Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth—Scripture teaches that true maturity comes not from merely hearing God’s Word, but by acting on it, stirring up the gifts of the Spirit, and building our lives on Christ’s teachings rather than tradition. Singing and praying in tongues is a vital part of New Testament church life, helping believers penetrate God’s will, experience spiritual refreshing, and grow in faith, love, and spiritual power.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Audio
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Scriptures used in this lesson:
Acts 3:19-21, Hebrews 1:13, Romans 16:19-20, Hebrews 10:12-13, Ephesians 4:11-13, 2 Timothy 1:6, 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, 1 Corinthians 14:18, 1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians 14:39, Romans 8:26, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20-21,
Before Christ’s Return
Acts 3:19-21
19 “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;
20 and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you,
21 whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time.
Do we genuinely want to build our lives on the teachings of Jesus Christ? The Bible describes two types of people: those who hear but do not act, and those who build their lives on Jesus’ words. Building on the doctrines of men will not withstand life’s storms, while building on Jesus’ teachings will. We must prioritize God’s Word over traditions or opinions, even those from family, if they contradict scripture.
Everyone will face adversity, not just during the end times, but also in personal trials. Acts 3:19-20 highlights that times of spiritual refreshing come through repentance. Biblical repentance is not just feeling sorrow for sins, but involves a change of mind, turning away from religious traditions and false doctrines to embrace the teachings of Jesus. This repentance is necessary for spiritual renewal.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
According to Acts 3:21, heaven must retain Jesus until the restoration of all things spoken by the prophets. Before Jesus returns, there must be a restoration and change in beliefs, churches, and the world. The belief that Jesus will rapture believers to rescue them from difficulties is unbiblical and harmful. The restoration must happen first.
Church history reveals that the Lord is restoring His church. The Dark Ages led to widespread ignorance of scripture, primarily due to illiteracy and a reliance on church authorities. Martin Luther, in restoring the truth of justification by faith, marked a move away from works-based salvation. Some subsequent restorations include the Anabaptist emphasis on baptism, healing movements, the Pentecostal outpouring in the 1900s, and charismatic renewals in the 1960s and 1970s. Each period brought new truths and practices back to the church.
Today, God is restoring the confidence of believers to minister and to speak God’s Word. Prophecy serves others by communicating God’s thoughts through willing vessels. This is the present truth God is restoring now, and it must be in place before Christ’s return. I do believe in the rapture, but I teach it occurs at the resurrection on the last day, not before a period of tribulation. The restoration of all things must happen before the resurrection and return of Christ.
We cannot wait for God to act while ignoring the responsibility to change and restore truth in our own lives. God is waiting for believers to act, not the other way around, and encourages immediate engagement with scripture and spiritual restoration.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Will Not Return “Until”
Hebrews 1:13
But to which of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET”?
Jesus will remain in heaven until there is a restoration or restitution of all things. Misunderstanding this leads to living under a false belief, specifically the idea of an imminent rapture that will suddenly remove believers from their problems. This belief is not biblical and is instead a doctrine promoted by demons to distract people from living rightly.
An “any minute rapture” attitude results in neglecting responsibilities such as managing debt, loving family, and raising children properly. The Bible calls for believers to overcome challenges, rather than simply waiting for deliverance. The phrase “he that overcometh” is highlighted as the proper biblical standard, rather than “he that is raptured.”
The reference to Hebrews 1:13, where Jesus is told to sit at God’s right hand until his enemies are made his footstool, is about Jesus’ authority over angels and the process of overcoming evil.
This connects to Romans 16:19, which says that God will soon put Satan under the feet of believers.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Romans 16:19-20
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
The call is for believers to actively pursue good and resist evil, as there is a period of “until” where believers must act. The responsibility is on believers to rise up, overcome, and conquer, with the Christ within them giving them the strength to do so.
Hebrews 10:12-13
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
Let’s look at Hebrews chapter 10, starting at verse 12. Here, I see that Jesus offered one sacrifice for sins for all people. After that, he sat down. I want to focus on that—he sat down. What does it mean? It means his work was finished. He is not still working; he is sitting down.
Jesus sat down at the right hand of God. What is he doing there? He is waiting. The NASB Bible says he is waiting. The King James Bible says he is expecting. From that time onward, or as King James says, from henceforth, he is expecting until his enemies become his footstool.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
How long will Jesus sit there? Until. That word “until” is important. We need to pay attention to the “untils” in scripture. There is an “until” that we must understand and incorporate into our thinking. Jesus said, “He that endures until the end shall be saved.” So, I need to have this sense of “untilness” in my life.
