Paul’s teaching to the Corinthian church uncovered a concern about the order of the saints. Spiritual activities were encouraged, but were in need of guidelines in operation. Paul wrote: 1 Cor 14:31-33 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 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.
In the apostle’s teaching resides several profound points. Prophesy and preaching was to lead and provide comfort. The hearer needed to learn via the taught Word. Paul also included obedience. Those who were used in prophetic gifts were instructed to submit. The prophet, or lead pastor, superseded prophetic utterances, meaning that the spiritual leadership directed the gifts, they were subject to the leader.
Paul revealed that God was not the author of confusion, thus there should be harmony within the body. If confusion existed, the pastor/apostle/prophet had the authority to manage the moment. This understanding has been established for many years. However, there is another deep truth in what I call “authorship.” God is not the author of confusion, but He is…
Heb 5:9 “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;”
Heb 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”
The enemy authors confusion. Jesus authors salvation and the faith of each believer. Confusion is of the devil. One of the tools waged against the people of God is the twisting of truth and uncertainty of our walk with the Lord. Elements as doubt, skepticism, bewilderment, and fear are written by the devil in our minds. The preached Word brings clarity and soundness.
Isaiah said that The Way of salvation would be so clear, that even a fool could understand it. Isa 35:8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
The Gospel is settled! The Way is fixed. All we have to do is walk in the path of the Holy Bible which is God’s written Word for us today. We must know that confusion has an author. Doubt has an origin. But none of those things are of God. Jesus writes faith, clarity and hope. All of the answers for this life are found in this God-breathed book. Even more, the Lord has given us His Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us.
Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole