The Holy Spirit Primise (Part 8)

Give Online: Tithes & Offerings

Catch up on our series HERE

The Holy Spirit Promise

(Part 8)

Good Morning – Welcome to Jesus Church

We are in part 8 of our series: The Holy Spirit Promise

• Look at who the Holy Spirit is and what He wants to do in the world
  • We believe that when Jesus said the “Helper is coming”
  • We believe that when Jesus said “Its better I go away”
• He actually meant it…
  • And in order to be fully equipped for every good work
  • We need the power, guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit

Last week we talked about the gift of healing

• Healing can happen in all areas of life (emotional-spiritual-physical)
  • Healing must be understood in the here/not yet Kingdom of God
  • The only reason every person is not completely healed right now
  • Is because the Kingdom of God is not fully established yet
• When Jesus returns… there will be complete healing and restoration
  • But until then – We see moments of what the future looks like
  • Where God will for healing happens not just some of the time
  • But all of the time… where sin no longer has effect on creation

Today: Look at another thing the Spirit does in our lives

Acts 2 – This story takes place few weeks after Jesus’ resurrection

• In the city of Jerusalem during Jewish feast of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-12

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with he Holy Spirit…

• After 100’s years this has finally happened
  • And not only to Moses or David or Elijah
  • But to everyone in a living room in Jerusalem
• And this is God unleashing a new way to live in human history
  • But watch what happens first thing.

…and began to speak I n other tongues (languages) as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard the sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galilean? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Pathians, Medes, Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia (and he goes on and on and on)

We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean”?

Before we get into “What does this mean”

Notice: Spirit of God comes – what happens: All start speaking in tongues

• And it happens in other places as well
  • Acts 10 – Story of Peter preaching 1^st time every to non-Jews

Acts 10:44-45

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. (So can’t be racist in Kingdom of God) For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

• Spirit comes & again they all speak in tongues – One more (Acts 19)

Acts 19:1-6

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They answered, “No we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism”, they replied.

Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues (other languages) and prophesied.

• Exact same thing – H.S. comes & what happens: All speak in tongues

[PRAY]

Step back: No doubt tongues is 1 byproduct of Spirit

Problem is everyone wants their experience to be THEE experience

• One good example of this would be Xmas traditions
  • Growing up we never saw present until Xmas morning
    • I thought it gave more excitement
    • Less temptation to figure out what we got
  • But my wife’s family put all gifts out way before Xmas
    • They thought this gave more excitement
    • But experience dictated how we thought it should happen
• Another example (Show a picture) Is this shoe pink or grey
  • You could see this and really believe its grey
    • You would be wrong… why???
    • I want your experience to be my experience

Because Experience dictates what you believe is truth

• • Also is why when Michelle asks me to do something later today
    • It think she is saying “Go watch the Suns game on the couch”

All that to say: Many experience this phenomenon when H.S. comes

• But not everybody does: It is a byproduct – Way H.S. manifests self
  • Scripturally it isn’t THEE byproduct
    • Out of 22 stories in Acts where people believe in Jesus
    • Filled with the Holy Spirit
    • Only read in 3 of the stories where they speak in tongues
    • So everything in book of Acts on tongues – We just read
    • Then more in 1 Corinthians
• So it happens for sure – But not every single time… WHY?
  • Anything we say would be speculation (talk at end)
  • But what we do know
    • It does happens
    • As we will read – It is something we should desire

3 false teachings on tongues that we reject and don’t believer are true

• 1: If you don’t speak in tongues – Aren’t filled with the Spirit
  • This is out there and thought as common knowledge
  • Oh you don’t speak in tongues
    • Implication is your kinda second class
    • “Oh I’m sorry, I speak in tongues… hmmmm
• 2: If you don’t speak in tongues – Not even saved
  • Sorta fringe Pentecostal teaching but it is out there
  • If you don’t speak in tongues
  • Spirit of God isn’t even in you
    • Completely out of line with Jesus & New Testament
• 3: Other side – Speaking in tongues is not for today
  • Yes its in the scriptures (Acts & Corinthians)
  • But that isn’t for today because now we have the scriptures
  • Problem is this idea has not grounding at all in the scriptures
    • If you want to know more on this: Listen to 2 weeks ago

