Remain Calm

1 Corinthians 14:26–40 CSB

26 What then, brothers and sisters? Whenever you come together, each one has a hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything is to be done for building up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, there are to be only two, or at the most three, each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, that person is to keep silent in the church and speak to himself and God. 29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should evaluate. 30 But if something has been revealed to another person sitting there, the first prophet should be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn and everyone may be encouraged. 32 And the prophets’ spirits are subject to the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should be silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak, but are to submit themselves, as the law also says. 35 If they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home, since it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Or did the word of God originate from you, or did it come to you only? 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, he should recognize that what I write to you is the Lord’s command. 38 If anyone ignores this, he will be ignored. 39 So then, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything is to be done decently and in order.

There should be no bystanders in worship.

As mentioned often the past few weeks, we each have a gift given to us by God.

Just as the body functions with many parts we need each one of us to do our part when we come together for corporate worship.

Paul lists some functions in worship - hymn, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.

Worship should be orderly and not chaotic.

With all those gift at work things could get a little out of control.

If we remember our gifts are to be use for building up the body not ourselves then we will watch for the right time to use the gift.

Paul even gives limitation to how many can speak - think about it, we experience what he is talking about just by the number of services we have.

A typical church has Sunday school which is one lesson - then a Sunday morning service with another word that is typically different - we also have a Sunday evening message and a Wednesday evening message - that is 4 separate teachings in a week - how many of those are you able to digest and let sink into the depths of you spirit. Add on top of that any of our own bible reading or devotions…

Can you imagine if we had four or five people get up and deliver a word from the Lord how confusing it might be.

Remember the point is for everyone to learn and be encouraged.

God is a God of order and not chaos - God would not inspire people to behave in a disorderly manner in worship.

Have respect for those who are speaking the truth of God.

Paul addresses women specifically here so let’s talk about that for a minute.

There is a lot of discussion about this today - while not covered here but in other Pauline writings, women should not have authority over men in the church. This is not a statement on the value or even the ability of women. The issue is who God’s chosen order in creation - man was first thus the head.

The second issue has to do with the fall of man - it was Eve who was tempted and deceived. Yes, Adam ultimately sinned by choosing the created woman over obedience to the Creator.

In the declaration of judgments from God, Eve (and as such all women), was declared to be desirous only for her husband which includes his place of authority. To Adam, God said that he was coming under judgment because “he listened to the voice of his wife.”

Now in the context of this passage - the best reading of what is here isn’t necessarily that woman can never utter a word in the worship setting. What Paul points to is more for wives questioning the husbands prophecy or message in the public gathering. This could embarrass the husband by challenging them in public.

This idea can translate for men and women alike - be respectful of those speaking the truth of God. It is okay to ask questions when a word has been given - sure. But to speak up in the middle of the speaking is wrong - wait and ask for clarification later.

Let me add this caveat - if someone is clearly speaking false doctrine or false theology that will affect the body in a negative way then it is okay to speak up in that moment - keep in mind that God is a God of order and the challenge should come from the one God has ordained as shepherd and then down the line of authority if necessary.

Ignoring the one God has placed in authority over the sheep can have negative consequences.