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The Importance of Interpreting Tongues

I do believe it's vastly underemphasized, at least among God's people in America, as to the importance of the gift of INTERPRETING tongues as well as speaking in tongues since to me, it's a tangible example of testing the spirits.  Typically, I hear a lot more of speaking in tongues, but not nearly as much about interpreting what those tongues mean in the light of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God (in fact, I've only seen interpreting of tongues once, on some TBN program a few years ago).  I remind us that the interpretation of tongues is mentioned as one of the 9 gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, but why do we as God's people not seem to recognize this gift like we do the others?  Let me demonstrate this point with the following verses:

1 Corinthians 14 (NASB):

2 For one who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one understands, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries.
4 One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself...
5 Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying.
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching?
7 Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp?
8 For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle?
9 So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air.
12 So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.
13 Therefore let one who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
15 What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.
18 I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all;
19 however, in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.
26 (What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation Let all things be done for edification.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret;
28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues.
40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner."

Although I realize the context of that chapter largely emphasized the greater importance on prophesy as opposed to speaking the tongues (not to diminish the importance of those verses in 1 Corinthians 14 on prophecy by any means), I edited it for the sake of this post.

Blessings,
Shaun



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"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that  which is good, and acceptable, and perfect." -Romans 12:2

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