April 3, 2005

THE WHOLE CHURCH TOGETHER

1 Corinthians 14:21-40

 

    The pursuit of love and coveting the best gifts should lead to considering how the church may best be edified when all together in assembly. Not only will [we] build up one another in our most holy faith, but consider our ministry to visitors. If there “come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers...”, and “all speak with tongues ...will they not say [we] are mad (crazy)... But if all prophesy” and minister spiritual truths, God's word will convict them, “the secrets of their hearts will be made manifest, and...they will worship God and report that God is among you indeed” (1 Cor. 14:23-25).

    What a difference between the gifts of tongues and prophecy! Seven times in this passage Paul showed the superiority of prophecy over tongues. What a difference in the effect upon visitors. What a difference in the effect upon the saint as well?

    Paul described proper behavior in meetings when tongues were still allowed, that they were limited to two or three at the most and not allowed at all unless an interpreter were present. Even the prophets were limited to two or three and others were to judge the degree of truth and edification in the messages. If God gave one standing by a new revelation, the first speaker must finish before the second were allowed to speak. All things were to be done unto edifying, decently and in order.

    Various saints could bring “a psalm...a teaching...a revelation...or an interpretation...one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted” (14:26,31). The spirits of all the participants were con-trolled by one speaking. None could say “the Spirit made me say it,” for the spirits of the prophets were subject to the prophets. What a contrast with demon possession where the possessed had virtually no control. “God was not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints” (14:33). Women were to keep silent in the church. They were free to ask questions at home, but in both places subject to the headship of the man. Some might not like it, but the spiritual would acknowledge Paul's statements as the commandments of the Lord. The ignorant choose to remain so.