A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 11 14 3

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 11 -14 3 problems in the public worship services in the church in Corinth. • The issue of headship in the church • The abuse of the Lord’s Supper • The mis-use of Spiritual Gifts in the church services.

A Beautiful Mess I Corinthians 13 • LOVE is the most excellent way to use our spiritual gifts.

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 1 -40 Order in Public Worship

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14 • Verses 1 – 25 give us the Reasons why Paul prefers prophecy over tongues. • Verses 26 – 40 give us Rules for the use of tongues and prophecy.

A Beautiful Mess Context • The gathering of God’s people in public worship • “Follow the way of love”. In fact the word is to pursue, to strive for or to seek after • The difference between speaking in tongues versus prophecy

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14 • Paul has a high view on tongues. • Paul considers the gift of tongues as primarily a private prayer language. • Prophecy is a gift for the church today. To strengthen, encourage and comfort the church. • Paul’s number one concern – the edification and building up of God’s church, the Body. We find this 5 times in this chapter – verses 4, 5, 12, 17 and 26.

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 6 -12 • The problem with un-interpreted tongues – Himself – Musical Instruments – Army Bugler – Foreigner

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 13 -17 • The solution to the problem – Pray that all tongues be interpreted

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 18 -25 • There is a need for Spiritual maturity

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 26 -40 • Rules, guidelines or limitations on the use of both tongues and prophecy • Verse 26 • When Christians gather together they come prepared to participate. • They come to give as much as receive. • There are no passive Christians in worship services, they come to participate, not spectate

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 26 -40 • Rules, guidelines or limitations on the use of both tongues and prophecy • Over-riding principle • “Everything must be done so that the church is built up” • And for this to happen there must be order in the church. Why? Because God is a God of order.

A Beautiful Mess • • 1 Corinthians 14: 27 -28 Rules for the use of tongues. Only one at a time and only 2 or 3. And there must be interpretation. If no interpretation, keep quiet

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 29 -33 Rules for the use of prophecy. One at a time. Only 2 or 3. What they say must be carefully evaluated. There must not be chaos for God is not a God of disorder but of peace. • Creative but orderly worship reflects the character of God. • • •

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 34 -35 • Orderly worship comes when there is respect for God ordained authority. • There needs to be submission to the Word of God. • There needs to be submission to each other out of love. • There needs to be submission to the God given leaders in the church and in the home. • Paul refers to the Law, where male headship is endorsed in the home and in worship

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 36 -38 • Be humble when considering these things. • Paul again states that he is acting as a true Apostle, giving us the Lord’s command. • If they ignored his instruction they would be ignored when it comes to the issue of church leadership • And they would be in danger of being ignored by the Lord Himself.

A Beautiful Mess 1 Corinthians 14: 39 -40 • Summary or conclusion • The divide between charismatics and evangelicals. • Do not forbid speaking in tongues. • Wherever Paul makes this statement. Verses 5, 18 and here in verse 39, it is always followed with the word BUT. • But everything must be done in a fitting and orderly way.