Doing Life Decently & Orderly

A customer comes into a pet store looking for a dog:

Customer: “How much for this dog?”

Owner: “$5000”

Customer: “Is not that too much?”

Owner: “Is not the dog wonderful?”

Customer: “Yes, the dog may be too wonderful but is he faithful also?”

Owner: “Yes sir! He has been faithful, I have sold him seven times and he has always been back within 12 hours!”

A dog thinks: “My owners feed me, love me, provide me with a nice house, and take good care of me... They must be gods!

A cat thinks: “My owners feed me, love me, provide me with a nice house and take good care of me... I must be a god!”

Historical/Cultural Context -

Paul preached the gospel in Corinth in the early 50s AD during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–18). When opposition grew fierce there, the Lord Jesus spoke to him in a vision assuring him that he had ‘many people’ in the city (Acts 18:10). With this encouragement, Paul stayed on for eighteen months, ‘teaching them the word of God’ (Acts 18:11). God used Paul’s ministry to bring about the birth and establishment of the church in Corinth.

Biblical Text -

1 Corinthians 14:20–40 NKJV

Brethren, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature. In the law it is written: “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people; And yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord. Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church. Or did the word of God come originally from you? Or was it you only that it reached? 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. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

-[Prayer]-

Life Principle - Orderly Churches Submit To God, Become Purveyors Of Peace, & See People Saved By Faith In Grace.

Life Point- When Things Are Done In Order, People Come To Salvation Through Jesus

Exegetical -

1 Corinthians 14:20–25 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, don’t be childish in your understanding of these things. Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters of this kind. It is written in the Scriptures: “I will speak to my own people through strange languages and through the lips of foreigners. But even then, they will not listen to me,” says the Lord. So you see that speaking in tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers. Prophecy, however, is for the benefit of believers, not unbelievers. Even so, if unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your church meeting and hear everyone speaking in an unknown language, they will think you are crazy. But if all of you are prophesying, and unbelievers or people who don’t understand these things come into your meeting, they will be convicted of sin and judged by what you say. As they listen, their secret thoughts will be exposed, and they will fall to their knees and worship God, declaring, “God is truly here among you.”

Homiletical -

We now come to the chapter where Paul sets in order the church.

Remember that the church of Corinth was, for lack of a better term, a hot mess.

They would come together and as someone was trying to teach, preach, or share something in scripture or share a revelation they would all start speaking in tongues and this was all going on at the same time. This is where people would come in, and if they are anything like me, they would say they were nuts and turn right around.

It would be the same as if while I am preaching, right in the middle of it someone stands up and speaks in tongues with no interpreter present and sits down. Then a person on the other side of the church and then everyone is standing and hollering. We get a group on the left that wants to teach something they found interesting a group in the center speaking in tongues and a group on the right wanting to sing songs.

So when the pastor, i.e. me, tries to bring order everyone ignores me and get louder.

This kind of chaos and insubordination in spiritual matters is what was happening at this church.

In Chapter 13 Paul says love is a better way and now in 14 he shows that love is reckless, it is not wild, it is not chaos. Love is doing things decently and in order.

So now we come to chapter 14 for instruction. Paul opens up telling them not to take the things he is about to say in a heart of malice but be like babes in their hearts when it comes to malice or evil, but be a mature person when it comes to understanding what Paul is about to say.

In other words, don’t take what I am about to tell you in a bad spirit, but understand my rebuke and correction is to help you. Now put it in practice.

Paul now quotes a passage from Isaiah. This passage does two things. 1) It confirms that God is behind true Biblical tongues 2) The passage is a warning that people still won’t listen to God.

Paul is trying to say, hey listen up. You don’t want to be the person who is not putting into practice what I am about to tell you through the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be that guy, don’t be the stubborn mule who finds himself in a place you don’t want to be because your pig headed and stubborn!

Because as we all know, once you become a Christian you lose your stubborn pride right?

Of course not.

