Building Up the Church Through Love and Order

Devotional

Day 1: Pursue Love and Spiritual Maturity Above All

God calls every believer to pursue love as the foundation of their spiritual life, striving for spiritual gifts not for self-promotion but for the edification of the church. The true mark of spiritual maturity is not in outward displays or knowledge, but in a heart that earnestly seeks to love others and to grow in Christ, desiring to receive from God and to be used by Him in the way He intends. When love is the motive, spiritual gifts become a blessing to the whole body, and the church is built up in unity and purpose. [10:55]

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
"Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Reflection: In what specific way can you show Christlike love to someone in your church family this week, especially if it means putting their needs above your own desire to be noticed or appreciated?

Day 2: The Purpose and Power of Tongues and Prophecy

Speaking in tongues is a gift that edifies the individual believer, allowing deep communion with God, while prophecy is given for the edification, encouragement, and consolation of the whole church. God desires that His people be empowered by the Holy Spirit, but also that their gifts be exercised in a way that brings understanding and blessing to others, not confusion or self-glorification. When tongues and prophecy are used as God intends, the church is strengthened, and both believers and unbelievers can encounter the presence and message of God. [18:51]

1 Corinthians 14:2-5 (ESV)
"For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up."

Reflection: When you pray or worship, do you focus more on your own experience or on how your actions can build up others? How can you intentionally seek to encourage and edify someone else in your church this week?

Day 3: Orderly Worship Reflects God’s Character

God is not the author of confusion but of peace, and He desires that all things in the church be done decently and in order so that everyone can receive from Him. When worship becomes chaotic or self-centered, it distracts from God’s message and can hinder both believers and seekers from encountering Christ. True spiritual expression is marked by self-control, humility, and a desire for unity, ensuring that the focus remains on God’s glory and the salvation of souls. [35:16]

1 Corinthians 14:33, 40 (ESV)
"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints... But all things should be done decently and in order."

Reflection: Is there an area in your worship or service where you need to practice more self-control or humility so that God’s peace and order can be experienced by all?

Day 4: Spiritual Gifts Are for Edification, Not Self-Exaltation

The gifts of the Spirit are given to build up the church, not to showcase individual spirituality or create competition among believers. When people seek to be seen or heard for their own sake, it leads to division and pride, but when gifts are exercised in love and humility, the whole body is encouraged and God is glorified. The true test of spirituality is not how visible or dramatic our gifts are, but how much our lives reflect Christ’s character and serve others. [24:10]

Romans 12:3-6 (ESV)
"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them..."

Reflection: Are there ways you have sought recognition or validation through your service or gifts? How can you shift your focus to serving others and glorifying God instead?

Day 5: Stay Rooted in God, Not Chasing After Signs or Personalities

Believers are called to be rooted and grounded in Christ, seeking their foundation and direction from God rather than running after every new prophecy, sign, or spiritual personality. When the church is built on Christ and His Word, it remains united and strong, but when people chase after experiences or individuals, it leads to disorder and spiritual instability. God’s desire is for His people to remain humble, faithful, and committed to the local body, receiving from Him and giving Him all the glory. [49:36]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV)
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: Are you tempted to look for spiritual excitement or answers outside of your relationship with Christ and your local church? What is one way you can deepen your roots in God and His Word this week?

Sermon Summary

Tonight’s study centered on 1 Corinthians 14, exploring the gifts of prophecy and tongues, the love of God, and the importance of order in the church. The foundation is love—Paul urges us to pursue love above all, even as we seek spiritual gifts. Spiritual maturity is not about being seen as spiritual or putting on a show, but about genuinely seeking God’s presence and edifying the church. The gifts of the Spirit, including tongues and prophecy, are meant to build up the body, not to elevate individuals or create confusion.

Speaking in tongues is a powerful, personal way to commune with God, but in the context of the gathered church, it must be accompanied by interpretation so that all may be edified. Paul’s concern is that the church service remains intelligible and beneficial for everyone, especially for those who are new or seeking. When everyone acts independently, chaos and confusion result, and the true message of Christ can be lost. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace and order.

Orderly worship is not about stifling the Spirit, but about making room for God to move in a way that brings conviction, encouragement, and growth. Each person is called to participate, but always with the aim of building up others, not self-promotion. Humility, self-control, and a teachable spirit are marks of true spirituality. The church is a place for all to receive from God, to be changed, and to serve one another in love. Ultimately, all gifts and manifestations are for God’s glory and the salvation of souls, not for personal recognition.

