That Unexpected Chaos in Your Life


26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

What was a church service like among the Corinthians? According to the rest of this passage, it was chaotic, which was the reason Paul wrote at length about it. Satan was certainly alive and well in this church as evidenced by the chaos. It’s also a general principle in life. When there’s a lot of unnecessary chaos and turmoil, you can be sure that Satan has his hand in some of it. For example, one of the most stressful parts of the week is Sunday morning preparing for church or on the way to church. Ever wonder why that is? We are going to worship God with other Believers but we arrive angry and stirred up (and often put on that Church face as others greet us).

It’s no accident.

Satan doesn’t want us to have peace when we enter that sanctuary. He doesn’t want us to have peace throughout the week or when we go to bed at night.

When you’re feeling unexplained uneasiness and agitation, be sure that it’s Satan or one of his minions working overtime. The cure in part is to recognize that this is what’s happening. The other half of the cure is to rebuke the evil one and to pray for the peace of God to come over you.


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