1Co 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: Today we will look briefly at the last two gifts of the nine gifts of the Spirit set forth in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. Remembering that these are gifts of the Spirit of God to the church reminds us that they are supernatural gifts given as the Spirit wills.
These two gifts, diverse kinds of tongues and the interpretation of tongues operate together. When one is used by the Spirit of God to speak forth a message in tongues, it is supernatural in that the speaker does not know the language in which he is speaking. It comes through and by the Holy Spirit. This necessitates an interpretation. This is also supernatural in that the interpreter does not know the language of that which has just been spoken by the one who has given the message.
Whether God, by the Holy Spirit is speaking to the whole assembly or to only one person it sets forth a couple of things of extreme importance. First, the Holy Spirit is imparting something formerly unknown to the one to whom it is addressed. Secondly, it is evidence that the Spirit of God is aware of something special and makes His presence known to address the situation. This should be both encouraging and enlightening to those present. Just think how awesome this is. Almighty God, by the Holy Spirit is there, speaking, making His presence known. No wonder the devil tries so hard to say it is something that only occurred 2000 years ago and God does not do that anymore. Where is scriptural evidence to support that point of view? There isn’t any. It is man’s opinion or theology and it is not Biblical.
We may not understand but after all, God’s ways are higher than our ways and He doesn’t change. Instead of skepticism and doubts there should be rejoicing and thanksgiving that God has made Himself known and is speaking to us through someone He chooses. The language He uses could be an earthly language such as Russian or German or it might be a heavenly language. That is not important. The important thing is that the speaker does not know the language he is speaking and the interpreter does not know the language he is hearing and interpreting. Interesting? Oh, so much more. It is a supernatural impartation given by the Spirit of God for our benefit. 1Co 12:7 says “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” Search it out for yourself. God’s Word is true!
Maranatha!
