Praying in Tongues
The Holy Spirit is essential for fulfilling God's calling on every believer's life. There are four types of tongues in Scripture: tongues as a sign to unbelievers, tongues with interpretation for church gatherings, personal prayer language for individual edification, and tongues for intercession when we don't know how to pray. Barriers to receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit include a lack of persistence, unrepentant sin, and unforgiveness. True Spirit-filled living is evidenced not only by speaking in tongues but also by displaying the fruit of the Spirit in daily life.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: The Power of Praying in Tongues
The Holy Spirit is essential to our Christian walk. We cannot do what God has called us to do without Him. He is our comforter, which means He leads us into uncomfortable places where we need His comfort. Through His power, we can lay hands on the sick, cast out demons, and evangelize effectively—not by our own strength, but by His Spirit.
What is the calling on your life?
God has a calling on every believer's life. When we hear "calling," we often think of becoming a pastor, evangelist, or missionary. But how can we expect to reach people in far-off places if we can't even reach our neighbors?
Some of you may feel you've missed your calling because God spoke to your heart years ago, but you were afraid and ignored it. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is bringing that calling back to your remembrance today.
Why do we resist the Holy Spirit's leading?
Our flesh is always driven by comfort, but the Holy Spirit leads us to places where we need His comfort—which means uncomfortable circumstances. The good news is that if He leads you there, He will empower you there. It's not your power, ability, or strength that matters.
Many of us approach God with our own expectations, mindsets, and filters already in place, which prevents us from hearing Him clearly. When it comes to God, the Holy Spirit, and the Word, we need to be neutral—not expecting confirmation of what we already believe, but allowing ourselves to be transformed into Christ's image.
What keeps people from receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
There are two main barriers that prevent people from receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit:
1. Fear - Many people are afraid of speaking in tongues because they don't understand it. If you've read the gospels, Acts, and Romans, you should have a good understanding of what tongues is.
2. False teaching - Some believe that tongues and other spiritual gifts have ceased. They often misquote 1 Corinthians 13:8-12, which says tongues will cease "when that which is perfect has come." This isn't referring to the completed Bible but to when we see Jesus face to face in our glorified bodies.
What are the different types of tongues mentioned in the Bible?
There are four different types of tongues in Scripture, which explains why there seems to be contradictions when you read about it:
Two types for public use:
1. Tongues as a sign - This is what happened at Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12), where believers spoke in unknown languages that were understood by hearers from different nations. This was a sign to unbelievers.
2. Tongues with interpretation - This is when someone speaks in tongues in a church service, followed by an interpretation that edifies the whole body (1 Corinthians 12:10). Paul instructed that this should
Two types for private use:
1. Tongues as a personal prayer language - This is praying in the Spirit for personal edification (1 Corinthians 14:4). Paul said, "I will pray in the Spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand" (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).
2. Tongues for intercession - This is when the Holy Spirit helps us pray for others when we don't know what to pray for (Romans 8:26-28). The Spirit makes intercession for us with "groanings which cannot be uttered."
How can I receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
If you've asked for the baptism of the Holy Spirit but haven't received it:
1. Keep asking - Jesus said, "Knock and the door will be opened." Be diligent in seeking.
2. Repent of known willful sin - There's a difference between occasionally falling into sin and willfully giving yourself over to it. Acts 5:32 says the Holy Spirit is "given by God to those who obey Him."
3. Forgive others - Unforgiveness will keep you stuck. Forgive yourself, your parents, your neighbors—anyone you're holding resentment toward.
How do I know if I'm filled with the Holy Spirit?
While speaking in tongues is a sign, one of the biggest indicators that you are Spirit-filled is the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If you claim to be Spirit-filled but lack self-control, you may have received the gift of tongues but are not currently surrendered to the Holy Spirit.
Life Application
This week, I challenge you to:
1. Surrender to the Holy Spirit daily - Start each morning by saying, "Holy Spirit, I surrender to you today. Lead me where you want me to go."
2. Practice praying in the Spirit - If you've received the gift of tongues, commit to praying in the Spirit for at least 20 minutes each day. If you haven't received this gift, ask God to fill you with His Spirit.
3. Identify areas of resistance - Where have you been resistant to the Holy Spirit's leading? Is there unforgiveness in your heart? Are there areas of willful sin you need to repent of?
4. Step out in faith - Is there something God has been calling you to do that you've been avoiding? Take one step toward obedience this week.
Ask yourself: Am I approaching God with my own agenda or with a neutral heart? Am I willing to go where the Holy Spirit leads, even if it's uncomfortable? What gifts of the Spirit am I neglecting that God wants to activate in my life?
Remember, the Holy Spirit doesn't just bring comfort—He brings power. And that power isn't just for you; it's to equip you to fulfill God's calling on your life.