Paul is about to deal with 2 things 1) The nature of tongues and 2) the efficacy of prophecy

1) Tongues is not for the believer, but the unbeliever.

Why would Paul say this? Because if we look at the book of Acts when tongues came we find 120 people all speaking in unknown languages the praises of God and everyone heard in their own language. That is definitely a sign to the unbeliever that God is doing something amongst His people.

We know that previously Paul had stated prophecy is better because people can understand it and that tongues is a lesser gift unless it is accompanied by the interpretation of tongues.

Why? So that people could understand, agree and praise God.

If there is no interpretation, which seems to be the case at Corinth, then it looks like a mad house and the unbelievers call them nuts and leave.

Now for the million dollar question. Does this happen in churches today?

Whether it be false or true Biblical tongues, yes this madness is happening today. Both in true churches and fake churches where God is not lifted up but the flesh and self are putting on proud and disturbing display, and in reality there is nothing going on there that God is apart of.

2) Prophecy is for the benefit of all.

Look what Paul says:

1 Corinthians 14:24–25 NKJV

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

We established last week to prophecy is to proclaim the word of God and there is nothing better to proclaim then the Holy Scriptures. The scriptures do not just contain God’s Words but they are God’s Words. From Genesis to Revelation, not one jot, not on title will be done away with. It is God’s Word through and through.

Anyone who says otherwise is either misinformed, a heretic, or a fool! Maybe a combination of all three!

The other thing that could be is that someone is given a word of knowledge or word of wisdom, something they could not know unless it was revealed to them by the Holy Spirit and walks over to this person or stands up and gives the prophecy by which their heart and life is laid bare and they repent.

However, while this is a possibility and the scripture here does allow for it, remember things are to be done decently and in order.

In practice, however, I have only seen this happen 1 maybe 2 times like this and it really be from God and not a display of carnality.

We know that God’s word is powerful:

Isaiah 55:10–11 NKJV

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

Hebrews 4:12–13 NKJV

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

By this we know that the written Word of God is amazing and proclamation of His word is powerful in our midst. It is God’s Word that changes lives. It is God’s Word that cuts to the heart of the matter.

It is not just someone saying “yea, yea, thus say” but someone reading and proclaiming the pure truths of scripture to someone that people’s lives and hearts are laid bare and they see themselves the way God sees them and they say “truly I am in need of the savior!”

It is the gift of prophecy through rightly dividing the Word of Truth that brings someone to repentance.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Life Point - Christians Are To Submit To God’s Order And Be Purveyors Of Peace

Exegetical -

1 Corinthians 14:26–33 NLT

Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. No more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say. But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately. Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said. But if someone is prophesying and another person receives a revelation from the Lord, the one who is speaking must stop. In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

Homiletical -

Everything that is done in a worship service is to bring honor and Glory to God by strengthening the church. Does chaos strengthen the church or tear it down?

We know that it tears it down.

Anything that happens in a church that does not bring honor and glory to God, is not of God.

This church had so many tongue talkers and they were talking over each other, that Paul pretty much would have ticked off a lot of people by his command concerning tongues, but he has already addressed its’ purpose and meaning so this should, to the spiritually discerning, cause growth and change in people by this point.

1) How are tongues to be used in the church setting?

No more than two or three are to speak publically and in turn, then an interpretation must be given.

If there is no one to interpret the meaning, then the tongue talker should remain quiet and speak there tongues quietly between them and God.

2) How is prophecy to be done?

Let two or three Prophesy and let the others judge.

There is some cultural issues to work out here. Remember that the early church was originally based on the synagogue. While the synagogue always had a caretaker who could teach, it would be common for others in the community to teach as well.

It is entirely possible and probable that is the context here.

However, there is room for someone who gets a revelation from God to stand up and speak a word of prophesy about someone or something. Which by the way would make people excited and they would cut off the man of God who is teaching and preaching.

Did you know there used to be meetings where various pastors would show up and give a 5 minute talk and then they would move on to the next pastor. We called them good old fashioned camp meetings. That is because they used to be done at campgrounds.

