Systematic Congregational Order is a Divine Order!
Our Blueprint for a New Testament Church • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
PRE-INTRODUCTION
PRE-INTRODUCTION
Acknowledge special music
MAIN-INTRODUCTION
MAIN-INTRODUCTION
[Get Attention | Raise a need | Orient Theme | State Purpose]
ATTENTION GETTER
ATTENTION GETTER
All around us there are vivid examples of how God is a God of order. Here are just three examples.
The Solar System
play clip of solar system in action
All the planets within our solar system orbit the Sun in perfect timing, rhythm, and order which creates the perfect balance to support life here on Earth. If there were any deviation whatsoever, life in of Earth would suffer catastrophic failure. Yet, every day, every hour, every minute, all the planets follow a steady and HARMONIOUS path around the sun.
Ant Farms
play clip of ant farm in action
We see ants as pesky little creatures getting into our food. Yet, one of the most amazing examples of order and harmony is found in an ant farm. Ant farms are huge networks of ants working and living together supporting the queen ant. She lays eggs and the sole job of all the ants to support the process of life for the colony. They are a great example of working together harmoniously and with purpose.
The Balance of Day and Night
play clip of day turning to night and then back again
As we know, the Sun provides light by day and the Moon by night. There is always a harmonious balance of daylight and darkness. Each day the sun rises becoming the greater light in which we are able to see, live, move, and work. However, at night, the sun gives way to the moon, the lesser light, allowing us to rest and sleep.
I could on to list many other things like the moon’s affect on the tides of the oceans, the symmetry of human and animal bodies, the four seasons, the bees relationship to flowers, and many more such examples. All of them examples of how God created each with order and harmony. In fact, over in Proverbs, the Holy Spirit encourages us to take note of things like the ants.
24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, But they are exceeding wise:
25 The ants are a people not strong, Yet they prepare their meat in the summer;
26 The conies are but a feeble folk, Yet make they their houses in the rocks;
27 The locusts have no king, Yet go they forth all of them by bands;
28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, And is in kings’ palaces.
Everywhere we see the hand of God we find harmony and order. There is no confusion with God. However, with man, it is completely different. Men like to think they create harmony and order. But do they? I mean really. What I have discovered with all men is when they do things they cause a great big stinking mess. In fact, with men, it is always chaos and confusion which often leads to anarchy. No doubt it is due to man’s sinful nature. God, on the other hand, is perfect and holy. His holiness drives order and harmony. Our sin causes chaos.
NEED
NEED
When it comes to activity within the local church, too many congregations have fallen into chaos. I contend from Scripture that such chaos is not the work of God, but the result of man’s pride. We have abandoned the mandate to do things God’s way and inserted our own opinions. The end result is that many churches do not operate as God intended. Instead, they are a mess filled with chaotic forms of worship which do not reflect the divine nature of God. As such, God is not honored nor is He glorified in all that they do. Such was the case in the Corinthian church. They were full of pride and were not doing things God’s way. Thus, the Holy Spirit writes that wonderful letter to correct the mess they had made of their worship and their church. Without a doubt, we need churches and believers who will return to worshipping, living, and serving God’s way. That is the our reason for studying the book of 1 Corinthians.
THEME
THEME
In our text today, the Holy Spirit directs our attention to how we must conduct ourselves within the local church. Now, don’t forget that this chapter is the last of three chapters concerning spiritual gifts. At the heart of this chapter are the gifts of tongues and prophecy. Already, we have discovered that the gift of tongues is no longer valid for today as it was then. Even then, the Holy Spirit encouraged believers to pursue the gift of prophecy over the gift of tongues.
PURPOSE
The purpose of our text this morning was to bring order and harmony back to the worship services of the Corinthian church. Obviously, there was much confusion within that church on many different levels. It was no different with their corporate worship. It would seem by what we know that their worship services were quite chaotic. When they came together, many different people were seeking to speak at once and they often were speaking in different languages. Imagine the confusion that dominated a service at the church of Corinth. As we already established, such confusion does not allow for the clear teaching of God’s Word. Today, I aim to demonstrate from our text that God demands we do things with decency and order and, in doing so, we reflect then His own divine nature. A theme that runs through the second half of chapter 14. A theme stated in the closing verse of this chapter.
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
SUB-INTRODUCTION
Let’s dive right into it by noting the Holy Spirit’s explicit instructions to the church of Corinth about conducting activity when they came together for worship.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
The Holy Spirit begins with...
The Divine Order for Use of Languages
The Divine Order for Use of Languages
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
Validate - why this particular point?