Question then is – What does N.T. have to say about this tongues thing

1 Cor. 14 (couple weeks ago – Prophecy & Tongues)

Two things to know about this chapter

• 1: Paul writing about what to do/not do at the weekly gathering
  • When Paul is talking about tongues here
    • It’s not about you on a hike up camelback mountain
    • OR you at home listening to bethel worship in prayer
      • This is about here…
      • Sunday morning/stage/microphone/in gathering
• 2: Chapter 14 is compare and contrast b/w tongues & prophecy
  • Basic point – Prophecy way more important than tongues
    • Last week read chapter w/ focus on prophecy
    • This week lets reread it w/ focus on tongues

1 Cor. 14:1-5

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.

• Remember gifts means “Stuff the Spirit does”
  • And this stuff the Holy Spirit will use anyone to do
  • And in Chapter 12 Paul lists off all the stuff the Spirit does
    • Message of Wisdom/Knowledge
    • Faith
    • Gifts of healing & Miraculous Power
    • Prophecy
    • Distinguishing b/w Spirits
    • Tongues & Interpretation
• This is all stuff that we should eagerly desire (Prophecy is top)
  • But also this phenomenon called tongues

Before we continue: What do we mean by tongues

• Word we translate to Greek: Glossa – Just means other languages
  • Bill Mounce – One of Premier Greek scholars in the world
    • He was on the NIV committee
    • Asked why it was translated “Tongues” not “Languages”
    • Answer was there is no good reason
      • Tradition and how it was done before
• So b/c it is translated languages as well as tongues
  • I’m just gonna swap out words
  • Just b/c I think it will help it sound less weird
• That said – It’s not just any language (English, Spanish, French)
  • Working definition: Glossa are a form of prayer and praise you express to God in a language you do not understand.
  • NT Wright: It’s the gift of speech which though making sounds and using apparent or even actual languages, somehow bypasses the speakers conscious mind

For anyone who speakers in another language does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I’d like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater Thant he one who speaks in tongues (or another language) unless someone interprets so that the church may be edifies.

So in one paragraph we learn 5 things from Paul

• 1: These other languages are to God not to people
  • “Those who do this speak not to people but to God”
    • So not like prophecy which is to speak to each other
    • These other languages we speak straight to God himself
• 2: These languages don’t make sense to you or me on their own
  • “No one understands them, indeed they are a mystery”
• 3: These languages edify the speaker but not the church
  • Edify was Greek word from construction industry
  • All it means is to build up/strengthen
    • So life on Earth can tear you down
    • When u speak in the Spirit it will build you up
• 4: It is nowhere near as important as prophecy
  • “I want you to do this but even more to prophecy”
  • “One who prophecy’s greater than who speaks n other language”
    • So there is a scale here – Not all Spirituals are equal
    • Some are more important than others
• 5: Ideally everyone should speak in these languages
  • Paul says, “I would like for you all to speak in other languages”
  • But this also means not everyone did

Tag: Tons there – Go on to why not for weekly gathering unless interpreted

 

1 Cor 14:6-12
Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what goo will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again if the trumpet does not sound a clear class, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

Undoubtably there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit (stuff the Spirit does), try to excel in those that build up the church.

