“What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.29 Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. 32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. Womenshould remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church. 36 Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored. 39 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. ” (1 Corinthians 14 v 26-39)
Paul’s Church service:
- It involved more than just the leader, v26.
- It was for the building up of those in the Church, v26.
- Understanding was more important than just the use of the spiritual gift, v27-28.
- Not every person should be heard, v28-30.
- You are there to listen and learn, v29.
- Peace is more important than self-promotion, no one is ever out of control if the Spirit is there, v31-33.
- Marriages should not display division, (wives should not interrupt/correct their husbands when he is using a spiritual gift), v34-35.
- No one is the best, the most, the greatest … v36-38.
- The Scriptures (the law, v34); the gospel (v36); and the apostle’s teaching of the Lord’s commands (v37); (are all equalling our Bible for us) are more important and should never be replaced by prophecy or any other spiritual gift.
- The Church should be united in that spiritual gifts (such as prophecy and tongues) should not be stopped but all the gifts should be used in an intelligent, understandable and orderly way.
Paul’s view of the church service 2,000 years ago and still relevant for us today.
Missions Paul 