God Is A God of Peace, Not Confusion [1 Corinthians 14:26-40]

26What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation Let all things be done for edification. 27If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 34The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says.35If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only? 37If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. 38But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.

 

I can imagine what was going on in the Corinthian's worship service that would cause God, through Paul, to give these admonishments. It sounds like everyone was coming to speak, and no one was coming to learn. In order to have a chance to be heard, everyone was speaking at the same time.  That everyone must have included women.  I have been in meetings where this has happened and the women (me, in some cases) become emotional and loud.  It is just plain confusion.  In these verses, it is laid out clearly what needs to change so that the worship time can "be done properly and in an orderly manner."

 

I have been one of those strong, opinionated women in the church. Thankfully, God has been changing me to have a more gentle and quiet spirit (the Greek definition for this word is the idea of a tranquil spirit), "which is very valuable in God's eyes" (1Peter 3:4) as I am learning to run to Him more and more.  God has used these verses in Corinthians to minister to my heart, especially the ones about asking my husband at home.  Remember what we saw in 1 Corinthians 11:3? "I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ."  God is reminding us again of the role of leadership that He has designed for the husband.  

 

I know that to fully understand these verses you need to know about the cultural issues they were dealing with. History helps to understand fully all the pagan rituals that were seeping into the church in Corinth and I encourage you to read about it.  But in the meantime, pick up on the principles God has tucked in here.  I know for me it has changed my marriage.

 


Verna McCrillis, 12/10/2008
Feedback:
Marybeth Dewey (Guest) 12/11/2008 08:52
I must say that the idea of listening to my husband has also been transforming MY marriage. I think, because, when I listen to my sinful, human husband, and see things work out, I give God the glory. God has to be REALLY BIG to work the circumstances so that no matter what my husband says, it works out to obey him/take his advice :) I have been running to God so much more and am, at the moment, so glad for that truth in my life.