The word in 1 Timothy, Chapter 2, verses 11 through 15.  It talks about women not usurping.  It is talking about married women.  The word for married…  One of the reasons we know he is talking to those who are married is because verse 15 speaks of children.  So, this is a woman that has children.  They are to learn with silence in subjection.  The word “silence” here is not the same word as it is in Corinthians.  The word in Chapter 14 means “silence.”  Keep quiet.  When?  It is in these times of discussion, of the setting of doctrine, and of all these different areas.  You do not have any input.  Learn at home.  It does not mean you cannot be given the responsibility of ministry, that you cannot speak out and be used by the Lord in the gifts of the Spirit.  The word “silence” here in the Greek in Timothy is talking about a “quietness, an orderliness,” and, I like this, “without clatter or bustle.”  That is an interesting term.  And so, “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Those are all some things that help us as we are finishing off this fourteenth chapter, this ministry of tongues and prophecy.  Paul knew that he was going to be challenged on the women thing and the restrictions for “let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course” because the Corinthians were good at challenging.  They were not quick to obey.  They were not quick to humble themselves.  So, Paul just ends this with a postscript.  He says, “Now…”  I think it is interesting here.  It shows how many people had taken the badge of prophet upon themselves.  Everyone and their brother were prophets.

Now, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.  But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.  Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.  Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Father, we thank You for Your Word.  We ask that You show Yourself mightily in our midst, that You would use each and every one of us in these gifts, and that the body would be edified.  We long for You to manifest Yourself.  Our God is not dumb.  Our God is alive.  You are speaking to us at all times.  Give us ears to hear.  “What can I do to help in church?”  Covet spiritual gifts.  Covet the best gifts so that the church might be edified.  We thank You for it, Father.  We give You all the praise and honor in Jesus’ name, amen.