GIFTS, MANIFESTATIONS AND TONGUES
Moving from Exhibitionism to Maturity in Christ
INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLICAL PURPOSE OF SPEAKING AND TONGUES AND THE GIFTS
The subject of spiritual gifts, especially the manifestation of tongues, has been one of the most discussed and often misunderstood areas within the Body of Christ. While the gifts of the Spirit are powerful expressions of God’s grace and activity among His people, Scripture reveals that these gifts were never intended to create confusion, disorder, spiritual pride, or exhibitionism. Rather, they were given for edification, maturity, and the strengthening of the church.
1 Corinthians 14:20 NKJV says:
“Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.”
Spiritual maturity is not measured by how dramatic a gift appears, but by how wisely and responsibly it is used.
THE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS AND TONGUES
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NKJV declares:
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”
The gifts of the Spirit were given for the profit of all and not for personal glorification. Spiritual gifts must strengthen the Body of Christ and bring believers into greater maturity and understanding.
THE MORE EXCELLENT WAY OF USING THE GIFTS
1 Corinthians 12:31 NKJV says:
“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”
1 Corinthians 13:1 NKJV declares:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.”
The church must understand that gifts without character become noise.
Manifestation without maturity becomes dangerous. Power without love produces confusion and spiritual pride.
THE THREE DIMENSIONS OF TONGUES
Tongues as a Sign to Unbelievers
Mark 16:17 NKJV states:
“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues.”
1 Corinthians 14:22 NKJV confirms:
“Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.”
Tongues Requiring Interpretation
1 Corinthians 14:27-28 NKJV says:
“If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or three at the most, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.”
Personal Devotional Tongues
1 Corinthians 14:4 NKJV declares:
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
1 Corinthians 14:14-15 NKJV says:
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
THE DANGER OF EXHIBITIONISM THROUGH THE USE OF TONGUES AND GIFTS
1 Corinthians 14:18-19 NKJV says:
“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
The priority of the church gathering is understanding, instruction, and edification. When spiritual gifts become theatrical displays, they create confusion instead of clarity.
1 Corinthians 14:23 NKJV warns:
“Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?”
THE SHIFT FROM A GIFT-CENTERED CHURCH TO A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH
The apostolic season is shifting the church away from being gift-centered toward becoming Christ-centered. Maturity is not found merely in
manifestations, but in the nature and character of Christ being formed within believers.
Ephesians 5:18-21 NKJV says:
“And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
WISDOM AS THE PRINCIPAL THING
Proverbs 4:7 NKJV says:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
Tongues may edify the individual, but wisdom builds the house.
Proverbs 24:3 NKJV declares:
“Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established.”
A believer may speak in tongues and still lack discernment, maturity, self-control, wisdom, or sound judgment. The true mark of maturity is Christlikeness.
MATURITY: THE PRESENT DEMAND OF GOD
Ephesians 4:13 NKJV says:
“Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
The goal of God is not merely gifted believers, but mature sons who reflect His nature and character.
THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST ABOVE MANIFESTATION
Jesus said in John 13:35 NKJV:
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The greatest evidence of spiritual maturity is not the public display of gifts, but the manifestation of love, wisdom, humility, righteousness, holiness, faithfulness, and Christlike character.
CONCLUSION
Paul was not forbidding tongues. In 1 Corinthians 14:39 NKJV, he wrote:
“Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”
However, Paul consistently elevated understanding, maturity, wisdom, and edification above spiritual exhibitionism.
The church must move beyond childish fascination with manifestations and pursue the deeper call of sonship, maturity, wisdom, and Christlikeness. Spiritual gifts remain important, but they must function within divine order and understanding.
The ultimate goal of the Holy Spirit is not merely to produce manifestations, but to form Christ within His people. The greatest miracle in this present season is not simply speaking in tongues, but transformed lives that accurately reflect the nature and character of Jesus Christ.
Grace and Peace to you.