“And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?’ I Cor 14:7

This chapter begins by defining the two essential qualities to the edification, exhortation, and comfort of the LORD’S people when they gather for worship vv. 1-3- prophecy (forth telling the glories of God’s grace for sinners in, by and through the Lord Jesus and His effectual sacrifice for His people) and tongues (languages which are the means of communicating the message of Christ and worshipping God). In sum, there must be a common language that is understandable to all (v. 6), and a clear message (vv. 7,8). Without both, there is confusion.

As in the distinctive sounds of life, so it is in the declaring of the Gospel of Christ, v. 7. Take for instance the precision of musical instruments. Why before a concert do the musicians take care to tune them? Is not one particular instrument distinguished from the other by its sound, whether pipe or harp, whether blown with the breath of played by hand? What care is taken to play them exactly according to the notes and measures! So, with the preaching of the Gospel, how much care must be taken to declare the message of Christ, exactly as it is revealed! Note the four aspects of every true Gospel message, sounded exactly according to what is written, in verse 6. It must be according to the revelation of God in His Word, according to revelation of the knowledge of Christ, by the faithful proclamation of Christ (prophesying), or by doctrine (teaching and instruction).

Verse 8 uses the example of a trumpet that gives an uncertain sound, as in those who would muddy the waters and preach a mixed Gospel message (yeah-nay preaching-1 Corinthians 1:17). Under such preaching, who could ever prepare himself for the battle? The allusion is to the custom of sounding the trumpet, or bugle, to gather soldiers together and prepare them for war- Jeremiah 4:5. In Numbers 10, the trumpets that the LORD instructed Moses to have made are emblems of the Gospel, whose proclamation is designed to gather souls to Christ. Sinners must hear the clear sound of electing grace (God doing the choosing), redeeming grace (Christ’s blood and righteousness and justification at the cross for the elect), and regenerating grace (the Spirit drawing each chosen and redeem sinner to Christ) through the preaching of the singular, solitary, sure message of Christ and HIM crucified! Anything less leaves sinners in confusion. God must grant the sound and the hearing!