"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints."
1 Corinthians 14:33
Our verse for today is in the context of Paul’s writing about “speaking in tongues,” in the churches (1 Corinthians 12, 13, and 14). Time and space fail me to write of “tongues” here, but I do want to think about a verse that points to God’s peace within the context of this “tongues” passage.
“For God is not the author of confusion,”
Our God, the God of the Bible, is not a god that is confused, nor does He confuse His Church. Where ever there is disorder, confusion, instability, or disturbance, it is not of God’s doing. We may not always understand what God is doing, but He will act in accord with His Word. That is not to say that God is always predictable and does everything the same way every time. An old preacher, who is with the Lord now, used to say, “God can do anything He wants to do, but we ought to expect Him to do what the Word says He will do.”1
Where there is misunderstanding or tumult, it is never of God’s doing. If the church meeting is laced with argument, disagreement, and commotion, you can be assured that it is not from God or by His direction. Some might say that an impromptu, avant-garde and disorganized church service is proof of the Spirit’s working in the service. The apostle Paul would disagree according to what he has written in this verse. Rather than God producing confusion, He gives peace.
“But of peace,”
God is a God of peace. He has a tranquil order, an orderliness about Himself. God is organized, and He is a God who does all things in an organized fashion. We do well when we emulate Him, especially in our churches. “Let all things be done decently and in order,” (1 Corinthians 14:40).
“Where decency and order are not observed in every part of the worship of God, no spiritual worship can be performed. The manner of doing a thing is always of as much consequence as the act itself,” (Clarke).2
We say, “We must do God’s work, God’s way,” and this is true. Rather than for confusion, our churches need to be known for God’s peace.
“As in all churches of the saints.”
God works peacefully, not out of chaos, in all His churches.
It is interesting that God’s peace and orderliness exist so closely together. How is it in your life? If you have little order in your life, you may also have little peace as well.
Let’s be thankful for the “peace of God.”
1. I have heard Pastor Bill Goode say make this statement numerous times. Bill Goode, Faith Baptist Church, Lafayette, IN.
2. Adam Clarke, Adam Clarke’s Commentary on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.