1. Controversy at Corinth
1 Corinthians 11-14
Order VERSUS Chaos
1 Corinthians provide us the opportunity to consider the order and structure that result when we live under God’s authority, in contrast to the chaos and confusion that result from following human whim and caprice. The issues dealt with are the woman’s covering, the Lord’s supper, spiritual gifts and decorum in worship. In each case, understanding God’s purpose and following God’s way results in ORDER while following man’s way leads to CHAOS.

2. ORDER Results from Recognizing Headship & Respecting Authority 1 Corinthians 11:2-3
Keeping apostolic traditions shows respect for God’s authority (11:2; 14:37; 2 Thessalonians 2:13)
Headship is Fundamental to Order (11:3)
Authority and Headship demand Order!
“But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.” (11:34)
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (14:40)

3. PURPOSE compels ORDER
The Woman’s Covering -- HEADSHIP (11:4-16; Jude 6-9)
The Lord’s Supper – REMEMBRANCE (11:20-26, 33-34)
Spiritual Gifts – UNITY OF THE BODY (12:4-12; 28-31; 13:1, 8)
Decorum in Worship – EDIFICATION (14:10-14; 26-40)

4. “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40)
Doing all things decently & in order…
Shows our respect for God’s authority and headship.
Enables us to fulfill His purpose for the things He has asked us to do.
Allows God to author PEACE! (14:33)
Drop Thy still dews of quietness, Till all our strivings cease; Take from our souls the strain and stress, And let our ordered lives confess The beauty of Thy peace.