Read The Instructions Before Use

I Corinthians 14:26-33


"Always wear eye protection when using the hammer to prevent eye injuries..
Never strike hardened surfaces as this may cause chipping and flying particles.
Never use hammer if handle is loose to avoid injury."

Do they think I’m some kind of idiot and don’t know how to use a hammer? When I bought my new hammer, the warnings were ridiculous. I’ve been using hammers since I was 4 years old. Then as I read through the list, I realized that over the years, I had fallen into a habit of doing things without considering the danger and had developed bad habits. I needed to be reminded of these things for my own protection, and that of others.

Paul gives the following guidelines for how the church is to conduct it’s business to accomplish the purpose it was designed for in an effective manner, and prevent harm to the church. Misuse can result in an unspiritual condition, judgmental attitudes, driving away those who do not understand, and disobedience to God. Because of habit, or tradition, the church can unintentionally begin to misuse God’s gifts, and bring reproach on itself.

"How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” (I Corinthians 14:26)

Everything is to be done for the purpose of edifying or building up the believers. We are not to be showing off our abilities to impress one another, as the church at Corinth apparently had begun to do. Not everyone has a meaningful testimony, or a song that will be a blessing every time.

“If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.” (I Corinthians 14:27-28)

Unknown tongues are to be limited to 2 or 3 speakers, speaking one at a time, for the sake of the church’s testimony to unsaved people and new Christians. Tongues are not to be allowed if there is no one available to interpret as they will have no real benefit in edifying. If God is the only one who will understand, he does not need it spoken aloud.

“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.” (I Corinthians 14:29-31)

Two or three preachers and teachers may speak, in their turns, but the others are to be listening. By doing so, false doctrine can be prevented, and areas spotted where additional study is needed. If God lays something on someone besides the preacher’s heart, he is to be allowed to speak, because God doesn’t limit who can share his word. The purpose is that all may learn. Sometimes a question or comment by someone else will open doors to things the preacher never thought of. God may use these things to accomplish his plan.

“And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (I Corinthians 14:32-33)

Confusion and disorder are evidence that God is not in control. He produces peace and order. Everything should be done decently and in order, There should be a willingness to take turns and listen to the others. The inability to control oneself is an indication that the Holy Spirit is not the one in control. Demonic spirits, on the other hand, take control from the person, as demonstrated in the story of the demon possessed child in Mark 9:17-22.

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.

He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

The child did not choose to throw himself into the fire, the demon took control. People who cannot control themselves are under something besides the Holy Spirit’s control, possibly demonic. Uncontrollable anger, physical actions, speech, fainting, or any condition where the person cannot control themselves, indicate that the Holy Spirit is not the controlling power. Test the spirits. If they won't follow the guidelines, it isn't pleasing to God.