1 Corinthians 14:26-33

                                                         1 Corinthians 14:26-33

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

 

When believers gather in a public service, it is a special time that should special for everyone who is in attendance.  It is a time for encouragement, growth, fellowship, remembering Christ, and the study of Scripture.  These times are not to be taken lightly and great care should be taken to prevent unbiblical teaching, gossip, and other sinful behavior from creeping into the body of believers.

 

THE GATHERING OF BELIEVERS SHOULD BUILD UP:  As with everything Paul has been teaching in this section, the focus all should have during this time of meeting is the building up of others.  Unfortunately, the public worship service is too often a place for puffing up as opposed to building up.  By that, I mean that only a select few of talented singers and speakers are put on display for others to watch.  These prominent members of the body are elevated to a select status and the vast majority of attenders are simply spectators who may or may not be built up through the experience.  Too often, these “celebrities” become proud and objects of worship of the other congregants.   

 

THE GATHERING OF BELIEVERS SHOULD BE ORDERLY: The mega church model described in the above section will usually be very orderly and organized.  However, smaller gatherings of believers present other challenges.  More people are given opportunities to speak and use their gifting.  However, chaos can become the result especially when miraculous gifts like tongues are encouraged.  Paul makes the ground rules for these services very clear.  There is to be no speaking in tongues in the public service unless there is an interpreter.  There are only to be two or maybe three people allowed to speak in tongues during the same service.  If there is someone who has a prophecy, they are to have the priority over those who speak in tongues.  This describes an orderly and controlled environment in which people are expected to be submissive to leadership and under the direction of the Spirit of God.

 

APPLICATION:  If we are part of a large church, we must be careful not to just be spectators in church.  We must never allow people to become objects of our worship or accept the worship of others.  Strive to be an active member of a small group within the large group where our gifts can be utilized, and we can build one another up.  If we are part of a small church, we must be careful not to allow false teaching or disorganization to take over.