up, cause us to be made stronger and edified in the Lord. This is what the ministry of tongues does in the life of the Spirit-filled believer.
The Christians who has learned to yield his spirit to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit has found a sure way to edify himself. Today, there are so many pressures that are affecting the spirits of God’s people. Sin is abounding on every side. We see so very much that depresses and discourages us in our pilgrim’s walk. But God’s Word assures us, “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4).
I, and thousands like me, have know the joy of building ourselves up in the Holy Ghost. The scriptures exhort us, “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20). There is no experience any sweeter. There is nothing in our worship and praise that is anymore wonderful; there is nothing that satisfies anymore completely than the privilege of building ourselves up with the ministry of tongues.
You will notice that Paul is not condemning this ministry. He is suggesting that tongues affords us all an opportunity to receive something further from God. Until we have sought God with an open and earnest heart for this liberty in the Spirit, we have missed one great means of receiving strength. Let’s not miss out on this wonderful means of self edification.
The Bible declares forcibly that ““He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself” (1 Corinthians 14:4). I want to suggest that you converse with one of God’s children who has enjoyed this wonderful experience. Everyone, without exception, will testify that the ministry of tongues is a sure means of edifying themselves. It is a source of strength, a means of worship, and it is a source of liberty in the Holy Ghost that nothing else can produce.
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