Letting God Lead

God makes each individual unique.  Each person’s face is different so that people who know them can tell even identical twins apart.  Each person’s fingerprints ate different, as is each person’s DNA.  Some are tall and slender while others are more compactly built.  Skin colors vary widely, from a true black to chocolate brown to light tan to the almost colorless albino.  The range is nearly infinite, yet all are humans, with certain typical characteristics such as two arms, two legs, a single head, etc. 

As we saw in the study on the spiritual gifts, God gives each person a unique combination of gifts for the benefit of the church.  A demand that everyone have the same gifts, such as speaking in tongues demonstrates a lack of knowledge about the Holy Spirit.  The same is true when we believe only those who have a particular experience are called or led of God.  Dr. G> B. Vick was never ordained because he had never had the same experience others had and thus felt he was not called to the ministry, yet anyone who studies his life can only conclude he was just as called as any of the others.  We need to understand God is not obligated to do things the way we expect, because he is God.   As we see in scriptures, God reached different men in different ways, and even directed them by different means at different times. 

The apostle Paul’s calling was vastly different than that of Peter, or the other Apostles.  He did not simply come to the Lord after hearing him preach like most of the others.   In fact he openly resisted Christ’s message.  Timothy, on the other hand simply followed God from the time he was a young man. 

In Acts 8:5-8, one of those originally ordained as a deacon felt led to go to Samaria to start a church.  “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  And there was great joy in that city.”  It was a comparatively large city, and the impact was enormous. 

A little later, God called Philip to a place in Gaza where there was only one man, in Acts 8:26-29.  “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.  And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.  Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.”   The Coptic Christians of northern Africa claim to be the result of that one man’s teaching when he returned to Ethiopia.  

When my parents first came to Navajo Reservation as missionaries, we were told we should pick a different field because there would never be the large groups that were available on other fields.  Nevertheless, numerous churches were started and the door was opened for other missionaries to come.  God may call a person to big area or a small one. 

In Acts 16:4-11, Paul and his associates set out for Asia toi preach the Gospel.  God simply forbid them to go at that time.  “And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.  And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.  

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.  And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.  And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.  And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.” 

Paul had started other churches, but this time he was directed in a special place first.  Later they would start churches in Asia, but it was not God’s plan for them to start there first.  God may direct us to a different place than we thought we should go.  As we see, God led in different ways at different times.  We need to learn to allow him to lead us to the proper place at the proper time, remembering what he said in Isaiah 55:8-9.  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”   

We need to understand he has a special plan and allow him to lead as he sees fit.   He may decide to lead us through the most logical plan, or like Philip, he may lead us to place that place that seems totally illogical.  The most important thing is that we be willing to serve him starting just where we are.   If we start with where we are, we can count on him to get us to the proper place, just as he did Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:7.  “And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.”

Sins Against The Holy Spirit III

The third sin we can commit against the Holy Spirit is that of blasphemy.  Luke 12:10 tells us, “And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.”   As a result this is frequently called the unforgiveable sin, and some people fear they may have committed it. 

To blaspheme means to slander or vilify.  Mark 3:22-30 describes the situation when Jesus said blasphemy would never be forgiven.   “And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?  And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.  No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.   Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation: Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.” 

Jesus was empowered by the Spirit of God.  The scribes were saying it was a Satanic spirit who was enabling to cast out demons.  As Jesus pointed out, such a claim made no sense, because Satan would be destroying himself if he did.  They were slandering the Holy Spirit, accusing him of being one of Satan’s spirits, and Jesus warned that would never be forgiven.   They were crediting what the Holy Spirit did to Satan.  

There is a second form of this sin.  The Holy Spirit is God, and James 1:13 tells us, “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.”   When we begin to accuse the Holy Spirit of leading us to do evil things such as ripping people off or killing innocent people we are also blaspheming the Holy Spirit.   Those televangelists who use their “ministry” to rip off thousands of people or who have hundreds of people killed in the name of Christianity, like Jim Jones, Charles Manson, or various other cult leaders through the ages fall into this category.  

In Numbers 16 we find the story of Koran and his followers being destroyed for rebelling against God’s leadership.  Caused them to be swallowed up by and earthquake.  Numbers 16:41-46 describes what happened next.  “But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.

And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.  And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation.  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.

And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun.”  The people were effectively blaspheming the Holy Spirit by  accusing Moses and Aaron of murdering God’s people, and God sent a plague that killed fourteen thousand seven hundred people for doing so. 

Real Christians have the Holy Spirit to guide them and are unlikely to commit this sin, but false teachers and religions which place their traditions and teachings ahead of God’s word may well fall into it.  

Sins Against The Holy Spirit II

In addition to grieving the Holy Spirit, we can hinder him, interfering with what he is trying to accomplish.  This may be inadvertent, like a little boy trying to help his daddy weed the garden, pulling the wrong plants because he doesn’t understand what God is trying to do.  It can also be a deliberate action in an attempt to control the results, effectively sabotaging his working.   King Saul is perhaps the best illustration of this. 

In an effort to motivate the people, Saul Had given and order that the people were not to eat anything until their enemies were wiped out.  I Samuel 14:23-30 tells the story.  “So the LORD saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over unto Bethaven.    And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food.

And all they of the land came to a wood; and there was honey upon the ground.  And when the people were come into the wood, behold, the honey dropped; but no man put his hand to his mouth: for the people feared the oath.  But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

Then answered one of the people, and said, Thy father straitly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food this day. And the people were faint.

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.  How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely to day of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for had there not been now a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? “  God had give tne victory, but Sauls efforts to maximize it actually prevented the people from accomplishing as much as they could have, and in fact lead to the people sinning because they were so hungry.    

The Holy Spirit conveys our prayers to God in a proper form according to Romans 8:26-27.  “ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”  According toe I peter 3:7, when we become focused on our own needs and desires, without concern for other people we can interfere with that process.  “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

In a dsimilar manner, if we get caught up in our own rights, authority, wisdom, or abilities we can hinder the gospel. Preventing people from getting truly saved, according to I Corinthians 9:11-12.  “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?  If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.”   Paul made a special effort to limit himself to Just what the Holy spirit did, to avoid hindering his work, according to I Corinthians 2;4-5.  “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”  By focusing on psychological, emotional, or intellectual appeals, we can hinder the Holy Spirit’s working to draw people to God. 

Finally, by focusing on our traditions or church doctrines we can hinder people from coming to Christ.  In Luke 11:52, Jesus warned the lawyers. “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”   They were causing confusion about what God demanded so that people were hesitant to commit. 

Until we learn to let the Holy Spirit guide us and produce the results he desires we often hinder his working because we are like the Jews Paul described in Romans 10:2.  “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”  We may have the best of intentions, but our efforts become counterproductive.  

Sins Against The Holy Spirit I

There are certain sins we can commit against the Holy Spirit.  Ephesians 4:30-commands, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”   There are certain things which, if allowed in Christian’s life, grieve the Holy Spirit.  Galatians 5:19-21 describes these as the works or actions of the flesh.  “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”  They are typical of the kinds of actions and attitudes Christ died to set us free from. 

When people who claim to be Christians behave in such manners they dishonor God and cause others to blaspheme or speak evil against Him, according to Romans 2:21-24.  “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?  Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?  Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?  For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”  Such activity is exactly the opposite of what they Holy Spirit is attempting to produce in the Christian’s life and it grieves him that they choose to live that way.  Whe wants to glorify God rather than dishonoring him, according to John 16:14-15. “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.”

