Friday, 13 February 2015
But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 1 Corinthians 14:30
Taken together, verses 29 & 30 state –
“Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent.”
Under the inspiration of the Spirit, Paul notes that as people are prophesying, it is to be done in order, not simultaneously. This is a command for the church in order to keep harmony. But it is also a command to avoid confusion. The intent of such speaking is edification. If two are speaking simultaneously, others must choose to focus on one or the other. Some people may not be able to focus on either. Because of this, there can be no edification from at least one of the speakers and quite possibly both. Just as if tongues were spoken, there would be only noise and confusion.
And so if one is speaking and another desires to impart what is revealed to him, “let the first keep silent.” Just as in any adult conversation, be it among friends or in a business setting, it is polite and proper to allow others to speak without interruption.
Paul’s words noted here are a command. Thus once again we see the utterly false nature of churches where the congregation, or a portion of the congregation, supposedly “prophesy” at the same time. As the Spirit has breathed out the words of the Bible, and as the Spirit will never contradict Himself, there is no congregation which conducts such “prophesying” which is actually guided by the Spirit.
Life application: If you attend a church which speaks in false tongues or allows people to “prophesy” at the same time, it is time for you to find a new church. Don’t let claims of “Holy Spirit power” lull you into participating in disobedience to the word of God.
Lord, as I review 1 Corinthians Chapter 14, I can see that there is a lot of false conduct in churches I have attended in the past. False tongues, false prophecies, and disobedience to Your word. I know that the Holy Spirit will never violate the word that He has breathed out in the pages of the Bible, and yet I see people claim they are being led by the Spirit in a manner contrary to that precious word. Help me to be discerning and not get lulled into participating in disobedience to You. Thank You Lord. Amen.