ORDER

“If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:37-40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Ordained 

Revelation 

Delivering 

Exhortation (and) 

Restoration

     Baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the use of spiritual gifts within the church has been a frequent conversation in my life over the past few weeks. Michele and I attended a Vacation Bible Extreme at the church where my niece and her family are members. Our goal was to support her ten year-old son, Zak, as he grows in his faith. Once there, we found out the adult version of VBX was their Pastor teaching selected doctrines from scripture. I have found it’s always a good spiritual exercise to reaffirm my doctrinal point of view by examining what others believe.

    With Pentecost Sunday being just a weeks ago, the topic was fresh on my mind. Add to those interactions, an early morning chat with a Pastor friend of mine, I recently was blessed to be a guest minister to his congregation and we were catching up. Let’s just say, there is a need for the teaching ministry in the modern church.

“Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. … So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. … Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. … Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. … For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:20, 22, 26, 29, 33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There can be no mistake in the understanding that God is the author of both creativity and order in everything He has designed. Everything that happens in a meeting of God’s people should be done decently and in order. The Holy Spirit is the authority within every gathering and He makes room in every church service to allow the use of spiritual gifts. The key factors are submission to His leadership, and the flow of ministry. A move of the Holy Spirit will not disrupt, distract, or cause confusion. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to watch over God’s word and perform it.

“so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    God’s design is flawless. In First Corinthians, the chapter that introduces the spiritual gifts available for the common good of the corporate body of Christ and the chapter that outlines their administration within the church are bridged by the “Love” chapter. Everything the Holy Spirit inspires will be motivated by love. Even in correction there is love! Nothing the Holy Spirit reveals will contradict the Bible.

“Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    There is a clear pattern and president for biblical authority within the church. There will be situations that test the boundaries of our doctrines and theology, but everything becomes clear when we live by the mandates of scripture. The five-fold ministry is a gift to the church. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers are each a necessary aspect of every church. They prepare and protect people for ministry. Training in righteousness and guarding against abuse seems to be increasingly necessary.

“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” ‭‭James‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    A word must be spoken before it can be evaluated, but if it is spoken at a time that brings confusion, or if the speaker has their own agenda, the Bible would identify it as an evil work. In every human endeavor, there are at least three spirits involved. There is the spirit of the devil, the spirit of the individuals involved, and the Holy Spirit of God. Discernment is a necessary gift.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Messages to the church that are ordained by God will bring revelation. It won’t be a “new” truth, but it will be a confirmation or clarification. Delivering those exhortations in respect, decency and following the flow of the service will result in regeneration, restoration and healing for the body of Christ. “The spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets.” You don’t walk around in some kind of spiritual trance. You can exercise self control. God is always on time and we should always be in order.