1 Corinthians 14:26-40

In the confusion about spirituals it is no surprise that there was disorder in the worship services of the church at Corinth.  Paul addresses this relying on two main principles:

·        The principle of edification, v26.

·        The principle of orderliness (based in God’s character, v33).

In essence Paul gives them a template for their worship.  It sounds from v26 like there was confusion with everyone bringing some form of ministry to share.  Edification will limit the types of things shared.  Orderliness will limit the number of people ministering (v27-31).  For the sake of truth those who share must be subject to the others in what they say (v29,32).

In addition there was an issue in the participation of women in the services (v34-38).  Paul encourages women to learn in silence.  Certainly in v35 the issue was that they were asking their husbands in the middle of the service which would certainly deny the principle of orderliness.  But we must note that the New Testament was consistent in it’s teaching about leadership in the church.

·        1 Tim 2:8-15: The order in creation was to carry over into the Church.

·        1 Tim 3:4,12: Church leaders were to be men who first led in their home.

·        Titus 2:3-5: Women were to teach women.

·        Eph 5:22-33: Husbands were responsible for the spiritual growth of their wives.

The closing verses (v36-40) apply to the specific issues of worship as well as to the entire discussion of spirituals.  Verses 39-40 sum it up succinctly.  We would like to conclude today’s passage about our worship services with the following statements for you to consider.  Are they true?  How does my church fit?  These are not here to pronounce edicts but to promote Spirit-led thought about the nature of the local body of believers which is the front line for making disciples.

Ø The target group for the church’s gatherings is the BELIEVER, not the UNBELIEVER, 14:24-32

Ø The pattern for the church’s worship is not derived from our WORLD/CULTURE, 14:33-35.

Ø The goal for the church’s ministry is not to be ORIGINAL or UNIQUE, 14:36-40.

In the end let us say again: 1) let all things be done for edification; and 2) let things be done decently and in order.