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Job 4:1-7:21; I Corinthians 14:18-40; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 21:27
“How is it then, brothers? Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, another language, or an interpretation. All things must be done for edification. If any person speaks in another language, there should be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and someone must interpret. But if there is no interpreter, that person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God.
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. And the prophets’ spirits are under the control of the prophets, since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but should be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, they should ask their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church meeting. Did the Word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only?
If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. But if anyone ignores this, he will be ignored. Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in other languages. But everything must be done decently and in order.” (I Corinthians 14:26-40)
It’s apparent that Paul was trying to set order in the church. Have you ever been somewhere like a church, a social gathering or the like and you had people trying to top one another; it’s loud and chaotic. This one’s speaking out of turn, this one has to get his thought out, and this one starts before this one ends. It’s just crazy. It’s even worse if you’re at an organized function.
What if you had twenty people that had a word, a song or a revelation they wanted to share at church. You’d have the potential to be there all day. Paul said to let two maybe three share a word and others should determine if they were accurate. If someone speaks in tongues, then there should be someone there to interpret or they should be able to interpret or remain silent. (I Corinthians 14:5)
I can tell Paul has heard it all. He told the prophets that they controlled their spirits. Some “spiritual” people want to declare they can’t help themselves. “Oh, the spirit took over.” That’s not what Paul said. I truly don’t believe the Lord is interested in our arrogance. God is a God of decency and order.
In I Corinthians 11:5, Paul is speaking about women who prophesy and pray so we see that he is not opposed to women ministering. Jesus Himself appeared to women before men after His resurrection. Jesus has done more to affirm women than any other person or movement. God values women and puts them on par with a man. He says there is no more distinction between the Jew and Gentile, male or female, bond or free because we are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) What about submission? We are to be mutually submitted, but the man is the head, just as God is the head of Christ. The trinity is one in essence but different in function. Submission is all about order, not worth.
The problem at the Corinthian church that Paul was addressing was disorder. Concerning the women speaking out, they were asking questions at inappropriate times. It was like everybody in that church just wanted to be heard at any price, no etiquette, no order. Paul was merely encouraging their gifts and establishing their service.
PRAYER:
Lord, I pray to be submitted to those who are in leadership. Help me to see You in all things. I ask You to teach me how to use my gifts and talents to bring You glory and not to cause chaos and confusion. I recognize You have placed “Pauls” in my life to help me stay the course. Thank You for them. Lord, I love You and praise You for today. I woke up and therefore it is already great! Praying a blessing back on You Father, in the name of Your son Jesus I pray. Amen.
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