Sunday, July 17, 2012 pm
STUDIES IN 1 CORINTHIANS
(48)
Conduct in the Assembly - 2
1 Corinthians 14:1-25
a.
One of the concerns Paul
had in this text was that as they spoke in tongues in the assembly, all
they were doing was uttering words which could not teach because the
audience did not understand.
Therefore, it became more a message of self-glorification than
edification for the church.
b.
Paul addressed the need
for clarity in the message in vs. 7-9 – where he speaks of a distinct
sound. Just as in an
orchestra, the various instruments provide different qualities that when
combined, create a symphony OR just as the call of a trumpet identifies
a purpose, so it needs to be with our words.
c.
There is a great lesson
for us in this: Is our message distinct and clear?
We live in a generation where political correctness and the fear of
offending others results in many watering down the truth of God’s word
or avoiding certain subjects all together.
What they speak is technically the truth, but they either leave
out those portions that offend OR they word their message in such a way
that it leaves room for broad interpretation.
For example: You might hear a preacher discuss the issue of the family,
but they avoid passages such as Matt. 19:9 which gives severe
consequences for unfaithfulness and even restricts who can remarry.
OR if they do quote Matthew 19:9
they are vague on what repentance involves.
AND you know they are vague because in times past they have
taught a more progressive view of that text and not renounced that view.
OR, in some congregations they are no longer offering an invitation at
the conclusion of a service.
A visitor might come into our midst and leave thinking they are fine,
when they have not heard what they need to do.
d.
The word of God is NOT
confusing! 1 Cor. 14:40 says
that God is not the author of confusion.
It can be understood (Eph. 5:17).
In fact, what is written is designed to help us understand (cf.
Eph. 3:3-6).
e.
We should not seek to be
“like the nations around us.”
Remember how in the days of the judges, the people came to Samuel and
asked for a king and the reason they gave was, “Look,
you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways.
Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”(1 Sam.
8:5). It was this desire to
be like other nations that led to their rejection of God.
f.
Friends, we are different. The very nature
of the gospel is to set us apart (that is what sanctify means).
We are described as, “His own special people” (Titus 2:14, 1 Pet.
2:9). The KJV
uses the word ”peculiar” which means, different, unusual or distinctive.
Don’t be afraid to be different, when it is the truth.
Just because something is believed by the majority does not make
it right! Speak the truth,
not because it is popular, but because it is the TRUTH!
Remember that it is “the truth” that will make you free (John
8:32).
a.
Vs. 13-15 finds Paul
calling for those who speak in tongues to pray that they may interpret
(so that there is understanding).
In vs. 15 we read, “What is
the conclusion then? I will
pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.
I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding.” This is actually a continuation of the thought that
in our worship, our message must be understandable (as opposed to
speaking in tongues with no understanding) AND with a proper attitude.
b.
We often use this verse
to challenge us to ensure that the songs we sing (and prayers we pray)
are true to the message of God’s word.
IF it is to be understandable, it must also be true!
That message is based upon our
need to teach the truth in all that we do!
c.
The word of God is
truth.
i.
Jesus said, “Sanctify
them by Your truth. Your
word is truth.” (John 17:17).
ii.
2 Tim. 3:16-17 – all
scripture inspired of God is profitable
iii.
It is that which will
judge us in the last day – cf. Rev. 20:12, “Books
were opened…And the dead were judged according to their works, by the
things which were written in the books.”
Rom. 2:16 Paul said the secrets of men would be judged, “according to my
gospel.”
d.
We have a responsibility
to ensure that what we teach is true
i.
Jude 3 says, “contend
earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
ii.
1 Pet 3:15 – we are to
give a defense for the hope that is in us.
What is the source of our defense?
Is it not the truth of God’s word?
iii.
Paul taught a consistent
message everywhere he went – 1 Cor. 4:17.
The Bible warns against error.
While we have emphasized that
our worship must be presented in such a way that people “get something
out of it”, another concern in dealing with understanding is that it be
TRUTHFUL.
Furthermore, he told the Ephesian elders, “I
kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught
you publicly and from house to house” and
“I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.”
(Ac. 20:20, 27)
In Galatians 1:12 he noted that his message came from the revelation of
Jesus Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 14:37 we read, “If
anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge
that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord”
(and hence the truth).
iv.
My job as a preacher is
to present “the whole counsel of God” in a clear and understandable
manner – 2 Tim. 4:2-4. It is
NOT to tickle ears.
v.
Elders, as they shepherd
the flock are to “hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught” so
that he can with “sound doctrine” exhort the brethren and convict the
gainsayer. (Titus 1:9-11).
They watch out for your souls, and thus you are to obey them
(Heb. 13:17).
e.
Sadly, far too many
churches today are teaching error rather than the truth.
They disregard the word of God, either entirely or in specific
areas. Paul sought to combat
that with his teachings. And
isn’t that his goal in 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 1:10, 4:17, etc.)
a.
Vs. 20 – do not be
children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in
understanding be mature.
b.
WE have to be careful to
ensure that our message is presented with a proper attitude.
One of the recurring problems in 1 Corinthians was the abusive
attitudes. Obviously, some
had the truth, but their attitude was improper.
c.
It is certainly
important that we present the truth, but is it accompanied with:
i.
Love – 1 Cor. 13:1, Eph.
4:15, etc.
ii.
Humility – 1 Pet 5:5
calls for us to be clothed with humility.
Paul told Timothy that as a servant of the Lord he was to correct those
in opposition “with humility.”
iii.
A desire to help – what
is the purpose of preaching and teaching?
Is it not, ultimately to build up (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2, Eph. 4:15-16).
Wasn’t that Paul’s point in this chapter?
iv.
Without abuse – to win
the argument, to hammer someone over the head with it, to belittle
others, etc. Paul has
addressed many of these attitudes in this book.
a.
IN vs. 22-25 we find
Paul explaining how in the assembly the gifts which teach and inform the
audience are what is needed so that the church is built up.
He emphasized that speaking in tongues was directed toward the
lost. However, in these
verses we find that while the services are for the members, they ought
to be conducted in such a way that “visitors” can learn and be convicted
by the truth.
b.
Does our message lend to
reaching the lost?
WE sometimes emphasize that our worship services are for the
members. While that is true
(at least in part – Eph. 4:11-16, etc.), we ought to give consideration
to those who are not members.
Our services ought to be such that they will become interested in
learning the truth.
We need to take seriously the great commission – Matt. 28:18-20.
In fact, if we understand the word of God, the plight of the lost
ought to continually be of concern (cf. Acts 17:16, 2 Cor. 5:11, etc.)
We continually emphasize that one of the works of the church is
evangelism – both supporting and preaching the gospel.
Congregations use their resources for the preaching of the gospel –
Phil. 4:14-16 (supporting preachers)
1 Thess. 1:8 speaks of the word of the Lord sounding forth from the
church at Thessalonica.
c.
This is not to say that
we cater our services exclusively for the lost, but as the truth is
taught it ought to convict anyone who needs the truth!
That is why we always offer an invitation! That is why we ought
to make our visitors feel welcome!
There are opportunities to reach the lost.
d.
Think about this:
One of the quickest ways to drive those who are not members away
is with ungodly attitudes and an unclear message.
May we all seek to work on these things.
In
our next lesson we will deal with order in the worship services.