sf241 - Proper Procedures For Public Worship (1 Corinthans 14 29-40)

1 Corinthians 14:29-40

Introduction

In this section the apostle concludes his critical discussion of matters related to spiritual gifts.

1A. The Proper Exercise of the Gift of Prophecy in Public Worship (14:29-33a)

Like that of the apostles, the office of prophet ceased to exist while the church was still very young. Judging from Paul’s pastoral epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus), prophets ceased to function in the church even before the end of the apostolic age. In those letters he makes considerable mention of church leadership—elders and deacons—but makes no mention of prophets.

But when Paul wrote this letter to Corinth, prophets were still very central to the work of that church. Nowhere in this letter is there mention of a pastor, elder, or overseer.

1B. The rules governing prophets in public worship (14:29-31a)

They are limit how many speak (14:29a)

They are to be judged by the Word and the Spirit. (14:29b; 32)

Ø They were accountable to one another.

They are to be courteous and under control (14:30-31a)

Ø Always be willing to yield to your brother.

Ø Only one should speak at a time.

2B. The reasons for exercising the gift of prophecy. (14:31b-33a)

Believers will learn and be encouraged (14:31b)

The church will be at peace and God will be honored (14:33a)

2A. The Prohibition on Women in Public Worship (14:33b-35)

1B. The rules governing women in public worship (14:33b-35a)

The context of the command

Ø The disorder and abuse that was the Corinthian church

Ø Paul has commanded that women be submissive the male leadership of the church in matters concerning prayer and prophecy (11:2-16).

Ø Paul has regulated the practice of tongues (14:27-28) and prophecy (14:29-31a) by men.

Ø This command is for all the churches not just Corinth. (14:33b)

The content of the command

Ø Women are prohibited from the practice of tongues or prophecy in public worship. (14:34a)

Ø Women are to be submissive to the leadership of the church. (14:34b; 1 Timothy 2:8-13)

Ø They are to raise questions and receive instructions from their husbands (leaders) in private. (14:35a)

2B. The reason for the rules (14:35b)

For a woman to do otherwise would bring shame (disgrace) upon God.

3A. The Principle to be Followed in Worship (14:36-40)

1B. A challenge (14:36-38)

Don’t be conceited in your own knowledge (14:36)

Don’t be confident in your own knowledge (14:37-38)

2B. A charge (14:39-40)

Desire the best – prophecy (14:39a)

Permit the least – tongues (14:39b)

Do everything the right way (14:40)

Decently, gracefully, becomingly, harmoniously, beautifully

In order, in turn, one at a time.