My job is to find and do the will of God for my life. Jesus never told us the day or the hour. He said no one knows. But he did say I can know the season. First Thessalonians 5:1 says I can understand the times and know when it is close.
We need to internalize this truth. The main point of scripture is to overcome and to make his enemies his footstool. Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God, waiting until that happens. That is what we need to remember and live out.
Ephesians 4:11-13
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Ephesians 4:11 explains that God gave gifts to people—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their purpose is to build up believers, help them mature, and prepare them to minister to others. The goal is not just for leaders to serve, but for all believers to grow and serve as well. Many churches focus on programs and entertainment, but the real emphasis should be on maturing believers and helping them reach the fullness of Christ.
The passage says these leaders will continue their work “until” the church reaches unity in faith and knowledge of Jesus. This process continues until the restoration of all things, or until Jesus returns. The church is being perfected, moving toward the measure and stature of Christ. Believers are called to grow from glory to glory, faith to faith, and strength to strength. This means becoming more like Jesus in spirit and character, not just in outward actions.
Growth is a process that involves change and sometimes discomfort. Just as children experience growing pains, believers must go through spiritual growing pains. This discomfort is necessary for real growth. God expects believers to make mistakes along the way, just as children do while learning. Mistakes are part of the journey toward maturity, and leaders should encourage believers to step out and try, even if they fail.
The message challenges believers not to remain passive or comfortable. Instead, they should actively seek growth, purify themselves from wrong teachings, and embrace the process of becoming like Christ. God wants His children to grow, mature, and serve, not stay spiritual infants. The church is called to move beyond comfort and into the fullness of Christ, even if that means making mistakes and learning from them along the way.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
2 Timothy 1:6
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
God does not force spiritual growth or experiences upon people. Instead, individuals are responsible for seeking and stirring up the gifts God has given them. Using the example of a baby isolated from human interaction, growth requires an environment and personal effort. Just as a baby cannot learn to speak without exposure, believers must actively engage with the Holy Spirit to develop spiritually.
It is up to each person to “stir up the gift of God” within themselves. God will not intervene with dramatic signs, like a lightning bolt from heaven. Instead, believers must take initiative. The Holy Spirit already dwells within, and it is the individual’s responsibility to activate and nurture that gift. The idea that God alone is responsible for spiritual awakening is not accurate. Personal action is necessary.
There are obstacles to spiritual growth, particularly fear. Fear of making mistakes, fear of others’ opinions, and fear of rejection can prevent people from moving in the Spirit, speaking in tongues, or embracing spiritual gifts. However, Paul’s message to Timothy is clear: God has not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Anything else comes from the flesh or the devil, not from God.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Practical Steps For Spiritual Growth
First, believers must be convinced of God’s will for their lives and the church. Knowing God’s will provides confidence and resilience against outside opinions and doctrines.
Secondly, the speaker highlights the importance of praying and singing in the Spirit, especially in tongues. Engaging in spiritual prayer and worship is essential for activating and sustaining spiritual gifts. Without this practice, believers will not progress or experience the fullness of what God has for them. Those who are hesitant should remain open and observe, hoping to eventually adopt these practices.
We each have a personal responsibility in spiritual growth. Believers must overcome fear, understand God’s will, and actively engage in spiritual practices like praying and singing in tongues. Only then can they fully experience and activate the gifts of the Holy Spirit within them.
Speaking And Praying In Tongues
1 Corinthians 14:1-2
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.
2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
1 Corinthians 14:14-15
14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
1 Corinthians 14:18
18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
1 Corinthians 14:26
26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:39
39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, we begin addressing the topic of speaking in tongues. Many people are uncomfortable with this subject because of various doctrines that have influenced the church. The speaker emphasizes that the Bible encourages believers to be zealous for spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. Paul, the apostle, teaches that spiritual gifts, including tongues, should be desired and pursued, not avoided.
However, we should be praying with understanding and praying with the Spirit, i.e., in tongues.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Love is foundational. The first commandment is to love God, and the second is to love people. All other commandments depend on these. The Bible instructs believers to follow after love and to be eager for spiritual gifts. Among these gifts, prophecy is highlighted as especially important because it allows believers to minister to others directly.
Speaking in tongues is explained as a form of communication with God, not with people. When someone speaks in tongues, they are speaking mysteries to God that others do not understand. The devil and human traditions discourage speaking in tongues because it is a direct line to God. Paul’s instructions clarify that tongues are meant for God, not for men.
The act of speaking or praying in tongues is a spiritual activity. When a person prays in tongues, it is their spirit that prays, not their mind. The mind remains unproductive or “barren” during this time. This means the conversation is between the believer’s spirit and God, with the flesh excluded. This is a blessing that many miss because they are not willing to engage their will to pray or sing in tongues.
