What other scriptures emphasize clarity and understanding in worship and teaching? Sound From Strings: The Introductory Picture 1 Corinthians 14:7 — “Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless the notes are distinct” The Same Chapter Repeats the Principle • 14:8-9 — a trumpet must give a clear call for battle • 14:19 — five coherent words are better than ten thousand unintelligible ones • 14:33 — God is not a God of disorder but of peace • 14:40 — everything must be done properly and in order Old Testament Foundations for Clear Instruction • Nehemiah 8:8 — reading, translating, giving the meaning so the people understand • Habakkuk 2:2 — write the vision clearly so a herald can run with it • Proverbs 8:8-9 — wisdom speaks words that are plain to the discerning • Proverbs 15:2 — the tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable Jesus Makes Truth Understandable • Luke 24:45 — He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures • John 16:13 — the Spirit of truth will guide into all truth Acts: Apostolic Clarity in Action • Acts 8:30-31 — the Ethiopian needs guidance to understand Isaiah • Acts 17:2-3 — Paul explains and proves from the Scriptures • Acts 17:11 — Bereans examine the Scriptures daily to verify teaching Paul’s Letters Call for Plain Speech • 2 Corinthians 1:13 — nothing written that cannot be read or understood • Colossians 4:4 — prayer for clear proclamation of the gospel • Ephesians 6:19 — words to boldly and plainly declare the mystery • 2 Timothy 2:7 — the Lord gives insight into all things • 2 Timothy 2:15 — accurately handling the word of truth • Titus 2:1 — speak things consistent with sound doctrine • James 3:1 — teachers judged more strictly, compelling careful clarity Additional New Testament Witnesses • 2 Peter 1:19 — pay attention to the prophetic word as a lamp in a dark place • 2 Peter 3:16 — some twist hard passages, underscoring the need for accurate understanding Why Clarity Matters in Worship and Teaching • Builds up the church with understandable truth • Guards against confusion and error • Reflects the character of God who speaks plainly • Equips believers for obedience and witness • Honors the authority and sufficiency of Scripture Living It Out • Use language the congregation grasps, explaining unfamiliar terms • Read Scripture aloud and give the meaning, following Nehemiah 8 • Structure services so every element is intelligible and purposeful • Encourage teachers to study diligently and handle the word accurately • Invite believers to test everything by the written Word, following the Berean example |
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