1. Conduct in the Assembly (2)
Studies in 1 Corinthians (48)
Conduct in the Assembly (2)
1 Cor. 14:1-25

2. 1 Corinthians 14
Paul is dealing with attitudes & abuses in worship
In our last lesson – Edification, exhortation and consolation (vs.3)
Tonight – the message

3. Is our message distinct?
Paul emphasized the need for understanding! When lacking, one’s conduct could be self-serving.
Vs. 7-9 – a call for clarity & distinction in the message

4. Is our message distinct?
We live in an age of political correctness and fear of offending others, which has caused many to water down the message of God’s word!
What some say may be technically true, BUT…`

5. Is our message distinct?
Many leave out that which is offensive or they speak in vague terms.
Example: Matt. 19:9 – Avoided in the teaching of some, with others manipulated to give false comfort!
Example: No invitation

6. Is our message distinct?
God’s word is not confusing!
1 Cor. 14:40
Eph. 5:17 – understand His will
Eph. 3:3-6 – Paul wrote so they could understand

7. Is our message distinct?
Do NOT seek to be “like the nations around us”!
Cf. 1 Sam. 8:5
We ARE different!
Titus 2:14, 1 Pet. 2:9
DON’T be afraid to be different, when you have the truth!

8. Is the message true?
Vs Emphasis again is on understanding
This verse also appeals to truthfulness. What is understood? God’s message!
We must teach the truth!

9. Is the message true?
God’s word is truth!
John 17:17
2 Tim. 3:16,17
Rev. 20:12, Rom 2:16 – what will we be judged by?

10. Is the message true?
We must teach the truth!
Jude 3
1 Pet. 3:15

11. Is the message true?
Paul’s message was Consistent everywhere! 1 Cor. 4:17, Acts 20:20, 27
His message came from God – Gal. 1:12, 1 Cor. 14:37

12. Is the message true?
My Job – preach the truth! 2 Tim. 4:2-4
Elders – preserve the truth Titus 1:9-11, Heb. 13:17
Sadly, many teach error! Churches tolerate it!

13. Is the message genuine?
Vs Our message must be presented with a proper attitude!
We need:
Love – 1 Cor. 13:1
Humility – 1 Pet. 5:5
Helpfulness – 2 Tim. 4:2
Without abuse

14. Is the message accessible?Vs
While the message was intended to edify the body, it was also designed so that the lost are “convinced” and “convicted.”

15. Is the message accessible?
Does our message reach the lost?
Yes we build each other up Eph. 4:11-16, but we also consider those not members! (Two ways to build up the body – in strength and number)

16. Is the message accessible?
Consider the great commission!
Matt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, 16
We are always concerned for the lost – Ac. 17:16, 2 Cor. 5:11

17. Is the message accessible?
Evangelism is a work of the church – Phil. 4:14-16, cf. 1 Thess. 1:8
We are not catering to the lost (to the neglect of the body), but the truth ought to convict!
Make visitors welcome, offer an invitation.

18. Let us seek to apply these things as we assemble to worship God, build up one another and reach the lost