Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 14:1-33
Memory Verse: What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 1 Corinthians 14:15
Lesson Aim: To establish some reasons for praying in tongues and encourage members of the Body of Christ to experience its benefits.
Key Points - The initial evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit was speaking with tongues. - When we pray in tongues, our spirit prays through the unction of the Holy Spirit. - Some of the benefits of praying with the spirit are: (1) expanded vocabulary to magnify God; (2) personal edification; (3) help with intercession.
As we have been learning this quarter, the tongue allows for the greatest expression of the human spirit. The tongue is a gateway to the heart, feelings, attitudes and spirit. It is only through the Spirit of God that we are able to tame the tongue.
Although the Holy Spirit is at work in the new birth process, there is a separate experience called receiving or being filled with the Holy Spirit. Based on accounts in Scripture (Acts 2:4; 10:46; Acts 19:6), the initial evidence of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit was speaking with tongues. This was the Biblical pattern for the Spirit-filled life, and it is still valid for today.
But there is more. We should not limit speaking in tongues to just the initial experience of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. The infilling of the Holy Spirit is the gateway to the manifestation of the gifts of God through the Holy Spirit, and it is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we have power to live victoriously. It should be an ongoing experience where the spirit of the believer and the Holy Spirit are regularly united to join in the utterance from our lips.
Paul considered this subject important enough that he devoted most of 1 Corinthians 14 to the subjects of prophecy, speaking in tongues and the interpretation of tongues. In that chapter, Paul addresses speaking in tongues for personal edification (14:4), praying, singing and giving of thanks (14:15-19). Paul told the Corinthians, “I wish you all spoke with tongues ….” (14:5), but then he went further and gave guidelines for public demonstration of prophecy and speaking in tongues.
When we pray in tongues, our spirit prays through the unction of the Holy Spirit. This occurs by our yielding to the Holy Spirit. One benefit of praying with the spirit is that it expands our vocabulary of expressions to glorify God. There are times when our native language restricts our ability to fully express ourselves to God. There are just not enough words. By releasing ourselves and praying with the spirit, we can go beyond the limitations of our native language.
Another benefit is that by praying with the spirit we can speak to God, spirit to Spirit. This level of communion with God bypasses the limitations of the natural mind and thought life. By praying in tongues a person is edified (built up and strengthened) spiritually.
Another benefit of praying with the spirit is that it enables us to better intercede. Sometimes we do not know what to pray for or how to pray for it, “but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us …” Romans 8:26. Yielding ourselves to the Holy Spirit allows the Holy Spirit to pray through us and we should expect the Holy Spirit to help us intercede.
Paul closes the 14th chapter of 1 Corinthians by admonishing us to “…desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.” (14:39-40). All believers should be encouraged to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and to experience the benefits of praying with the spirit.
Questions and Discussion
- What is the relationship between speaking in tongues and the infilling with the Holy Spirit? Acts 2:4; 10:44-46; 19:1-3, 6
- What are some reasons why we should pray in the spirit? 1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 20; Romans 8:26-27; Isaiah 28:11-12
- What is the responsibility of the believer who speaks/prays in tongues publicly? 1 Corinthians 14:12-19
- What instruction does Paul give regarding speaking in tongues during public worship? 1 Corinthians 14:23-28; 32
- How does praying with the spirit differ from diverse kinds of tongues? 1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:10