IN AN ORDERLY WAY

Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Key verse: 40

NIV

Good Order in Worship

26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters?(A) When you come together, each of you(B) has a hymn,(C) or a word of instruction,(D) a revelation, a tongue(E) or an interpretation.(F) Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.(G) 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

29 Two or three prophets(H) should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.(I) 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets.(J) 33 For God is not a God of disorder(K) but of peace(L)—as in all the congregations(M) of the Lord’s people.(N)

34 Women[a] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak,(O) but must be in submission,(P) as the law(Q) says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.[b]

36 Or did the word of God(R) originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet(S) or otherwise gifted by the Spirit,(T) let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.(U) 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.[c]

39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager(V) to prophesy,(W) and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly(X) way.

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Corinthians 14:34 Or peace. As in all the congregations of the Lord’s people, 34 women
  2. 1 Corinthians 14:35 In a few manuscripts these verses come after verse 40.
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:38 Some manuscripts But anyone who is ignorant of this will be ignorant
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Orderly Worship

26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has (A)a hymn, (B)a lesson, (C)a revelation, (D)a tongue, or (E)an interpretation. (F)Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in (G)a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others (H)weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, (I)let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of (J)confusion but of peace.

As in (K)all the churches of the saints, 34 (L)the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but (M)should be in submission, as (N)the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.

36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 (O)If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, (P)earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 (Q)But all things should be done decently and (R)in order.

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul encouraged all in the Corinthian church to come together to build up the church. They had many spiritual gifts. Some were talented singers, some were good speakers, some spoke in tongues and some interpreted. But when multiple people spoke at the same time, or when they spoke in tongues without an interpreter, it created a chaotic worship environment. Paul encouraged them to worship in an orderly way, for God is not a God of disorder but of peace. Then everyone can be instructed and encouraged, and God can be worshipped properly.

Paul encouraged the women in the church to live in proper submission. He encouraged all people to submit themselves to the word of God. This requires humility. The Lord has given us his word. He gave the spiritual gifts of prophecy and understanding in abundance, and we should be eager to receive and teach the word. But we should be prayerful and do so in an orderly manner.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your abundant gifts. Thank you for your precious word. Help me to serve you humbly and prayerfully with the gifts I have been given.

One Word: Do everything in an orderly way