Twin City church of Christ Blog
“May 13, 2024 - God Is Not a God of Confusion”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsGod Is Not a God of Confusion
Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:26-33
Paul begins to reach some conclusions and practicalities about worship in this section. Since there is a focus on understanding and edification, some things follow. “What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up”(1 Cor 14:26). All the brothers have a unique gift to bring to worship and all should be celebrated and given audience. Yet because the focus remains on “building up,” certain practical rules are in order.
“If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at the most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God”(1 Cor 14:27-28). Too many tongues would create confusion. Tongues without interpretation would create confusion. Paul regulates this with each person speaking, one at a time, and only if there is an interpreter. “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent”(1 Cor 14:29-30). There is respect here for those who would speak for God and also respect for the Spirit revealing something during the service. Paul has no difficulty telling them that there are times to speak and times to be silent.
“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace”(1 Cor 14:33). Paul summarizes worship rules by reminding us about God. God’s will does not contradict itself. God does not tell us things in order to confuse us. Our worship services should reflect this: orderly, thoughtful, geared toward building up through proper understanding of God’s message. We should leave our worship service with deeper understanding—rather than confused—because this is the will of God.
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One Thing to Think About: Does it bother me to think that there are times I should be silent and listen rather than speaking?
One Thing to Pray For: The peace that comes from understanding God’s will