You don’t see this happen to much in modern Christianity? Why? Because so-called pastors wouldn’t dare relinquish the pulpit. You see in those churches its’ not about God, but about them.

Paul stops an objection here even before it starts. If this is a teaching from scripture that is revealed to me by God, then I should give it right then!

Paul is like, settle down scooter you will get your turn. Why?

Because that isn’t decent and orderly.

1 Corinthians 14:31–33 NLT

In this way, all who prophesy will have a turn to speak, one after the other, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. Remember that people who prophesy are in control of their spirit and can take turns. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people.

Remember oh happy go lucky preacher or prophet that the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet. Meaning you are in control of what you do, how you do it, and what you say as well as how you say it.

Now, with that final word here we understand that is how the church should universally be run throughout the ages. He says “as in all the meetings of God’s Holy people.”

So those that don’t follow this order and peace, their church are wrong. Let me be so bold as to proclaim that if this is not how the church meetings are run, they are being disobedient to God and they are in sin and need to repent.

Let me say it again. If your church is not doing things decently and in order you need to repent. If they don’t listen to you, then you go find yourself a church that is not sinning in this area.

Life Point - Churches Are Let Everything Be Done In An Orderly Manner

Exegetical -

1 Corinthians 14:34–40 NLT

Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. Or do you think God’s word originated with you Corinthians? Are you the only ones to whom it was given? If you claim to be a prophet or think you are spiritual, you should recognize that what I am saying is a command from the Lord himself. But if you do not recognize this, you yourself will not be recognized. So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.

Homiletical -

What is this about a woman being silent in the churches? This goes to spiritual authority. We know that women are not to be Senior Pastors exercising authority over men. Or to preach from the pulpit to men with the authority of God’s scripture. Being one to judge a tongue or prophecy in an official capacity of the church would place them in that role and so Paul says for women not to do that.

How do we know this?

1 Timothy 2:11–14 NLT

Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.

Let me give some excerpts from another writer as he explains this issue, quickly and succinctly:

In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women. This is a result of the way mankind was created and the way in which sin entered the world. God, through the apostle Paul, restricts women from serving in roles of teaching and/or having spiritual authority over men. This precludes women from serving as pastors over men, since pastoring definitely includes preaching, teaching publicly, and exercising spiritual authority.

Many women excel in gifts of hospitality, mercy, teaching, evangelism, and helping/serving. Much of the ministry of the local church depends on women. Women in the church are not restricted from public praying or prophesying (1 Corinthians 11:5), only from having spiritual teaching authority over men. The Bible nowhere restricts women from exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12). Women, just as much as men, are called to minister to others, to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and to proclaim the gospel to the lost (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15).

God has ordained that only men are to serve in positions of spiritual teaching authority in the church. This does not imply men are better teachers or that women are inferior or less intelligent. It is simply the way God designed the church to function. Men are to set the example in spiritual leadership—in their lives and through their words. Women are to take a less authoritative role. Women are encouraged to teach other women (Titus 2:3–5). The Bible also does not restrict women from teaching children. The only activity women are restricted from is teaching or having spiritual authority over men. This bars women from serving as pastors to men. This does not make women less important, by any means; rather, it gives them a ministry focus in agreement with God’s plan and gifts.

Paul then tells these so-called teachers, preachers and spiritual folks to recognize his authority as an Apostle and more than that, that what he is saying is from God.

I love Paul’s candor and attitude here.

He says if you are one of those and then don’t recognize what I am saying, then your wrong and I don’t recognize your authority nor does God recognize you.

In other words, if you don’t recognize the scripture then you don’t belong to God, you’re not saved.

Matthew 7:21–23 KJV 1900

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Paul wraps it up and says, be eager to prophesy, to proclaim God’s Word and don’t forbid tongues. Just do everything decently and in order.

Life Principle– Orderly Churches Submit To God, Become Purveyors Of Peace, & See People Saved By Faith In Grace.

Call to Action – altar call….