"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."
A call for accuracy of message is added here to the call for clarity of speech. Avoiding confusion by speaking clearly is not enough. We must also avoid confusion by speaking a unified, truthful message.
As with tongues, prophecy must be done by individuals one at a time. But unlike tongues the number of believers who can share God’s truth (i.e. prophecy) is not limited. No believer is forbidden from declaring truth. He must simply wait his turn to do so. While you wait, you have the opportunity to be blessed by others.
While you are waiting your turn or even if you are listening without a message, you must pay attention to what is being said. You must compare what is said to revealed truth. The one who proclaims God’s message isn’t free to say whatever he wants. His message must be subjected to the scrutiny of the Bible. If he claims that God wants you to do a particular thing or act a particular way, the directive must be in agreement with God’s word. If it isn’t, the message is to be rejected. God doesn’t contradict Himself.
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