SUMMARY: Orderly
OVERVIEW: Paul teaches that both prophecy and speaking in tongues have value, but everything in a public worship service must be done in a proper and orderly manner.
BIG IDEA: God is a God of peace. Let everything be done properly and orderly.
KEY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 14:39-40 (Paul to the Corinthians)
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
I love your worship. I love authentic worship that comes from the heart. I want all of you—your whole person—to worship me: your mind, heart, body, and soul. Some of you are comfortable worshipping me in specific ways. Do it with love. But do it in a way that will not distract others. And when others worship me in ways that are not comfortable for you, be patient. I want their worship, too. Use that time to silently worship me instead of allowing your heart and mind to go to a negative place.
I do want public worship to be done harmoniously and orderly, but don’t make it so predictable and sterile that it loses its power. Be open to creativity. Have a teachable spirit about worship. But talk with others so that unity and peace prevail. You won’t please everyone, but seek to please me. I want your genuine worship to result in submission and obedience to me.
NEXT STEP
Visit another church. Ask a friend who attends a church with a different worship style if you can visit. Afterward, debrief the experience with your friend, so you can better understand why they choose to worship the way they do.
LYRIC VIDEO