#1Corinthians14 - Order in the Pews!

Click here to read 1 Corinthians 14:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

After explaining about some different spiritual gifts, how we are all one in the body of Christ, and reminding us to do everything in love, Paul speaks specifically about using some of these gifts in worship. What stood out to me is that even though we might think of someone speaking supernaturally in tongues as being a more amazing gift than prophesying, Paul says that prophesying does more to bless those in earshot. He says that speaking in tongues is a miracle and a supernatural gift, so unbelievers may find it amazing and trust in God. But a prophetic word will reach the hearts of all who are listening, as the word from God comes in their own language. That seems backwards, but most of the things of God are like that. :) I also really love Paul's closing plea and lesson. He reminds people that our God brings order out of chaos. He wouldn't give people gifts that throw people into confusion and disorder. God desires order and patience. There's no need for everyone to shout all at once. It's as if Paul were saying, "Order in the Pews!"

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

In Acts chapter 2 the Holy Spirit comes on the disciples, and the sign is that they are all speaking in various tongues. Many who were visiting Jerusalem from other nations were amazed that someone was speaking in their own language. For the Jews who witnessed this, it was a sign that God was at work. However, when Peter stood up and spoke plainly and prophetically, the word of God reached deep into the hearts of many who heard, and 3,000 people became believers that day. Now that's church growth.

3. What does this mean for my life?

As a worship leader, I am so used to having everything planned out and orderly, but verse 30 convicted me a little that I should be open to the Holy Spirit moving during the worship service through anyone else. I know that the point was to bring order to worship, but it sounds like their services were pretty chaotic with everyone chiming in and speaking in tongues at once. I think maybe if Paul were visiting churches today, he would see that in many there is no room for the Holy Spirit to work. The service flows like clockwork, and everyone gets a little edgy if things start to drag a bit or if something has to go to Plan B. So, I really do want to be more open to the Holy Spirit in worship. EXPECT GOD TO SHOW UP!

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I'm going to ask a question that I know separates some denominations from each other, but because this chapter is all about supernatural gifts, I'm going to ask it anyway. "Are all believers suppose to speak in tongues? Or is it just those that the spirit has gifted in that way? Do other supernatural gifts count? How about the other gifts mentioned in chapter 12 that don't "seem" supernatural? I know those are more like spaghetti than real questions, but that's kind of how I was thinking about it. :)

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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#1Corinthians10-11 - Freedom for Glory

Click here to read 1 Corinthians 10-11:

1. What stood out to me from this chapter?

After the last chapters, where Paul was explaining that we are not bound by some old covenant laws anymore, he uses these chapters to explain what that freedom looks like. He starts out reminding us of Israel's past and urges us to learn from them: "Don't grumble like they did in the desert...it didn't turn out so well..." :) He urges us to be cautious of eating food sacrificed to idols, simply because it could be a stumbling block to others. He speaks to appropriate conduct in worship and to appropriate teachings about the Lord's supper. But the most interesting lesson for me from this chapter was when Paul acknowledges the freedoms we have, but says that not everything is beneficial. It's like the freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. I have the freedom of speech, but not everything I am permitted to say is beneficial. It might hurt someone else. It might be taken the wrong way. It might send mixed messages to others. So I choose not to say a lot. :) The freedoms we enjoy, rather, are to be used for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

2. How does this relate to any other Scripture I know?

I thought it was interesting that Paul is the one instructing the Corinthians about Communion, especially what Jesus said on the night he was betrayed. Paul wasn't there, he must have learned from someone. He did spend time with Peter and the other apostles, so it could have been any one of those encounters where he learned it. Luke's gospel records some very similar words during the account of the Last Supper in Luke 22:17-29. It's neat that these words are still the same words many churches use when celebrating communion together.

3. What does this mean for my life?

1 Corinthians 10:13 really stood out to me. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." Sometimes I feel defeated just because I'm experiencing strong temptation. The truth is that experiencing temptation doesn't mean I have to give in to it. I can say no. That's the power of Christ in me. God will always provide a way out. Sometimes, I'm sure it's simply to say no and move on. :)

4. What questions do I have about this passage?

I actually have quite a few, but I think my greatest confusion comes with the head-covering rules. Paul seems to be pretty clear, that men should not cover their head (or have long hair), but women should cover their heads (or have long hair). Does this apply in every church of all time, or was it something specific that this congregation was dealing with?

Those are my thoughts for this chapter. I'd love to hear yours. God's blessings to you and KEEP DIGGING IN!

In Christ,
Dan

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