Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Four times in his Epistles, Paul mentions the value of utterance in various settings. First, he appreciates the church’s spiritual wealth in terms of utterance and other things (1 Cor. 1:5). Next, the apostle urges this church, which abounds in everything, including utterance, to also abound in the grace of giving (2 Cor. 8:7).
In Ephesians 6:19, he asks the saints to pray for him “that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel”. Likewise in
Colossians 4:3, he requests prayer “that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds”.
Why did he value utterance so much? Why is it that the first blessing the early church received when the Spirit came upon them was utterance? Because speech is our most powerful weapon (see Pro 18:21, Jam 3:2). Through it we can speak life or death, and control our entire being.
When we pray under the unction of the Holy Spirit, our prayers are accurate, powerful and effective. When we speak through the Spirit’s utterance, people are convicted, edified and blessed. Our message is irresistible, our witness is credible and our gospel is bold. We say the right things. We speak God’s wisdom. We make a difference. May that be your portion!
Pastor Josh