GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION

as in all churches of the saints

(I Cor. 14:33).

Let all things be done decently and in order

(I Cor. 14:40).

This thought refers us back to where we began our discussion of THE

SPIRITUALS: "there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which

worketh all in all" (I Cor. 12:6). God works all gifts, all ministries, in all persons,

and in all situations; therefore, there can be no conflict or disharmony in the

ministries of Jesus Christ or the manifestations of the Holy Spirit. If there is

conflict, confusion, lack of decency, or lack of order, someone is not moving in

the Spirit of God; someone is operating in the human spirit, or the enemy of our

souls is sowing confusion.

In spite of all of the many difficulties present in the spiritual worship of the

Corinthian Church, Paul does not tell the people that they do not have the Spirit of

God or that Satan is influencing them. Instead, he reminds them "that in every-

thing ye are enriched by him (Christ) in all utterance, and in all knowledge" (I Cor.

1:5) and that they are "behind in no gift" (I Cor. 1:7). However, he continues,

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto

spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in

Christ (I Cor. 3:1).

Although they had the Spirit, had utterances and knowledge, and lacked no gift,

they were following the human spirit, the carnal mind, rather than the mind of

Christ.

This completes our study of Paul's answers to certain questions the Corin-

thians had asked him concerning the gifts of utterance. We can only guess as to

what those questions were; however, we can apply his answers to the various

situations which arise in our meetings. In comparing and contrasting the gifts of

tongues and interpretation of tongues with the gift of prophecy, I have emphasized

those distinctions that I believe Paul made: 1) one who speaks with the gift of

tongues, speaks to God; one who speaks with the gift of prophecy, speaks to

men; 2) the purpose of the gift of tongues is prayer and praise; the purpose of the

gift of prophecy is edification, exhortation, and comfort; 3) the gift of tongues is a

sign to the unbeliever; the gift of prophecy is a sign to the believer; and 4) the gift

of tongues is limited in a meeting; the gift of prophecy is unlimited.