There are many today who believe that because they have been saved, they don’t have to worry about such sins because they cannot lose their salvation.  They don’t seem to understand that the fact that they can continue in the sin raises the possibility they are not truly saved, as we have already seen.  If they are saved, they are making a mockery of God, and as I Corinthians 3:13-15 tells us, they will lose their rewards, even though they will get into heaven.  “Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.  If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 

Galatians 5:16-17 tells us how to avoid dishonoring God and grieving the Holy Spirit.  “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.  For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.”  Unless Christians learn to walk in the Spirit, they will constantly struggle with doing what is right and good.  The Great Commission, found it Matthew 28:19-20 commands, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”  The first teach is the Greek word meaning disciple or cause to become a follower.  Once they have been save, we are to baptize them and teach them to obey everything Christ has commanded.  An important part of that is teaching them to walk in the Spirit.  Because that part of the Great Commission has been neglected, many Christians are grieving the Holy Spirit.  

Gifts Of The Spirit VIII

Paul has given some specific guidelines about how the gifts of Prophecy and speaking in tongues are to be used.  He made the point that these gifts needed to be used in a spiritually mature manner so that they drew people to Christ rather than driving them away.   This next guideline is a point of contention with many today.  

“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.  And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” (I Corinthians 14:34-35)

Many feel this is an extremely chauvinistic statement and should not be taught or followed in the modern church.  I we look at what Paul said in I Timothy 2:11-15, we find the reasoning behind it is not chauvinistic.  “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.   But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” 

While Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, she did so because she had been deceived.   Adam was not deceived and deliberately took of the forbidden fruit in rebellion against God.   It was his rebellious attitude that was passed down to all humanity resulting in their becoming sinners deserving judgment and death.   Because the man caused the problem, it is the man’s responsibility to teach people how to make it right.  Women should not enable men to avoid taking their responsibility.  She does not have to take his responsibility to receive the blessings.  God has promised that if she learns to walk in the Spirit she will have his blessings.  The problem is not that the woman is inferior or less able, but that God has designated the man to take the responsibility.

The real issue is whether we believe the Bible is truly the word of God or not.   II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  In other words, if we will follow all the scriptures we will be able to do everything in a way that is pleasing to God.    

Unfortunately, some believe that they have gotten some special revelation form god authorizing them to ignore certain teachings.   Paul addresses that teaching in I Corinthians 14:36-38.  “What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?  If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 1co 14:38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”

We don’t get to decide what God’s word should say, nor does he give special rules for different groups.  Anyone who is genuinely spiritual or has the gift of teaching and understanding what God says will recognize that these rules are in fact what God commands.  Anyone who refuses demonstrates their ignorance of spiritual matters.  I John 4:6 tells us, “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”

With these things in mind, I Corinthians 14”39-40 instructs, “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.   Let all things be done decently and in order.”  We ought to be more concerned with teaching other what god wants rather than on speaking in tongues.  That does not mean God will never use someone that speaks another language to deliver a message.  We just need to follow his guidelines  so things are done in a proper manner, as God intended.

Gifts Of The Spirit VII

The gift of tongues has been a source of conflict since Paul’s day, as demonstrated by his writngs on the subject here in I Corinthians 12-14.  As I Corinthians 14:20 tells us, we need to develop a mature attitude about the gifts in general and especially about tongues.   “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.”  As we saw in the previous post, tongues were never intended for use among believers.  Misusing them poses a serious problem. 

“If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?  But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:  And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.” (I Corinthians 14:23-25)

If a person who is unsaved or not familiar with the custom comes into a church where everyone is speaking in different languages he doesn’t understand he will undoubtedly be confused and lose respect for the people, thinking they are crazy to keep talking in all those different languages.  Over the years, I have talked to number of people who visited such churches, and many felt exactly as Paul described, often refusing to go back.   On the other hand, if everyone gives a clear statement about what God has commanded, even the unbeliever will realize they are serious about God and be forced to think about his own relationship, even possibly accepting Christ. 