As we can see from these verses, the Holy Spirit gives explicit instructions concerning the use of languages within the local church. Remember that this is part of the overall context of maintaining order with the local church. This section ends with 1 Corinthians 14:40
40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
A quick study of that verse reveals the following. Everything done within the congregational worship of a local church is to be done well. The word “decently” is a compound of two Greek words. One means “well” and the other means “form.” Thus, both words combined give us the idea of doing things gracefully, becomingly, or in a seemly manner. In other words, everything must be done well. Also note in that verse the word “order.” This word simply means “to arrange” or “draw up in order.” In other words, each worship service is to have a set or arranged order in which things are done. It is something we do here on a regular basis. Each of our services are arranged or drawn up ahead of time so that there is no confusion. In doing so, we are obeying the divine order given in verse 40,
Now, as I stated before, the use of languages as well as prophecy (preaching) is part of the this overall conversation of order. It all started with verse 23 which stated
23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
That first phrase sets the stage. “If therefore the whole church be come together into one place...”
Here is little side note. The Holy Spirit (God) expects believers to “come together into one place.” God expects His people to come together in one place to worship Him. It is what the local church is all about.
Now, back to our text and its instruction. Whenever we come together into one place, worship, service, and the teaching of God’s Word inevitably will happen. However, it is important that all the singing, teaching, and prayer be done well and with order, not confusion. Thus, the Holy Spirit lays out some very specific instructions concerning the use of languages.
Explain - go deeper.
Now, before we get to the order, here are couple of things we have learned that we must keep in mind.
First, the gift of languages was a problem for the Corinthians church. The desire to speak languages greatly outweighed the more important gift of preaching God’s Word. It is quite obvious from our study that there was way too many people trying to speak foreign languages than people preaching and teaching God’s Word. Therefore, the Holy Spirit uses this chapter of His letter to them encouraging them to go after prophecy (preaching) rather than languages.
Second, the gift of languages is no longer valid for today as it was then. God’s Word is complete and, consequently, the sign of speaking tongues is no longer needed for today. God’s Word has been and continues to be translated into hundreds of languages. The great majority of today’s world can read the Bible for themselves in their own tongue with no need for an interpreter.
Does is all this mean then that these instructions concerning languages are no longer valid? The answer is “no.” In fact, the teaching about the proper use of tongues is needed even more than ever due to all the false teaching in many churches today. It is also equally true that people do indeed speak in many languages. Thus, if someone from a foreign country with the ability to only speak their native tongue and not English were to come into our congregation to worship, these instructions would apply even today.
What were the Holy Spirit’s instructions? Look again at our text.
27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
There are to be no more than three languages spoken. - “let it be by two, or at the most by three”
Each person speaking must speak individually and sequentially. - “and that by course.” The word “course” meaning “part” of a whole. In other words, one speaks a part, the other speaks another part, and the sum is the whole of what is being said. Essentially, the Holy Spirit is directing them to speak one by one and not all at once. In doing so, there is order, not confusion.
Each person speaking in a unfamiliar languages must utilize another person who can translate what is said to the entire congregation. - “and let one interpret.” The word “interpret” means just what it says. They are to give the meaning of what was said. In other words, translate from one language into another.
If there is no interpreter/translator, they are not permitted to speak, but are to sit in silence. - “let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.”
Apply- If possible apply now.
The practical application is pretty clear. Suppose we had a visiting pastor from Norway visit our church. And, suppose that I knew this man and knew that he was known for his great Bible preaching and teaching. Unfortunately, this man knows no English and only speaks Norwegian. We could allow this man to speak, if Olaf was willing to translate for him so that we knew what he was saying. If, by chance, Olaf was not here and there was no one to translate, we could not, based on the Divine instructions of this passage, allow him to speak regardless of his ability to preach or teach God’s Word. Again, suppose we had several visiting pastors from different countries who spoke only their native tongue. Let’s say the pastor from Norway, one from Nepal, another one from Africa, and one from Cuba were visiting. All of these men are known to be good pastors who love the Lord and preach God’s Word. However, none of them can speak English. Following the divine instructions of verses 27 and 28, we could let these men speak one by one and only if there were others who could translate what they are saying. If not, then would not be allowed to speak. Oh, and by the way, only three of them could speak sequentially, not all four. Why? Verse 27 specifically states no more than three and “by course.”
Isn’t the clarity of these instructions amazing? Yet, so many have completely ignored these explicit instructions of Scripture concerning the use of languages within the local church.
The Holy Spirit however was not done. He also lays out clear instruction concerning the preaching of God’s Word aka prophecy.
The Divine Order for Preaching the Word of God
The Divine Order for Preaching the Word of God
29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.
31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.
32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.
