QT 4/17/2025 1 Cor 14:26–31, God is a God of order

1 Corinthians 14:26–31 (ESV) —

26 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,

 

NOTE: The church is to have order. In all things, there is order, not chaos. And while some would suggest that life is created out of chaos, well mathematically, there is not enough time or galaxies in the universe to create life. Some have suggested infinite universes to get over the probability problem. God created life -- whether he used a process like guided evolution or just created new life forms as needed, it had order to it. We are tremendously complex creatures, and there is order. As sin has overtaken the world since the fall, we see more and more disorder, disease, and chaos. The bible even says that the creation groans under the impact of it all. Our worship services should reflect our God who created order. There is certainly room for creativity and new ideas, but there should never be chaos. In the case of tongues, Paul clearly says that the individual is in control of the gift. It is not a random shouting out in some uncontrolled manner. That is the way Satan and demons work, in chaos. For some reason, people think that Spiritual things should just happen spasmodically, but they don't, they are under control of our will.

 

PONDER:

1. If God is a God or order, how should my own life look?
2. Do I live chaotically? Do I work chaotically? Do I keep my house chaotically?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is an old human statement, that cleanliness is next to Godliness (or something like that). Although it is not a biblical statement, there is probably some truth to that. Order is good for our souls. Help me to see areas in my life where I have let disorder crowd out order. There is a peace that comes with order and a feeling too. Give me ideas on how I can improve this area of my life.