Speaking in tongues is a gift that every believer in Christ must manifest in, the moment they believe in their heart that Jesus died for their sins, and confessed with their mouth that He is their Lord and Savior. However, this gift of speaking in tongues can be hindered, and that’s what we’ll be speculating about in this blog.
What hinders speaking in tongues?
You might have found yourself asking this question, “If tongues speaking is for believers, why can’t I speak in tongues?” Speaking in tongues is a gift of the spirit accessible to everyone who has the Spirit of God inside of them – because they believed in the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13).
Nevertheless, not all people who claimed to have believed in Jesus Christ, are manifesting the gift of speaking in tongues today because of one thing or the other. Take a look at some of the things that hinder speaking in tongues.
1. Walking in unbelief.
Not believing what the word of God says about you can result in you living less of the life that God has given to you. Mark 16: 17 says miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will drive out demons in the power of my name. They will speak in tongues.
Part of the signs that Jesus says will follow those who believe in the gospel is that they will speak in tongues.
You need to take Jesus’ word for His word; He never tells lies. You must believe that you have been given the ability to speak in tongues because you believe in Christ – it is a distinguishing factor that set you apart from the unbelievers.
Stop walking in unbelief and start believing what God has done for you in Christ.
2. Unwilling Heart
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 12: 7, “The manifestation of the Spirit (outward display of the Spirit of God) is given to every man to profit others”. That is to say that, the Holy Spirit won’t force you to give expression to His ability and gifts within you.
He won’t possess you as an evil spirit would, just to show Himself.
The demonstration of the gifts of the Spirit is dependent on the willingness of man. If you don’t put to use the things you have, they’ll be of no use. Likewise, the ability to speak in tongues. It has been given to you, not to hoard it, but to use it.
Therefore, give expression to the deposit of God’s Spirit within you today by opening your mouth to allow the Holy Spirit to have a free flow in you.
What does it mean to speak in tongues?
To speak in tongues means to communicate in the language of the spirit, inspired by the Spirit of God and not a known language. It’s a form of prayer and a way of relating with God, who is a spirit.
1 Corinthians 14: 2 says, When someone speaks in tongues, no one understands a word he says because he’s not speaking to people, but to God—he is speaking intimate mysteries in the Spirit.
Speaking in tongues is a testimony of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and the proof of the indwelling Spirit. You’ll see that right before the advent of Jesus Christ, there is nowhere in the Bible that it was recorded that people were gathered and began to speak in tongues.
We’ve seen places in the Scriptures where the sick were healed, lepers were cleansed. And men give prophecies and do mighty things as the Holy Spirit came upon them. We’ve also seen instances where dry bones formed together to become a new living mortal, but not speaking in tongues.
It was after the resurrection of Jesus Christ that the Apostles received the infilling of the Spirit of God, and it was evident as they all spoke in tongues. According to Acts 2: 4, they were all filled and equipped with the Holy Spirit and were inspired to speak in tongues—empowered by the Spirit to speak in languages they had never learned!
What happens when you speak in tongues?
When a man speaks in tongues, he positions himself to receive instructions and guidance from the spirit of God. Remember, I mentioned that tongue-speaking is a way of communicating with God in the spirit. Hence, when you pray in tongues, your spiritual senses are heightened, and it creates around you an ambience pruned to the signals of God.
Is every Christian supposed to speak in tongues?
We saw in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended. He didn’t just come upon a few of those who were gathered in the upper room but upon ALL of them, and they all spoke in tongues. So, yes, every believer is EXPECTED to speak in tongues.
Can I speak in tongues anytime?
Yes, you can. When you pray, it is God you’re praying to. And God is everywhere and can be reached anywhere at any time. Thus, speaking in tongues is not time-bound.
What is the purpose of speaking in tongues?
1 Corinthians 14: 4 says, “The one who speaks in tongues advances his spiritual progress”. Therefore, the purpose of speaking in tongues is to build yourself up and advance in faith. (See Jude 1: 20)
What are the benefits of speaking in tongues?
There are numerous benefits when a man speaks in tongues, and part of those advantages are;
- You are privileged to know things that are hidden from the natural man (1 Corinthians 2: 10-12)
- You build yourself up in your most holy faith (Jude 1: 20)
- You can speak directly with God and also hear Him speak back to you. (1 Corinthians 14: 2)
- You can know God’s plan and what the next phase of your life is when you pray in tongues. (Acts 13: 2-5)
Conclusion
As a believer in Christ, do not despise speaking in tongues; this gift has been given unto you to benefit you and other people. Avoid unbelief and unwillingness to put it to use. Do not let them hinder you.
