Biblical Anatomy #14 - TONGUE
Today we continue studying in the series called "Biblical Anatomy."
Anatomy - is the study of parts and structures of organisms.
What is "Biblical Anatomy" you might ask? It is the study of the structure of the Christian Body (The Christian family/church).
Today we focus on TONGUE (In one of the previous Biblical Anatomy posts we learned that the tongue, along with teeth & lips are part of the mouth):
Tongue- muscular organ in the mouth. The tongue's function: aids in chewing, speaking and breathing.(also, the taste buds are located on the tongue)
During my research, I found out that there are 3 popular sayings or phrases in the Bible about the "tongue".
3 "Tongue" Sayings From The Bible:
- Words on the tip of my tongue
- Hold your tongue
- Guard your tongue
"I am about to open my mouth; my words are on the tip of my tongue."
Job 33:2
"Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
Proverbs 21:23
"Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues."
Proverbs 10:19
I noticed a trio of important worship tools that our tongue is responsible for:
- singing
- speaking
- confessing
Let's take a deeper look at each one.
SINGING
"And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness."
SPEAKING
CONFESSING
Finally, we learn about different "tongues" spoken - this is referring to different languages (and sometimes referring the the language of the Holy Spirit).
"Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."
1 Corinthians 14:1-19
Let's continue singing, speaking and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord!
Previous "Biblical Anatomy" Posts:
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