God's Glory–Keeping Order
Opening Prayer
Lord, You are my delight. Let nothing hinder my relationship with You.
Read 1 CORINTHIANS 14:26-40
[26] What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. [27] If anyone speaks in a tongue, two-or at the most three-should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. [28] If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God. [29] Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. [30] And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. [31] For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. [32] The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. [33] For God is not a God of disorder but of peace-as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. [34] Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. [35] If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. [36] Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? [37] If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. [38] But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. [39] Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. [40] But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does orderly worship mean in our culture?Paul continues to emphasize the importance of orderliness in worship. Since nothing should discomfort a visitor (23), people are to behave respectfully towards one another in making space for contributions, and if there is a message in tongues, it needs to be interpreted (26,27).Paul requires three areas for the exercise of restraint, even silence: when there is no interpretation for a message in tongues (28); and when someone has a revelation while another is speaking (30); when a woman wants to question anything in public (it is better to ask her husband when they get home, 35). Paul encourages women to speak and contribute in worship (11:5), but culturally a wife would not enter into public discussion with another man. Each contribution should be considered thoughtfully, to discern its validity, including an evaluation of what Paul says (37). Reflect on the orderliness of your worship. Is it disorganized and chaotic? Structurally rigid with little space for spontaneity or membership contribution? Disrespectful to God and others?
Apply
Sit still in God’s presence, allowing the distractions of the day to be stilled, so that you can come to meet with God.
Closing prayer
Lord, I come before You, giving all to You and knowing You bring all to life.
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