Paul 3 metaphors why speaking languages w/o interpretation no help

• 1: Music – How will anyone know what tune is being played
  • For music to make sense to the ear it must have 2 things
    • Key and meter
    • So key of C – 8 notes u have to play inside of
    • Then you need meter – 4/4 or 6/8
      • What music should sound like
  • Here is a song with no key or meter
    • Some saying that just sounds like blues
    • It sounds horrible
      • Paul says this is what speaking in these languages
      • If there is no interpretation is like
• 2: Trumpet in war – In ancient war before radio communication
  • Use trumpet to lead an army on a battle field
    • One trumpet blast was flank left
    • Two trumpet blast was flank right
    • Advance or Retreat
  • If that trumpet blasts was unclear or failed to give direction
    • Not only was it chaotic but it was dangerous
    • You could literally die because u couldn’t understand it
      • That is what this is like w/o interpretation
• 3: Last metaphor – Foreign language (Berenice)
  • Say something in Spanish for us…
  • How many of you were just moved by that – Life forever changed
    • Not if you speak Spanish… don’t count
    • But what did you just say…
  • Three powerful things from scripture – No one had a clue
    • Point is it was no help to anyone b/c in another language
    • Have know clue what she just said
      • This is exactly what it is like – Getting the POINT???
      • But he isn’t done – Don’t think he is against it…

For this reason the one who speaks in another language should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my Spirit but I will also pray with understanding. I will sing with my Spirit, but I will also sing with understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

Here we learn 3 more things about the phenomenon

• 1: If/when u pray in these other languages: Must be interpretation
  • Paul says this – Pray you can interpret what you are saying
  • Remember this is in the weekly gathering – not bedroom
• 2: When speaking it’s like ur mind is in neutral (not off but waiting)
  • Says – My spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful
    • Some think these Glossa are human languages (Acts 2)
    • Others think it as angelic languages
      • Paul says: If I speak in the tongue of men & of angels…
      • Point – U as speaker are not directing what u are saying
• 3: Whatever it is – It’s a form of prayer and praise
  • Paul writes about how he sings with his mind but also his spirit
  • Meaning he has no clue – But singing that way

Next comes the BOMBSHELL

1 Cor. 14:18-20

I thank God that I speak in these other languages more than all of you. But in church I would rather speak 5 intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in another language. Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

Church of Corinth probably doesn’t think Paul speaks in other languages

• Whenever Paul comes to town – All he does is teach or prophecy
  • Good chance they thought they were more Spiritual than Paul
  • Because we speak in these other languages
  • Not Paul – All that guy knows is Greek
• Paul reveals that he speaks in these languages more than all of them
  • They don’t know it – Because it’s not at church
  • But I do this all the time
• But in the church he would rather speak 5 intelligible words
  • Jesus is Messiah and God
  • Over 10,000 in another language
    • That word in Greek – It means the HIGHEST number

Paul’s saying: I speak in these languages & its important part of life

• But not at the weekly gather b/c its no help to the church
  • I’d rather teach or prophecy
• I’m with Paul here… and the Bible
  • So I do this – Speak in these other languages
    • When I’m praying
    • When something is intense
    • When I need quick discernment
  • It is an important part of my life
    • I don’t do it here on Sunday Mornings from the stage
    • I just don’t believe it would be helpful to you
    • Hopefully what I’m doing is helpful
• But still it is a beautiful thing – I’m all for it and so is Paul

And I believe it can be hugely useful in our lives

• There are times when I feel spiritually empty or down
  • It will build me up… when I tore my knee
  • Ask the guys there – Just started praying in tongues
• There are times I don’t know or run out of things to pray
  • Situation complex or confusing or grey (not black/white)
  • Know something is broke – No clue how to pray to fix it
    • In a moment like that to just pray in these languages

Rom. 8:26-27 (NLT)

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. (Spirit just jumps in and picks up for us)

So to sum up as we read through the text

• These other languages are one of the Pnumatikos (stuff Spirit does)
  • So don’t forbid what the Spirit does – That light sounds awful
    • Sadly that is what many people do
    • One church – I hope you aren’t getting into all that stuff
• But at the same time (although we r all for it) wish it for everyone
  • When it comes to the weekly gathering
  • It isn’t usually the best place
  • But depending on the time and situation it can be okay
    • Just don’t get all weird and out of control

