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Priscilla: I Corinthians 14:26-40
Orderly Worship

Dear God, my Beloved Father, I offer You my words of praise and adoration for Your mercy and faithfulness towards me throughout my life. May the Lord Jesus Christ grant me the strength to walk in truth each day. May the Holy Spirit grant me further understanding as I meditate on Your Word. I am grateful to the Triune God.

Father, today I would like to present my meditation on I Corinthians 14:26-40, regarding the order in the gatherings of the Church.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

Verse 26: I understand that the Apostle Paul encourages God’s people in Corinth to use all the gifts given by the Spirit in Church meetings to build each other up. Therefore, whoever has hymns that praise and thank God should sing them in praise and thanks to God. Whoever has the word to teach truth from God’s Word should preach. Whoever has a mystery or the greatness of God spoken in another language should speak, if they know how to interpret it or if someone else does. Whoever has God’s revelation in their mind, in their dreams, in their visions, or through His voice, should share it. Whoever has an understanding of languages should interpret for those who speak them. The main purpose is to build each other up in the Church.

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.

Verses 27 and 28: I understand that in Church worship meetings, if anyone wants to speak in another language to proclaim the mysteries and greatness of God, they should do so in turn, with no more than three people speaking in a single meeting. There must also be an interpreter present. If there is no interpreter and the person speaking in another language does not know how to interpret, they should remain silent to maintain order in the Church fellowship. They can then speak to God privately in another language.

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.

Verses 29 and 30: I understand that in Church gatherings, when someone wants to prophesy, at most three people should speak in turn. Others, while listening, must carefully consider and judge whether the words spoken by the prophet align with God’s Word. If someone is prophesying and God reveals something to someone else, the person who is speaking should stop and allow the newly revealed person to speak.

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.

Verses 31 and 32: I understand that in the Church, anyone who has been given the gift of prophecy by the Spirit is allowed to speak in turn and in order what has been revealed by God to them. However, the prophetic speaker must exercise self-control in their spirit while prophesying. There should be no quarreling or excessive talk, as is often found in gatherings of Charismatic and Pentecostal believers. In God’s true Church, each person takes turns speaking in an orderly manner to build up and encourage the Church.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

Verse 33: I understand that the Apostle Paul reminds God’s people that God does not cause disorder. He is the God of peace, who bestows peace and blessings on those who belong to him. God’s Church is composed of people who have sincerely repented, fully believed in Christ’s atoning death, been born again, been sanctified, and lived wholeheartedly according to Scripture. Therefore, in meetings of the Church for fellowship and worship, there should be no chaos, disorder, disrespect, or lack of obedience to God’s authority.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

Verses 34 and 35: I understand that, during the worship of God in the Church assembly, wives are not permitted to talk to their husbands or ask them questions. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home. This is because talking and asking questions can create noise and disorder while someone is singing praises to God, teaching His Word, sharing personal testimonies, or speaking about the mysteries and greatness of God. It is wrong for wives to talk, ask questions, or cause disturbances in Church services.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Verses 36 to 38: I understand that the Apostle Paul affirmed that what he wrote to teach God’s people in the Corinthian Church were God’s commands. Therefore, God’s people have an obligation to obey what he wrote to them. If anyone thinks they are knowledgeable and wise in God’s Word but disobeys and disregards Paul’s teachings, the Church does not need to worry about advising them. They will be accountable to the Lord.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Verses 39 and 40: I understand that the Apostle Paul encouraged God’s people in the Church to desire the gift of prophecy, which is considered the highest gift and greatly benefits the Church. Regarding speaking in another language to express the mysteries and greatness of God, if there is an interpreter, the Church should not forbid it. All the actions of God’s people in Church meetings must be in line with God’s Word and conducted in an orderly and disciplined manner without causing disorder. This is essential for all local churches.

Father, I pray that you will grant each of Your people in the Church the ability to use the gifts they have received to edify and encourage one another. May every action we take in Church meetings be done in the name of Christ, filled with joy, peace, and order, and ultimately bring glory to His name. I am thankful. Amen.

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
05/30/2023