Sunday, September 16, 2012 pm
Studies in 1 Corinthians
(49)
Conduct in the Assembly – 3
Decently and in Order
1 Corinthians 14:26-33
We
are continuing our examination of Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians
in their public assemblies.
Proper conduct in the assemblies was one of his major concerns as he
deals with acts of worship, proper attitude and proper order.
Chapter 14 addresses the proper use of tongues which we have
spent considerable time discussing.
We have also discussed the emphasis of edification in our
worship, as well as respect for the message presented.
In our lesson today we notice some principles that govern ORDER
as we worship our God.
Today’s lesson is the first of 3 dealing with this order.
Today we will talk about being orderly.
In our next lesson we will discuss what Paul says about women in
the assembly. Then we will
examine Paul’s challenge of authority.
a.
We begin our study today
with vs. 26, “Let all things be done for edification.”
We have discussed the edification of the church.
Now Paul appeals to orderliness to help facilitate this
edification.
b.
What does order have to
do with edification? By
order we mean in a proper and organized manner.
That facilitates edification because things are well arranged and
understandable. It is in
such an environment that one can truly learn and be built up.
c.
Notice that Paul says, “How
is it then, brethren? When
you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a
tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation?” Consider:
i.
He means “each of you.”
That does not mean that EVERY single member has something to say,
but among those who DO have something to say, they need to consider how
it edifies the body.
ii.
Since we don’t have the
miraculous spiritual gifts of the 1st century, our best way
to fulfill this is to PREPARE!
How much time do we spend preparing for whatever act of worship
we engage in?
iii.
He mentions psalms –
singing, and four other things associated with teaching the word of God.
We have discussed these “gifts” in previous lessons.
iv.
No matter the act of
worship, it needs to be orderly and for edification.
BTW, singing is designed to teach (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, 1 Cor.
14:15, etc.)
v.
It is because of this
passage that the uncontrolled “charismatic” service is without
authority. All it does is
get people worked up and doesn’t really teach which is what Paul is
concerned with in this text.
a.
We find here a service where several participate
(lead) (26). The worship
service is not a one man show.
And furthermore, it is NEVER about the one leading the acts of
worship.
Leaders must never forget that we are here to serve.
i.
Jesus came to serve
rather than to be served (Matt. 20:28).
ii.
Elders are servants – 1
Pet. 5:2-3 describes the motives behind their leadership – as shepherds.
Furthermore, they follow the example of the Chief Shepherd –
Jesus, who we notices served.
iii.
Through love we serve
one another – 1 Pet. 5:5, Gal. 5:13.
b.
Let there be two or 3 at
the most –
too much can overwhelm (vs. 27)
i.
It has been said that
“the mind can only retain what the seat can endure”.
That is something for us who lead (including us preachers) need
to keep in mind.
ii.
However, much of
endurance has to do with mindset.
It is not true here (at least to my knowledge) that there are
complaints about going too long, but we should not abuse the attention.
But it IS true that many could endure more if their mind is as it ought
to be – Ezra 7:10, he prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord.
One of the challenges we face in society today is the short attention
span. It is with this in
mind that many “churches” have turned to entertainment.
Others have shortened things to accommodate their members.
The result is less in-depth study which can be dangerous.
iii.
Nevertheless, as a rule
a service doesn’t need to go on forever to be effective.
It doesn’t need to be “endless in order to be timeless.”
c.
The place for silence – (vs. 28)
i.
Not everyone has to
speak up. IF what you have
to say is not beneficial, don’t say it (Again something for us preachers
to consider). Don’t speak just to
be heard.
Paul’s challenge to remain silence involves YIELDING to others.
ii.
We might also consider
this in our Bible classes as we make comments.
Comments are good and they lead to profitable discussions.
Most, if not all of our teachers, encourage good participation in
the form of comments and answers to questions.
But is it possible that one speaks up so that he can hear his own
voice? Are there those who
feel they have to comment on everything that is said?
iii.
As an aside to this
point, I am convinced that more is learned by listening.
James 1:19 says, “So then my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath…”
Prov. 18:15, “The heart of the
prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
d.
Let it be understandable
– implied by Paul’s statement, “if there is no interpreter.” (vs. 28,
31)
i.
We continually emphasize
this with the delivery of the word of God
ii.
But it must apply to
every act of worship. In
singing & prayers (cf. 1 Cor. 14:15), in the Lord’s Supper (as Paul
explains an understanding of WHY it is done (1 Cor. 11:23-26).
Even giving addresses a proper attitude and purpose, which
implies understanding. (2 Cor. 9:7)
iii.
Those who are conducting
the services need to keep this in mind.
e.
Let it be orderly
– one at a time and in turn. (vs. 29-30)
i.
The idea of each one in
turn indicates organization and forethought.
ii.
Are we too casual?
I have known of congregations that were.
They would start ABOUT THE TIME they were supposed to.
You could tell that very little preparation went into the
service. Songs (or verses)
are sung that are questionable or inappropriate for the occasion (i.e.
Is it really an invitation song? Is it really designed to prepare our
minds for the Lord’s Supper? Etc.)
iii.
That is why we assign
various persons to execute the acts of worship and we try to do so well
in advance. They can prepare
and it is not confusing.
Considering this, those who prepare the assignments need to take the
task as seriously as they expect those who are assigned to execute their
assignments.
f.
Let the others judge (vs. 29)
i.
Paul notes that those
listening (see “silence” comments above), can judge what is taught.
ii.
There is an important
thought to consider here – as listeners we have a responsibility to
ensure that what is taught is the truth.
Do NOT take what the preacher/teacher says blindly!
Far too many give the preacher more weight than he deserves.
His value is only as good as the truth of His message as far as
God is concerned.
iii.
In scripture we read of
the Bereans being “More
fair-minded than those at Thessalonica, in that they received the word
with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out
whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
1 Thess. 5:20-21, “Do not despise
prophecies. Test al things;
hold fast what is good.”
1 John 4:1, “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether
they are of God…”
iv.
NOTE: Another point here
is the need to consider what is said.
It is far too easy to dismiss what a preacher/teacher says
because you don’t like it or agree with by saying, “He’s not inspired.”
Will we TRULY weigh the message and “repent” if we need to?
g.
The spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets
– Let it be controlled.
i.
The spirit, whether the
Holy Spirit or the prophet’s own “spirit” can be controlled.
ii.
When you consider the
entire context we have examined today, Paul’s point is that, even if you
are working under the direction of the Holy Spirit, you still have
control over your conduct.
In other words, He doesn’t take over and you have no decision upon your
direction. This conflicts with what Pentecostals teach and do in their
assemblies.
iii.
The lesson for us is our
need to control ourselves.
That could mean that as you participate in the worship service you do
not “show off”. As preachers
we need to ensure that our message is not “out of control”.
“Be angry and do not sin” (Eph. 4:26), Love from a pure heart (1
Tim. 1:5), and the various instructions in 2 Tim. 2:24-25, “a
servant of the Lord must not quarrel bet be gentle to all, able to
teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if
God perhaps will grant them repentance.”
h.
God is not the author of
the confusion
(vs. 33) - WE need to consider this in every conceivable way.
i.
His word is clear and
understandable (cf. Eph. 5:17)
ii.
We need to seek to
CLEARLY teach His word and worship Him with clarity.
BTW, this points to knowing that our worship is more than mere
emotion, but it must include intellect.
Paul’s point in these verses is for us to consider how in our worship we
need to glorify God. That
requires clarity in our deliverance and humility in our conduct.
Let us examine ourselves and seek to develop this attitude as we
assemble to worship Him.