A mature attitude will be more concerned with helping others to grow than with making themselves appear spiritual.  I Corinthians 14:26 asks, “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.”   Why is it that everyone thinks they have to sing a song or give a testimony or share a scripture every time?  These things can become such a big part of a service the that God’s word is neglected.  As we have already seen telling people what God has said is the most important activity gift in the church.  When music, testimonies or other activities take precedence over the teaching of God’s word, the church has lost its focus.   It is with that in mind that Paul gives some specific guidelines as to how the gifts should be handled in the church. 

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.  But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” (I Corinthians 14:27-28)

There should never be more than two or three speaking in different languages in single service, and arrangements to have each message interpreted into a language should be made before the speaker starts.   If there is no one to interpret the language, the person should not speak publicly, but only in his own heart and to God.  

“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.  If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.  For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.   And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.  For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (I Corinthians 14:29-33)

As many prophets or teachers can speak as are desired, because the focus is on everyone learning.   There should be freedom for others besides the pastor or elders to speak.  When someone is speaking the other people are to be checking out what he teaching to be sure it is right.  We are not to blindly accept what a preacher or teacher tells us, so that we do not wind up following false doctrine.   In Acts 17:11, the Berean Christians were considered greater Christians because they followed this advice.  “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Part of the fruit of the Spirit is temperance or self-control.  God is not the author of confusion, so if someone is unable to control themselves, or wait their turn, it is a clear indication they are not led of the Holy Spirit, because II Corinthians 3:17 tells us, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”  The popular ideas of being slain in the spirit and falling to the floor when the spirit touches you or of being unable to stop dancing around or speaking in tongues indicates they are under the power of a different spirit.   When Jesus cast out evil spirits, the evil spirits sometimes threw the people to floor and the Lord lifted them back up as we see in Mark 9:26.  “And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.   But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.”   

Gifts Of The Spirit VI

The most valuable gifts are the ones that help people know God and his desires.  Those who are most interested in demonstrating god’s gifts and power should be focused on the best gifts, as I Corinthians 14:12-17 tells us.  “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.  Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.  For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.  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.

Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?  For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. “  Speaking in a language that no one understands is a waste of time unless someone interprets it.  If you don’t know what you are saying, only your emotions (your own spirit) are affected and you gain no spiritual understanding or growth.    As a result, Paul was determined not to spend time in those prayers, so that he could worship both with his emotions and his mind. 

Likewise if he prayed audibly in an unknown language, other people would have no idea what was really said.  How could they honestly say amen, or let it be so when they didn’t know what was being said?  For all they know it might be cursing Jesus rather than praising him.    A Chinese missionary described hearing a person who supposedly had the gift of speaking in tongues cursing the Lord in fluent Mandarin Chinese, and a man who visited our church had a similar experience with one of the Native American languages.   I Corinthians 12:3 tells us,”Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed…”   

“I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.” (I Corinthians 14:18-19)  Paul had grown up speaking Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.  In his various missionary journeys to different cultures he had also learned at least some of various other languages.  He could accomplish more with five words in a language he and the people understood than in hours of talking in language they didn’t understand.   

It is okay to have childlike attitude toward grudges and hurt feelings, but in things of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, we need to have a mature attitude, as I Corinthians 14:20-22 tells us.  “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.  In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.  Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.”

Several times in the Old Testament, Most notably in Isaiah and Joel, God had warned that the would send people  speaking other languages in an attempt to turn the Jews back to God, but they would not listen any more than they did to the Jewish prophets.   Acts 2:5-12 describes on situation in which this prophecy was fuflfiied, with every person hearing the messages in their native language.  “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.  Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.  And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?  Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,  Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.  And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

Clearly the gift of tongues was given as a sign to reach people who were not Christians.   Those who already believe do not require some special sign to convince them of God’s power.  They will be satisfied to know what God has said, but those who do not believe will not.  As we saw in I John 4:6, “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.”   The gift of tongues only matters to those who do not trust God and need constant reminders and reassurance of his power.