Key Takeaways

1. Pursue Love and Spiritual Maturity The highest calling is to pursue love, even as we seek spiritual gifts. Spiritual maturity is not measured by outward displays or knowledge, but by a heart that seeks God and desires to edify others. True growth comes from a commitment to love and a willingness to be changed by God’s Spirit. [10:55]
2. Tongues and Prophecy: Purpose and Practice Speaking in tongues is a gift for personal edification and communion with God, but in the church, it must be accompanied by interpretation to benefit all. Prophecy, or inspired speech that builds up the church, is especially valuable because it brings encouragement, comfort, and conviction to the whole body. The gifts are not for self-exaltation, but for the strengthening of the community. [16:03]
3. Orderly Worship Reflects God’s Character God is not the author of confusion, but of peace and order. When worship becomes chaotic or self-centered, it hinders the work of the Spirit and confuses those seeking God. Orderly worship allows everyone to receive, learn, and be encouraged, reflecting God’s desire for unity and clarity in His house. [35:16]
4. Humility and Self-Control Are Essential The Spirit’s gifts are subject to the believer; self-control and humility are necessary to ensure that our actions serve God’s purposes, not our own egos. Being “spiritual” is not about being seen, but about being teachable, gentle, and focused on God’s glory. A contentious or prideful spirit disrupts the church and reveals a lack of true spiritual maturity. [37:25]
5. Stay Rooted in God, Not in Personalities or Experiences Chasing after personalities, prophecies, or spiritual experiences can lead to disorder and distraction from God’s purpose. Our foundation must be Christ, and our desire should be to receive from Him directly, within the context of the local church He has established. All gifts and ministries are to be exercised in humility, for the building up of the church and the salvation of souls. [49:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:24] - Sound Check and Opening
[07:40] - Fellowship and Introductions
[08:51] - Prayer and Dinner Blessing
[10:55] - Pursuing Love and Spiritual Gifts
[16:03] - Understanding Tongues and Prophecy
[18:51] - The Role of Praying in the Spirit
[20:13] - Dangers of Spiritual Pride
[21:50] - The Need for Clarity and Unity
[24:10] - Edification as the Goal
[26:03] - Receiving God’s Blessings
[27:50] - Engaging Mind and Spirit in Prayer
[30:15] - Tongues, Prophecy, and Unbelievers
[32:27] - Orderly Worship and Edification
[34:30] - Self-Control in the Spirit
[36:06] - The Spirit of the Prophet is Subject
[37:25] - God is Not the Author of Confusion
[40:46] - Handling Disagreements in the Church
[42:33] - Attributes of a Spiritual Person
[46:40] - Dealing with Disorderly Conduct
[48:25] - Dangers of Chasing Prophecies
[49:36] - Staying Rooted in God’s Order
[51:44] - All for God’s Glory and Salvation

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 14, what is the main purpose of spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy in the church? ([24:10])
What does Paul say should happen if someone speaks in tongues during a church service but there is no interpreter present? ([34:30])
How does Paul describe the difference between speaking in tongues and prophecy when it comes to building up the church? ([16:03])
What does Paul say about God’s character in relation to order and confusion in the church? ([37:25])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize pursuing love even as we seek spiritual gifts? How does this relate to spiritual maturity? ([10:55])
What dangers can arise when people use spiritual gifts to draw attention to themselves rather than to build up the church? ([20:13])
How does orderly worship help both believers and newcomers experience God in the church? ([32:27])
What does it mean that “the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet,” and how does this challenge the idea that people “can’t help themselves” when moved by the Spirit? ([36:06])

Application Questions

Paul says the highest calling is to pursue love, not just spiritual gifts. In what ways do you find it easier to seek gifts or recognition than to simply love others? How can you shift your focus this week? ([10:55])
Have you ever witnessed or been part of a church service where things felt chaotic or confusing? How did that affect your experience of God’s presence? What could have been done differently? ([35:16])
The sermon talked about the temptation to “put on a show” or be seen as spiritual. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to seek attention or approval from others, even in spiritual things? How can you practice humility and self-control in those moments? ([20:13])
Paul warns against chasing after personalities, prophecies, or spiritual experiences instead of staying rooted in Christ. Are there “spiritual distractions” in your life that pull your focus away from Jesus and the local church? What steps can you take to stay grounded? ([49:36])
The pastor mentioned that true spirituality is marked by a teachable spirit, gentleness, and a focus on God’s glory. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging, and what is one practical way you can grow in that area this month? ([42:33])
When you come to church, do you come expecting to receive from God and to build up others, or do you find yourself just “going through the motions”? What is one thing you can do differently next Sunday to engage more fully? ([27:50])
Think about a time when you disagreed with something in church. How did you handle it? How can you approach disagreements in a way that builds unity and reflects God’s order and peace? ([40:46])

Sermon Clips

We believe in holiness and right living. And that's one of the things I want to start working on is the life that is developed as we become infused and empowered by the Holy Ghost. Your life should be changed. So there is a holiness. Somebody asked, are we a holiness church? We most certainly are a holiness church. We believe in the gifts of the Spirit. [00:15:28] (21 seconds) #HolinessEmpoweredBySpirit

Sometimes when you're praying, you don't even know what you're supposed to be praying for. You don't know the dangers that's going to happen the very next day. You don't know the battles that you're going to go through that week. And so sometimes people are walking right into those battles unprepared. They have not the strength. They're not where God was going to be, and it's because they didn't pray in the Spirit. [00:19:04] (18 seconds) #PrayInTheSpiritForStrength

We have to make sure that we are doing what God wants us to do. We are doing what God wants us to do when God wants us to do it. And if not, we're just going through the motions. Has anybody in your life, when it comes to church, find yourself just going through the motions? Either because you were busy, either because you weren't praying as much, you weren't committed to reading your Bible every day. But for a period of time, you're just going through the motions. [00:28:16] (27 seconds) #AvoidGoingThroughMotions

God wants us to have orderly worship. Orderly worship. It's expected of God, God expects everybody to get in and have church, but God wants everybody to receive from God and that souls may be saved. [00:33:03] (15 seconds) #OrderlyWorshipSavesSouls

There are no contentious Christians. We don't argue one with another. We come here to love each other to support each other and to do what god wants us to do and if you're very contentious if you if whenever I preach something you get mad about it and I and it's then there's a problem with your spirit it's not you God not moving. [00:40:28] (19 seconds) #LoveNotContention

``God is an orderly God. We still come to church to see souls saved. We still come to church. Now, we may have manifestation of the Spirit of God. Some may be healed. Some may be uplifted. Some may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Whatever God does in the church, thank God for what he's doing, but it's all for his glory and to see souls saved. We never get to the point where we are getting a big head because God uses an assertive capacity. All glory belongs to him. [00:51:39] (29 seconds) #GodGloryAndSoulsSaved

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