Orderly Worship in the Church

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Orderly Worship in the Church

Date: Aug. 24, 2021

Passage

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (ESV)

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

For information on how the ESV can be quoted, please visit our permission site.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 14:40

But all things should be done decently and in order.

First, the church may be built up (26-33). Apparently, there were lots of noise and confusion in the Corinthian church due to the disorderly conduct of worship. Hymns, words of instruction, revelations, tongues or their interpretations were not practiced in an orderly way; thus, all these activities of worship neither pleased God nor edified the congregation. Paul gave specific instructions on how to practice tongues and prophecies in an orderly way (27-32). Our spiritual gifts need to be restrained - not used according to however we choose but used in orderly way in our worship to build up the church. When this is done, peace is maintained and the congregation is edified. For God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace.

Second, in a fitting and orderly way (34-40). Paul’s instruction for women to remain silent in the church doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t speak at all (11:5). Rather, if they had questions or had something to bring up, other than a revelation from God, they should do it at home so as not to hinder the worship service. It teaches us to listen to God’s words carefully and control unnecessary behaviors during worship service. Paul’s instruction about practicing spiritual gifts in a fitting and orderly way came from God and it is binding for all of us.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me to learn how to worship you in a fitting and orderly way so that our worship may build up the church and be pleasing to you.

One Word: One Word: Worship God in a fitting and orderly way

Ahaz Leads Judah into Destruction

2 Chronicles 28:16-27

Key Verse: 28:19

For the LORD humbled Judah because of Ahaz king of Israel, for he had made Judah act sinfully and had been very unfaithful to the LORD.

Today's Question

See answer and references