What does it mean that God is not the author of confusion?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians notes that God is not the author of confusion ( 14:33). God created peace, not confusion. From creation to His commandments, God demonstrates intentional design and order in all He does (Genesis 1-2; Exodus 20:1-17). The chaos and disorder in the world stem from sin and demonic forces, not from God (James 3:15-17). Because “God is not the author of confusion but of peace,” Paul stressed that church gatherings should reflect the nature and character of God (1 Corinthians 14). Church gatherings should honor God in an orderly manner to maintain unity , and strengthen the faith of all people in their walk with God. As believers, we are called to live in light of God's peace and order, resisting worldly chaos and reflecting His wisdom in our lives and communities.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• God created the heavens and earth with order (Genesis 1-2; Jeremiah 10:12; Job 38-39)
• There is a time and season for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
• God’s nature is orderly and unchanging (Psalm 93:1-2)
• God is eternal and forever sustains the world He created (Isaiah 40:28)
• God established the commandments that govern and order our world (Exodus 20:1-17)

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus holds the earth together in order (Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2-3)
• Jesus is always the same and unchanging (Hebrews 13:8)
• God actively oversees the activities of earth (Matthew 10:29-31)
• The devil causes disorder or chaos (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43)
• The apostle Paul says that God is not the author of confusion in his letter to the Corinthians: "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33, NKJV). In context , Paul was applying a general truth to a specific problem the Corinthian church was facing: disorder during their church meetings.
• First Corinthians 14 addresses spiritual gifts and stresses the need for order during church gatherings so that all believers are strengthened and edified. The church in Corinth was suffering because their services were confusing and unorganized. For example, it seems that multiple attendees were exercising the gift of tongues publicly, without interpretation. This demonstration of spiritual gifts was not helpful to anyone at the church gathering. Paul likened disorder in church services to instruments that are out of tune: "Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody. And if the bugler doesn’t sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle? It’s the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don’t understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space” (1 Corinthians 14:7-9).
• Paul clarified how the gift of tongues should be exercised in church gatherings: “No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
• Church gatherings must be proper and orderly (1 Corinthians 14:40) because God is not the author of confusion.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

In stating that God is not the author of confusion, Paul dispelled the idea that people are subject to the whims of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not come over people in an uncontrollable manner so that spiritual gifts are used without self-control. On the contrary, because God is a God of order, His Spirit does not move people to act in a disorderly manner. The notion of being "Spirit filled" is not demonstrated by a disorderly exercise of spiritual gifts nor should it be used as the measure of a person or churches' spiritual maturity or proximity to God.

Anyone who has observed nature recognizes the order of the universe, one we can only scratch the surface of understanding. The chaos, disorder, and confusion that exist in this world do not reflect God's character. Rather, they exist in opposition to God's character. James contrasts demonic, earthly attitudes to God's wisdom, peace and order: "For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere” (James 3:15-17). Such worldly mindsets bring disorder and confusion of every kind. God is not the author of confusion. We can take heart knowing that the chaos in this world is not because of God but because of human sinfulness and the work of the devil to corrupt what God has intended for good. God designed for us to live in peace, stability, and order. As we are submitted to Christ, our lives and our church services should reflect the created order God intended.

UNDERSTAND

• God creates peace and order, not confusion.
• Chaos arises from sin and demonic influence.
• Believers and churches should reflect God’s orderly nature.

REFLECT

• How do you see God’s peace and order reflected in your daily life, and where might confusion or chaos challenge that?
• How can you actively resist worldly chaos and reflect God’s order in your personal relationships and responsibilities?
• How does understanding that confusion stems from sin and demonic influence encourage you to rely on God’s wisdom and peace?

ENGAGE

• How can our church gatherings better reflect God’s peace and order to strengthen and edify one another?
• What are some practical ways we can discern and resist sources of confusion or chaos in our communities and the world?
• How does the orderly nature of God impact the way we live our lives and live out our faith?