How can each member contribute to orderly worship as described in 1 Corinthians 14:26? Welcoming the Text “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, each of you has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Everything must be done to build up the church.” Gathered to Build Up • The Spirit expects everyone to arrive with something that can strengthen the body—no spectators (Ephesians 4:16). • “Each of you” underscores personal responsibility; orderliness flows from shared commitment, not rigid silence (1 Peter 4:10–11). • The measuring rod: does what I bring actively “build up”? If not, it waits for another time (1 Corinthians 14:12). Five Possible Contributions Paul lists representative offerings, not an exhaustive catalogue: • Psalm – a Scripture reading or song that lifts minds to God (Colossians 3:16). • Teaching – a concise explanation or application of truth (2 Timothy 2:2). • Revelation – Spirit-prompted insight aligned with the written Word (Acts 15:32). • Tongue – an unlearned language; exercised with restraint (vv. 27–28). • Interpretation – rendering that tongue intelligible, turning mystery into edification. Each item places the spotlight on Christ, never on the speaker (John 16:14). Flowing in Harmony, Not Chaos 1. Limit quantity: “two—or at most three” tongues or prophecies (vv. 27, 29). 2. Sequence, not overlap: “one at a time.” 3. Accountability: others “weigh carefully” what is said (v. 29; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). 4. Voluntary self-control: “The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets” (v. 32). 5. Overall atmosphere: “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (v. 33). Practical Ways to Share Today • Arrive prayed-up, expecting to give, not only receive (Romans 12:6–8). • Prepare a Scripture reading, hymn, or testimony ahead of time; keep it brief. • Listen for the Spirit’s nudge—timing matters as much as content. • Submit to the meeting’s leadership; signals help maintain flow. • If moved to speak in a tongue, first ask the Lord for an interpreter; if none, worship silently (v. 28). • Prophetic words should be concise, Christ-exalting, and open to testing. • Musical gifts: choose songs that the congregation can sing, not just admire. • Teachers: offer clear, scripture-saturated insights; avoid rabbit trails. • All contributions end with the group more aware of Christ and better equipped to obey Him (Hebrews 10:24–25). Guardrails for Speech • No competition for airtime—love “does not seek its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). • Avoid obscure novelties; cling to the “faith once for all delivered” (Jude 3). • Edification, exhortation, and comfort are the prophetic plumb lines (14:3). • Silence can be obedience; not every nudge means a public word. The Heart Behind Orderly Worship Orderliness is not sterile formality; it is Spirit-controlled freedom that showcases the beauty of Christ’s body working together. When each believer contributes humbly, thoughtfully, and in submission to Scripture, the church is built up, unbelievers witness God’s presence (14:24-25), and the Lord receives the honor He deserves (14:40). |
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