Series: Action [#94]
A LETTER OF CONCERN-
ORDER IN WORSHIP
1 Corinthians 14:1-40
Introduction:
It is interesting where God has us in our study on this Palm Sunday.
Luke 12:12-15
It was only a few days later and these people were yelling, “Crucify him, crucify him”. People are fickle. Our text shows how the Corinthian Church was supposed to behave; and there is some very important information for us as a Church. If we are here just going through the motions, we have lost sight of what God has called us to.
1 Corinthians 14:1-5
When you are at Church…
1. Follow the way of love and desire Spiritual gifts.
As we studied last week, love matters more than anything else. As Christians, everything we do here should be about love. Remember, “It’s not about me”.
Paul tells them to eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesying, (proclamation). Paul discusses speaking in tongues, because it was a spiritual gift that was creating chaos and disruptions in their services. Speaking in tongues does not help those that are there because they do not know what is being said. When someone is proclaiming God’s Word, it helps those who are there. Hearing God’s Word and how to apply it strengthens, encourages, and comforts us.
1 Corinthians 14:6-19
When you are at Church…
2. Speak intelligible words to instruct others.
Paul gives us the purposes of speaking in Church:
* A revelation.
* Knowledge.
* Prophecy.
* Word of instruction.
If the speaker has no purpose in the words they say, then it is like hitting the same note on an instrument over and over again. (Have someone go to an instrument and play the same note; and then ask, “What song is he playing”?) If you speak in tongues, there must be an interpretation. If not, it is like speaking to a foreigner that speaks a language that others do not know. It is of no use.
1 Corinthians 14:20-25
When you are at Church…
3. Think like adults.
We are to stop thinking like children and think like adults. The only time you are to think like a baby is when it relates to evil. It is important for everyone present to hear the truth about sin and eternity.
1 Corinthians 14:26
When you are at Church…
4. Build up the Church.
Everything we do in a Church Service is about building up the Body of Christ and the Congregation.
1 Corinthians 14:27-40
When you are at Church…
5. Do everything in a fitting and orderly way.
What we do in a Service must have order to it. If someone speaks in tongues, it should be 2, not more than 3 people. They should speak 1 at a time and there must be an interpreter. Do not forbid speaking in tongues. When the Word is proclaimed, it should be 2 or 3 speakers; and everyone listening should listen carefully.
Now we come to a section that needs clarification. Paul said that women should be quiet in Church and if they have a question, they should wait to ask their husband. This was necessary in the Early Churches because women had never been allowed in the same areas as men in Religious meetings. They were talking during the Service and it was creating disorder.
Conclusion:
The main verse in this chapter is the last verse- “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” Remember that it is not about you, it’s about Jesus.
