Exposition

The ministry of tongues is for self-edification. Paul shares with us that, when we speak with other tongues, we are building up and strengthening our inner man according to 1 Corinthians 14:4. From this verse, we can deduce that the ministry of tongues is very necessary because:

● He that speaks in tongues builds himself up.

● He that speaks in tongues helps himself.

● He that speaks in tongues edifies himself.

● It is one great means of receiving strength in prayer.

We must readily agree that we all are in need of anything that will build us up, and cause us to be made stronger and edified in the Lord. This is what the ministry of tongues does in the life of the Spirit-filled believer. The Christians who have learned to yield his spirit to the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit have found a sure way to edify themselves. Today, God’s people are going through various forms of pressure. Sin is abounding on every side. We see so very much that depresses and discourages us in our pilgrim’s walk. But God’s Word assures us, “He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself”.

Knowing the joy of building yourself up in the Holy Ghost would enable you to yearn for this experience. Scripture exhorts us in Jude 20 to build up ourselves on the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. There is no experience sweeter than being edified in the Holy Spirit. There is nothing in our worship and praise that is anymore wonderful; there is nothing that satisfies completely more than the privilege of building ourselves up with the ministry of tongues. I want to suggest that you converse with one of God’s children who has enjoyed this wonderful experience. Everyone, without exception, will testify that the ministry of tongues is a sure means of edifying themselves. It is a source of strength, a means of worship, and it is a source of liberty in the Holy Ghost that nothing else can produce.