God’s Renewing Word of New Life in the Spirit
Introduction
1 Corinthians 14:26-40: The chapter concludes with Paul admonishing the community of believers to worship in a proper and orderly way, and he offers advice on orderly conduct regarding those who speak in strange tongues.
Scripture Reading
Order in the Church
26This is what I mean, my friends. When you meet for worship, one person has a hymn, another a teaching, another a revelation from God, another a message in strange tongues, and still another the explanation of what is said. Everything must be of help to the church. 27If someone is going to speak in strange tongues, two or three at the most should speak, one after the other, and someone else must explain what is being said. 28But if no one is there who can explain, then the one who speaks in strange tongues must be quiet and speak only to himself and to God. 29Two or three who are given God’s message should speak, while the others are to judge what they say. 30But if someone sitting in the meeting receives a message from God, the one who is speaking should stop. 31All of you may proclaim God’s message, one by one, so that everyone will learn and be encouraged. 32The gift of proclaiming God’s message should be under the speaker’s control, 33because God does not want us to be in disorder but in harmony and peace.
As in all the churches of God’s people, 34the women should keep quiet in the meetings. They are not allowed to speak; as the Jewish Law says, they must not be in charge. 35If they want to find out about something, they should ask their husbands at home. It is a disgraceful thing for a woman to speak in a church meeting.
36Or could it be that the word of God came from you? Or are you the only ones to whom it came? 37If anyone supposes he is God’s messenger or has a spiritual gift, he must realize that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38But if he does not pay attention to this, pay no attention to him.
39So then, my friends, set your heart on proclaiming God’s message, but do not forbid the speaking in strange tongues. 40Everything must be done in a proper and orderly way.
Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 14:39, 40
So then, my friends, set your heart on proclaiming God’s message, but do not forbid the speaking in strange tongues. Everything must be done in a proper and orderly way.
Reflect
Paul once again affirms the importance that “everything must be of help to the church” (verse 26). In what ways does your community of faith affirm the spiritual gifts of its members?
Pray
Loving God, teach me to affirm the spiritual gifts of others and to use my gifts to help and support your church. May all I do be done in love, and may my actions be a way of proclaiming your message. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Deuteronomy 31:1-13: Joshua becomes Moses’s successor.