Praying in tongues is an act of the will, just like praying or singing with understanding. Believers can choose to pray or sing in tongues at any time. Paul provides a model for prayer and praise, using both tongues and understanding. The speaker encourages believers to imitate Paul’s example and not be ashamed of spiritual gifts.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Tongues also change how believers view spiritual gifts. Praying in tongues publicly removes shame and encourages boldness in using other gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and words of knowledge. Paul boasts about praying in tongues more than others, suggesting that this should be a goal for the church.
Tongues are meant to be part of regular New Testament church services. The idea that tongues were only for the early church is not found in the Scriptures. There is no biblical evidence to suggest that the practice was intended to cease at a specific time. Tongues should be as integral to church life as teaching, prayer, and revelation.
It is forbidden by God to stop people from speaking in tongues. Paul commands believers not to forbid speaking in tongues or prophesying. To do so would be to go against the Word of God. The speaker warns against building life and doctrine on lies that limit what God has commanded.
Romans 8:26
26 And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
Romans 8:26 explains that the Spirit of God helps us with our infirmities. He is interceding in prayer for us. The word “infirmities” originates from a Greek term meaning feebleness of body or mind, frailty, or malady. These are weaknesses or conditions that affect our normal bodily functions and can cause us to feel tired or weak. The passage teaches that we can overcome these frailties by immersing ourselves in the Spirit.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
The Spirit not only helps us with minor weaknesses but also with bigger, more serious problems. The Spirit intercedes for us, especially when we do not know how to pray as we should. The purest form of prayer from our spirit is praying in tongues. This is how the Spirit prays through us, often with groanings too deep for words.
When people are sick or facing difficulties, praying in tongues allows us to pray the direct will of God. Even when we do not know the specific problem, God knows. By praying in the Spirit, we allow our spirit to communicate directly with God, without interference from our flesh. This is a powerful way to pray for ourselves and others, trusting that the Spirit knows exactly what is needed.
Praying In The Spirit Is Warfare
Ephesians 6:18
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Praying in the Spirit is an aspect of the armor of God that enables us to engage in spiritual warfare. Paul teaches that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Instead, we wrestle with principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. He instructs believers to put on the whole armor of God. This includes items such as the breastplate and shoes, which serve as spiritual protections.
After putting on the armor, Paul says to pray in the Spirit. He himself prayed both in the Spirit and with understanding. Praying in the Spirit, especially in tongues, is a form of spiritual warfare. It is how believers fight against spiritual forces.
The devil does not want believers to pray in the Spirit. He spreads false teachings to discourage it. Some are even convinced that praying in tongues is wrong or evil. This is to prevent believers from engaging in spiritual warfare. Praying in the Spirit is one of the main ways to battle against the enemy.
Builds Us Up in Love and Faith
Jude 1:20-21
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to
eternal life.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Praying in the Spirit helps us build ourselves up in faith and love. Jude 20 says believers should build themselves up on their most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost. This practice reinforces our beliefs and strengthens our faith. Building our faith by praying in tongues is powerful.
When we pray in the Holy Ghost, it also helps us stay in love. Even if we feel angry or frustrated with others, praying in the Spirit can soften our hearts. As we pray, God starts to speak to us, and we begin to feel love and mercy instead of anger.
Praying in the Spirit opens a line of communication with God. It helps us see situations differently and often leads us to apologize or forgive. This way, we keep ourselves in the love of God and become more merciful. As we show mercy, God promises to give us mercy in return.
Praying for and ministering to people brings strength and encouragement. When you pray for others and show love, a power is stirred up inside you. This keeps you built up spiritually. Even if you feel frustrated or upset, ministering to others can change your attitude. As you serve, love begins to flow, and spiritual gifts are stirred up within you.
Sometimes, even after disagreements or anger, ministering to others brings healing and blessing. Prophetic words and acts of kindness can come from deep within, no matter the earlier mood. This shows that serving others can shift your perspective and bring God’s presence into the situation.
Praying In Tongues: How to Mature in Spiritual Growth
Sing And Praising In The Spirit, i.e., Tongues
Praise is also powerful. Paul and Silas praised God while in prison, even in difficult and dirty conditions. They prayed and sang in the Spirit. As a result, an earthquake came and set them free. Praise and singing in the Spirit can break chains and bring freedom, not just for you but for those around you. When you are in bondage or facing problems, praising God can change everything and release His power.
Praying In Tongues Audio
Other Related Sermons:
What Does Praying In The Spirit Mean? notes
Come Holy Spirit but Why Tongues?
Heart Of David – Service To Saul audio
Did Jesus Plan His Easter Service
Holy Ghost and Scriptural Tongues 3
Also see: