The Instruction Manual For Church | Messy Church, Part 22

The Instruction Manual For Church | Messy Church, Part 22

1 Corinthians 14:26-33

What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.

Paul’s instructions for a helpful worship service:

1. Every believer is a contributor

1 Corinthians 14:26

When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.

Church is not about the performance of a few leaders, but the contribution of all the Saints.

The gift of encouragement…

The gift of service…

The gift of administration…

The gift of faith…

The gift of shepherding…

The gift to generosity/giving…

2. Every gift comes with a guide

Tongue – Languages

A foreign human language (Acts 2)

A spiritual prayer language (1 Cor. 12-14)

1 Corinthians 14:2

For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 13:1

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful.” 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28

If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.

1 Corinthians 14:19

Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

3. Order in the gathering brings peace to the Body

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not a God of confusion but of peace

Spontaneous = “more spiritual”

We can plan and prepare… But only God can bring the fire!