Speaking in Tongues: Humility and Promotion
James 4:5-7; Isaiah 28:11-13 Amplified Classic; 1 Corinthians 14:21
In this article, we explore the often misunderstood spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, specifically how it aligns with humility, divine teaching, and the release of God’s grace. Using 1 Corinthians 14:20-21, Isaiah 28:10-12 (Amplified Classic), James 4:5-7, and Acts 7:51, we delve into why speaking in tongues is a humble submission to God’s unique way of instructing us in the New Covenant. This practice opens the door to deeper grace, strength, and victory over the enemy.
1. Humbling Ourselves to God’s Way of Teaching
In 1 Corinthians 14:20-21, Paul encourages the Corinthians to approach God with humility, like children, open to His unique method of teaching. He warns against intellectual pride, pointing out that God often uses unconventional methods to instruct His people:
"Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: ‘With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,’ says the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 14:20-21
Here, Paul emphasizes that God’s way of speaking to His people through tongues is not designed to satisfy human reasoning. Instead, it’s a way of teaching that requires humility and a willingness to bypass intellectual pride. This approach to communication teaches believers to rely on God’s wisdom rather than their understanding, leading to a deeper relationship with Him.
Isaiah also prophesies about this unusual method of divine teaching. In Isaiah 28:10-12, we see God foretelling a way of instruction that may seem strange, even “humiliating,” in the eyes of the world:
"For it is: precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little. No, but [the Lord will teach the rebels in a more humiliating way] by men with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people, says the Lord. To these complaining Jews the Lord had said, ‘This is the true rest [the way to true comfort and happiness] that you shall give to the weary, and this is the [true] refreshing’; yet they would not listen [to His teaching]." — Isaiah 28:10-12, Amplified Classic
By embracing this “stammering lips” method—speaking in tongues—we humble ourselves, receiving God’s guidance in a way that our human pride would likely resist. We are encouraged to move away from conventional approaches, embracing God’s choice to work through “weaknesses” that lead us to genuine rest and refreshing.
2. Yielding to More Grace by Welcoming the Holy Spirit
In James 4:5-7, we read about the passionate desire God has for the Spirit He has placed within us, promising that He gives grace to the humble:
"Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, ‘The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously’? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:5-7
This passage reminds us that God’s Spirit longs to work within us, leading us into a deeper intimacy and alignment with His wisdom. Speaking in tongues is a unique way to welcome and yield to the Holy Spirit, enabling Him to operate powerfully in our lives. When we pray in tongues, we open ourselves to this grace by submitting to God’s chosen method for instructing and fortifying us, tapping into strength and wisdom that go beyond human understanding.
As we yield to this practice, we actively resist the enemy. Speaking in tongues becomes a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare, allowing the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf in ways our minds may not comprehend. Embracing this gift deepens our dependence on God and strengthens our relationship with the Spirit, building a foundation that makes resisting the devil not only possible but victorious.
3. Divine Promotion through Submission
In Acts 7:51, we’re given a sobering reminder of the consequences of resisting the Holy Spirit. Stephen, addressing the Sanhedrin, expresses God’s heartache over those who resist the Spirit’s guidance:
"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you." — Acts 7:51
Too often, believers resist the Spirit, clinging instead to human reasoning or familiar religious practices. This resistance to the Holy Spirit can limit the depth of relationship and empowerment God intends for us. Divine promotion comes to those who are humble enough to accept God’s way of teaching and to honor His Spirit’s leading, even when it doesn’t align with human expectations.
For believers willing to be instructed by God through speaking in tongues, a pathway to spiritual promotion opens. By embracing the simplicity of speaking in tongues, we allow the Holy Spirit to take us into new depths of wisdom, anointing, and influence within His Kingdom. Humility becomes the door to God’s favor, transforming us from within and positioning us for greater effectiveness in His work.
4. Practical Application: Submitting to God and Resisting the Devil through Tongues
In James 4:7, we are called to “submit to God” and “resist the devil,” and one way to actively do this is by embracing speaking in tongues. Praying in tongues may feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable, but it’s an act of submission to God’s authority and wisdom. In speaking in tongues, we say, “Lord, I yield my words, my mind, and my understanding to You.”
"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." — James 4:7
This act of submission invites God’s protection and power, fortifying us against the enemy’s schemes. When we submit in this way, we align ourselves with God’s Spirit, drawing strength and discernment that come only through the Spirit’s guidance. Unfortunately, many resist this practice, unwittingly yielding to the enemy and forfeiting the blessings and protection that speaking in tongues provides.
Key Takeaways
Tongues as Humility: Speaking in tongues is a humbling practice, where we adopt a childlike posture to receive from God on His terms.
Grace for the Humble: Those who yield to the Holy Spirit through tongues open the door to more grace, allowing God to move powerfully within them.
Divine Promotion: God elevates those willing to learn His way, through tongues, into greater influence and spiritual authority.
Resisting the Devil: Praying in tongues enables us to resist the devil by aligning our hearts with God’s Spirit, fortifying us against the enemy.
Welcoming the Holy Spirit: By speaking in tongues, we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit’s work, cultivating intimacy and drawing upon His wisdom and strength.
God’s method of speaking in tongues may seem humbling, even uncomfortable, but it’s through this very practice that we experience His grace, protection, and divine promotion. As we submit to this powerful gift, we align with God’s will, inviting deeper intimacy and spiritual victory. Embracing speaking in tongues opens a pathway to a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit and leads to a life marked by God’s wisdom, favor, and grace.