Order and Edification in the Church
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 (NASB)
26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; 28 but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. 30 But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is improper for a woman to speak in church. 36 Was it from you that the word of God first went forth? Or has it come to you only?
37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. 38 But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
39 Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. 40 But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.
SUMMARY
There were a lot of confusions happening in the church of Corinthians. Many people with spiritual gifts were exercising their gifts in their own ways, and it disrupted the order of the church. Paul emphasizes that the spiritual gifts were needed to be used properly, to edify the church with harmony and peace. "All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner." (v.40)
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
God is not the author of confusion. If a teaching is being given, the Lord is not going to interrupt Himself with a disruptive prophetic outburst. Also, God does not want us to be confused on our journey of faith. Spiritual gifts are to be used to harmonize my faith life as well. It is not to be used for my personal pleasure or fulfill my self-righteousness. It is to be used only to harmonize and edify the church. The Holy Spirit is never overwhelming. We should not justify odd behaviors by saying they were overwhelmed by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is never out of control.
APPLICATION
This passage is very meaningful to me at this time of my life. When we seek for changes in our life, sometimes we look for a radical message or a rapid answer from God, or some sort of miracle or sign for assurance. But when I look back, God never showed me in such a way. He provided me with his answers when I waited patiently, and when the timing was good for His purpose. God probably wanted me to see the importance of harmony and orderly manner. I will use my gifts given by God for His purposes and to edify the church.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for the gifts you provided me on my walk with you. I am not worthy without your presence. But thank you for choosing me to be a part of HolyWave ministry. Whenever I get confused, let me turn to you for wisdom, as You are not a god of confusion, nor do you overwhelm us. Please use me to edify the church in the manner You desire for me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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