1 Corinthians 11-14 A Beautiful Mess 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.

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

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

1 Corinthians 14 A Beautiful Mess 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.

Context The gathering of God’s people in public worship A Beautiful Mess 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

1 Corinthians 14 Paul has a high view on tongues. A Beautiful Mess 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.

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

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

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

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 A Beautiful Mess 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

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 A Beautiful Mess 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.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 Rules for the use of tongues. A Beautiful Mess 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

1 Corinthians 14:29-33 Rules for the use of prophecy. One at a time. A Beautiful Mess 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.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35 A Beautiful Mess 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

1 Corinthians 14:36-38 Be humble when considering these things. A Beautiful Mess 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.

1 Corinthians 14:39-40 Summary or conclusion A Beautiful Mess 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.