Gift Of Speaking In Tongues# Zac Poonen

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in one's native language before seeking the gift of speaking in tongues. They caution against the prevalence of fake tongues, urging listeners not to be deceived by meaningless babble. Genuine tongues, according to the speaker, are a true language meant for praising God privately rather than showing off publicly. The speaker shares a personal experience of using tongues as a private, heartfelt form of communication with God, rather than a public display.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Many people seek the gift of speaking in unknown tongues, but its purpose is to praise God.
• 💬 If you're not praising God in your mother tongue, there's no reason for Him to give you another tongue.
• 🗣️ Complaining and grumbling instead of praising God in your own language diminishes the need for a new language.
• 🔍 95% of people who speak in tongues might be faking it, just babbling without meaning.
• 🚫 Babbling in tongues without genuine intent is seen as an insult to God.
• 🗣️ Genuine tongues are a language, not meaningless sounds.
• 🙌 True praise in tongues comes from a deep longing to praise God beyond the limitations of one's own language.
• 💒 Speaking in tongues is more about personal, private praise rather than showing off in public.
• 🤫 The gift of tongues may be used in private worship and not necessarily in public settings.
• 💖 Speaking in tongues can be a precious, intimate language between the individual and God.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of speaking in unknown tongues according to the script?

The primary purpose of speaking in unknown tongues is to praise God. It is seen as a way of expressing one's deep devotion and love for God.

Why does the speaker suggest that God might not give someone the gift of tongues?

The speaker suggests that God might not give someone the gift of tongues if they are not already praising and thanking Him in their native language. If someone is mostly complaining or grumbling instead of praising God, they may not receive the gift.

What does the speaker say about the authenticity of people speaking in tongues in Pentecostal churches?

The speaker claims that 95% of people speaking in tongues in Pentecostal churches are fake, simply babbling like a baby. They suggest that much of what is heard is not genuine and is an insult to God.

How does the speaker describe genuine tongues?

Genuine tongues are described as a real language that is used to praise God. The speaker emphasizes that it should be a meaningful form of communication, not just babbling.

What is the speaker’s personal experience with speaking in tongues?

The speaker mentions that they do speak in tongues, but they do so in private as a precious love language between themselves and God. They do not use it in public.

What advice does the speaker give to those who desire the gift of tongues?

The speaker advises that those who desire the gift of tongues should first focus on genuinely praising God in their own language. If they truly long to praise God from their heart, they might then receive the gift of tongues.

How does the speaker differentiate between using tongues in private versus public settings?

The speaker believes that tongues are primarily for private use, as a personal form of communication with God. They suggest that it should not be used to show off or join a 'club.'

Why does the speaker reference the Apostle Paul in relation to speaking in tongues?

The speaker references Paul to emphasize that it is better to speak in a known language in church, as Paul himself said he would rather do. However, the speaker also notes that Paul was grateful to speak in tongues more than others, likely in private.

What does the speaker suggest is the wrong motivation for seeking the gift of tongues?

The wrong motivation for seeking the gift of tongues is to show off or to feel like part of an exclusive group. The speaker argues that the gift should be sought out of a genuine desire to praise God.

What does the speaker imply about the nature of the relationship between a person and God when speaking in tongues?

The speaker implies that speaking in tongues is a personal and intimate form of communication with God, akin to a love language between a person and their 'bridegroom' (God).