1 Cor 14:39-40

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Step back what does it all mean: Phoenix – Here & now

1^st (obviously) we are to eagerly desire all the stuff Spirit does

• Paul keeps saying that over and over

1 Cor 12:31 – Eagerly desire the greater gifts

1 Cor 14:1 – Eagerly desire what the Spirit does

1 Cor 14:12 – Sense you are eager for the gifts, focus on those that build up

1 Cor 14:39 – Be eager to prophecy and don’t forbid speaking in tongues

• This is a command in the text (Not a suggestion)
  • We are to eagerly desire, want, pray for, step out in all the stuff
    • Prophecy / Healing / Words of Wisdom
    • Knowledge / Distinguishing between Spirits
      • All of it is to be eagerly desired
  • All of this is open to you – If you follow Jesus

2^nd Who is it for – If this something Spirit does to usher in Gods Kingdom

• One – It is for you
  • Paul says multiple times this edifies you as the one praying
  • It literally will build you up – or strengthen you
• Second it is for the others specifically in prayer if appropriate
  • If it is interpreted

Where are we at with all of this

Most of us are in 1 of 3 places with this

• Some of us are closed – This is weird and too far out there
  • Paul speaks to you as follower of Jesus: Eagerly desire this
• Others r “Open but cautious” – Really means your closed (honestly)
  • But u know its in the Bible so you can’t say you’re closed
  • Paul says to Eagerly desire all that God has for you
  • Especially prophecy – but also these other languages
• Then there r those who are all in – I want it/maybe don’t know how
  • Unfortunately there isn’t a “How to” anywhere in the Bible

Here is what I would say to start with

• 1: Create space – Get away/take a hike/before bed/In ur room
  • Even today during worship
  • Take time to set aside and focus on what H.S. wants to do
• 2: Ask God
  • God I am asking for this manifestation of the Spirit
  • So I can praise you in this way – Just ask
• 3: Then just try it
  • Worse case – You just stay there quiet
  • Not a huge risk
• 4: And finally I would say practice (could be off/not in scripture)
  • In my experience its just like a language
  • Start with a word or phrase > sentence > prayer

And if this is something you have been trying for months/years but can’t

• Maybe u feel guilt/doubt/frustration about it
  • You need to know its ok
  • You are no less spiritual than anyone who does
  • You are no less filled with the Spirit
• Paul writes clearly in chapter 12 – When it comes to manifestations
  • God distributes them to each one as he wills
  • It’s not up to you – It’s not a superpower that you have
  • All that is up to you
    • Create space.. ask… give it a shot
• Whether God does this in ur life is up to God – So don’t stress it
  • If its been something you have been walking through
    • I would say just don’t stop praying for it
    • If you want it – It’s in line with the scriptures
    • Just don’t stop praying – But don’t find identity in it either

As for the where to – How we read 1 Cor. 14 (Context on where to pray)

1: In private – As much as you want – The more the better like Paul

• In time alone – You / Jesus / Bibe

2: In times of worship by singing

• Paul talks about singing in the Spirit – Ok in a worship service

3: In times of intense prayer

• Paul never says he only uses this language in private
  • He says I don’t do it in the weekly gathering
  • There are times I am praying over someone – Intense
    • Praying for healing/freedom/direction

4: In the weekend gatherings (if u have someone to interpret)

• • And in all honestly this is something we need to figure out
  • I don’t know what Paul would say to 2018 church of couple 100
    • He is writing to a house church meeting in open courtyard
    • I don’t know what Paul would say
  • But I do know it takes a maturity many don’t get to
    • We might not be there – But not closed off to it
    • Paul says not to forbid it – But it must be w/ interpretation

So again – We all want to be open to what God wants to do

• We all agree we are here to continue the work Jesus started
  • And we all know we are dependent on God to work thru us
  • So let him – And desire all He wants to give u
    • So you are well equipped to succeed