1 Corinthians 14 — Let All Things Be Done Decently and In Order
Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God. He that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. I had rather speak five words with my understanding... than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. In understanding be men. Wherefore tongues are for a sign to them that believe not. If any speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. The prophets are subject to the prophets. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. Let all things be done decently and in order.
“Let all things be done decently and in order.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:40
- v.1-25 Prophecy more edifying than tongues
- v.26-40 Order in worship
With the understanding. The mind is engaged. Christianity is not anti-intellectual; the spirit and the mind are partners in worship.
A check on emotionalism. Worship that bypasses the mind is incomplete. Both faculties — spirit and understanding — give themselves to God.
Not the author of confusion. Where chaos reigns in worship, God is not responsible. Disorder is not spirituality.
Peace, as in all churches of the saints. The universal pattern of God's churches is peaceful order, not unstructured tumult.
The summary command for worship. Decency and order are not enemies of Spirit-led ministry; they are its companions.
A guard for the modern church too. The Spirit does not produce chaos; He produces order built on truth.
Verse 40 is the church's ongoing standard. Decently and in order. This is not a rebuke of spiritual zeal; it is its proper container. Pursue the gifts; pursue the building up of others; and let the form serve the purpose. The verse is freedom and frame in one.
Christ is the Head whose body operates under the rules of His character. The chapter's pattern of edifying speech, engaged minds, and orderly worship reflects the One whose own ministry was always for the building up of others. Spirit-led churches look like Him.
Three purposes of prophecy in the early church — edification (building up), exhortation (urging to faithfulness), comfort (consoling).
A measure for any spiritual speaking. Does it build up? Does it urge? Does it console? Without these, the noise is wasted.