Validate - why this particular point?
Again, we see the emphasis within these instruction on things being “done decently and in order.” Just like languages, God expects us to preach and teach His Word well and in an orderly fashion. It is one of the reasons why I prefer to preach expositorily. Expository preaching is the preaching and teaching of God’s Word sentence by sentence, verse by verse, paragraph by paragraph learning what God wants us to know within the context of what is being given.
When it comes to preaching the Word of God, the Holy Spirit lays out these specific instructions.
Explain - go deeper.
Note the order.
There are to be no more than three prophets (preachers) speaking. - “Let the prophets speak two or three...”
As they speak, others are to listen and evaluate what they are saying. - “and let the other judge.” The word “other” simply means not the same ones as already mentioned. Thus, if they are not the same ones mentioned, then is must mean everyone else. The word “judge” means to distinguish. In other words, they are to sit and distinguish what is being taught or preached.
Anyone who learns something new is to hold their peace. - “If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.” In other words, don’t interrupt even if you are excited about what you just learned. It is best to wait until the preaching is done and then share with others what you have learned. Interrupting the preaching could create confusion.
If there are more than two preachers preaching, they are to preach individually and sequentially. “”For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.” Again, the simple essence is that if several people are speaking at once, no on is learning or being comforted for all the confusion that ensues.
Each preacher’s message is subject to the preacher. - “And the spirit of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” This speaks to the fact that each preacher’s message is one placed within his heart by the Holy Spirit. Thus, we must be careful in our judgment of a preacher. If his message matches God’s Word, so be it. However, if it doesn’t match God’s Word, the preacher stands in judgment of not only his own spirit, but the Holy Spirit as well. This points back to a principle found in Romans 8:16
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Thus, the spirit of each true preacher of God’s Word should bear witness with God’s Spirit.
Apply- If possible apply now.
The application is once again simple. God expects everything within the confines of congregational worship to be done decently and with order. This applies to the preaching of God’s Word just as much as the use of languages. Therefore, we must never allow more than three preachers to preach in a service. That usually is not a problem due to the simple fact that most people can only handle one preacher at a time anyways. Suppose for some reason that we did have three preachers preaching in a service, they must do so individually and sequentially. As they preach, all of us who are sitting are to listen and evaluate what they are saying. If you have an “Aha” moment while listening, that is wonderful. However, wait until the preaching is done before sharing with the preacher or others what you learned. In doing so, we do not create confusion.
Now, all of this is done so that we might reflect the true nature of God even in our congregation worship of Him.
Systematic Congregational Order Reflects the Divine Nature of God
Systematic Congregational Order Reflects the Divine Nature of God
33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Validate - why this particular point?
The Holy Spirit reveals in this verse a critical aspect of God’s nature that applies to our corporate worship. Note that God IS NOT the author of confusion. To the contrary, He is the author of peace. As such, He expects that in “all churches of the saints” there is peace and not confusion.
Explain - go deeper.
Note the word “confusion.” This word means “instability” denoting “a state of disorder, disturbance, confusion, tumult.” Here are few verses where we find this word.
9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
In fact, this word is use only 5 times in the New Testament and is never used associated with God. It is the reason why the Holy Spirit emphatically states that He “IS NOT the author” of instability. The total opposite is true of God. He is the God of stability. And, as our text notes, He is the author of peace.
“Peace” denotes harmonious relationships. Sometimes it used to describe harmonious relationships between men and/or nations. It carries with it the sense of friendliness, freedom from molestation, and a general sense restful and easy times. However, at the heart of all peace, is God. He is the God of peace.
33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
I could spend an entire message exploring the fact that God is peace and how His peace is the only true peace in this world today. However, there is not enough time to cover all that this morning. The main thing we need to understand is that God is the author of peace and, as such, He demands peace be cultivated with each local church.
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
When it comes to corporate worship within the local church, God insists that there not be chaos and confusion. Instead, our worship is to reflect His true nature of order, harmony, and peace.
Apply- If possible apply now.
What does that look like? Hopefully, you experienced it this morning already in our worship service. We began with a call to worship as we read from Scripture. The call to worship was followed by a spiritual song leading us to sing praises unto God. We then followed that with a call to obedience as we prayed and took up an offering. We then sang another song of praise unto the Lord followed by special music which set the tone for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. At this moment, we are coming to the end of the most important part of this entire worship service, the preaching of God’s Word. All of this done in decency and order. Why such strict order of service? God demands that it be so. All of what we have learned this morning points to that fact. And, as we have done so we have reflected by our actions that our God is a God of order and peace. I can think of no better way to honor Him than by doing what He has commanded.
Conclusion
Conclusion