There is an interesting parallel between Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian church regarding orderly worship and God’s charge to Adam to subdue the earth. In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, Paul is dealing with a situation in which God’s gifts were being used in the church in a disorderly manner. God had given them something, but they failed to be good stewards of what God gave them. In Genesis 1, God gives the world to Adam to rule over and charges him to subdue it, that is, to order it. The idea of being a steward of God’s gifts is to make the most of what is given, as was expected from the stewards in Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14ff). The reason why Paul wants the operations of God’s Spirit through his people to be ordered, is so that the church would always get the most out of what God had given them. From the earliest times of the church, therefore, orderliness has been a key value in how things were done in corporate worship. This is very evident from the earliest sources we have, including this letter of Paul. Order is a sign of care and respect. It ensures that what is spoken is intelligible, true and beneficial. It ensures that what people do does not detract or distract from what God is doing. Planning and order do not quench the Spirit. No, people quench the Spirit by disrespecting the gifts of God. Doing things in an orderly and intelligible way is the best way to respect God’s gifts and ensure that the greatest benefit is gained from what God gives to us.
Pray for God’s blessing on your church’s worship times.
Read 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
