Clarity in Worship: Building Up the Church
Summary
In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the church in Corinth, a community with immense potential but plagued by distractions and divisions. The church had shifted its focus from serving Christ to serving personal interests, leading to confusion and chaos during worship gatherings. Paul emphasizes the importance of clarity over chaos, especially in the use of spiritual gifts like tongues and prophecy. He argues that while speaking in tongues is a gift, prophecy is more beneficial for the church because it builds up, encourages, and comforts others in an intelligible manner.
Paul highlights the need for worship services to be clear and edifying, not only for believers but also for outsiders and unbelievers who might attend. The chaotic nature of the Corinthian gatherings, where everyone brought their own songs, prayers, and messages, created confusion rather than clarity. Paul urges the church to focus on prophecy, which involves delivering spirit-prompted, intelligible speech that aligns with Scripture and edifies the church.
The sermon also touches on the historical context of speaking in tongues, noting that for much of church history, tongues were not considered a normative practice. However, the Pentecostal revival in the early 20th century reignited interest in this gift. The church is encouraged to be open to the Spirit's work while ensuring that any expression of spiritual gifts aligns with biblical guidelines and serves to build up the church.
Ultimately, the message calls for a zealous pursuit of the Holy Spirit and His gifts, emphasizing that the church's potential is realized when believers earnestly desire the Spirit's presence and power. This pursuit should lead to the building up of the church and a compelling witness to unbelievers, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Clarity Over Chaos: Paul emphasizes that clarity in worship is essential for edifying the church and reaching unbelievers. Worship should be intelligible and orderly, allowing the Spirit to work effectively in building up the body of Christ. [07:05]
- The Role of Spiritual Gifts: While tongues are a spiritual gift, prophecy is more beneficial for the church because it provides clear, spirit-prompted speech that strengthens and encourages others. The focus should be on gifts that edify the church and align with Scripture. [16:35]
- Historical Context of Tongues: The practice of speaking in tongues has varied throughout church history. While not always considered normative, the Pentecostal revival highlighted its potential role in modern worship. Churches should be open to the Spirit's work while adhering to biblical guidelines. [23:58]
- Pursuing the Holy Spirit: Believers are called to zealously pursue the Holy Spirit and His gifts, seeking to be filled and empowered for service. This pursuit should lead to the building up of the church and a compelling witness to unbelievers. [31:54]
- Impact on Unbelievers: Worship services should be designed to edify believers and convict unbelievers. When outsiders witness the church's unity and devotion to Christ, they should be drawn to consider the transformative power of the gospel. [37:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [07:05] - Clarity Over Chaos
- [16:35] - The Role of Spiritual Gifts
- [23:58] - Historical Context of Tongues
- [27:30] - Worship and Order
- [31:54] - Impact on Unbelievers
- [34:50] - Pursuing the Holy Spirit
- [37:40] - Building Up the Church
- [41:23] - Communion and Unity
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 14:1-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific issues were causing chaos in the Corinthian church gatherings according to Paul? [07:05]
2. How does Paul differentiate between the gifts of tongues and prophecy in terms of their impact on the church? [16:35]
3. What historical context does the sermon provide about the practice of speaking in tongues throughout church history? [23:58]
4. How does Paul suggest worship services should be structured to benefit both believers and outsiders? [31:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of clarity over chaos in worship services, and how does this relate to the use of spiritual gifts? [07:05]
2. How might the historical context of speaking in tongues influence a church's current stance on this practice? [23:58]
3. In what ways does the pursuit of the Holy Spirit and His gifts contribute to the building up of the church and its witness to unbelievers? [34:50]
4. How does Paul’s teaching on prophecy challenge the church to focus on edification and encouragement? [16:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own church experience. Have you ever felt that a service was more chaotic than edifying? What specific changes could be made to improve clarity and order? [07:05]
2. How can you personally contribute to a worship environment that is welcoming and understandable for outsiders? What steps can you take to ensure your actions align with this goal? [31:54]
3. Consider your understanding of spiritual gifts. How open are you to the Holy Spirit's work in your life, and how can you seek to use your gifts to build up the church? [34:50]
4. Think about a time when you witnessed or experienced the use of spiritual gifts in a church setting. How did it impact your faith or the faith of others around you? [16:35]
5. How can you actively pursue the Holy Spirit in your daily life? Identify one specific way you can seek His presence and power this week. [37:40]
6. In what ways can you ensure that your participation in church services is focused on serving others rather than personal interests? [07:05]
7. How can you encourage others in your church community to focus on prophecy and other gifts that edify the church? What practical steps can you take to foster this focus? [16:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Clarity in Worship is Essential
Worship gatherings should be marked by clarity and order, allowing the Spirit to work effectively in building up the body of Christ. In Corinth, the church's focus had shifted from serving Christ to serving personal interests, leading to confusion and chaos during worship. Paul emphasizes that worship should be intelligible and orderly, not only for the edification of believers but also for the benefit of outsiders and unbelievers who might attend. By prioritizing clarity, the church can create an environment where the Spirit's presence is evident, and the transformative power of Christ is displayed. [07:05]
"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says." (1 Corinthians 14:33-34, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to creating a more orderly and clear worship experience in your church community?
Day 2: Prophecy Over Tongues
While speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift, Paul argues that prophecy is more beneficial for the church because it provides clear, spirit-prompted speech that strengthens and encourages others. The focus should be on gifts that edify the church and align with Scripture. In Corinth, the chaotic nature of the gatherings, where everyone brought their own songs, prayers, and messages, created confusion rather than clarity. By emphasizing prophecy, the church can ensure that worship services are edifying and intelligible, allowing the Spirit to work effectively in building up the body of Christ. [16:35]
"Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. 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." (1 Corinthians 14:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you seek to use your spiritual gifts in a way that builds up and encourages others in your church community?
Day 3: Understanding the Historical Context of Tongues
The practice of speaking in tongues has varied throughout church history. While not always considered normative, the Pentecostal revival in the early 20th century highlighted its potential role in modern worship. Churches are encouraged to be open to the Spirit's work while adhering to biblical guidelines. This openness allows for a dynamic and Spirit-filled worship experience that aligns with Scripture and serves to build up the church. By understanding the historical context, believers can appreciate the diversity of spiritual expressions while maintaining a focus on edification and order. [23:58]
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you remain open to the Spirit's work in your life while ensuring that your expressions of faith align with biblical guidelines?
Day 4: Zealous Pursuit of the Holy Spirit
Believers are called to zealously pursue the Holy Spirit and His gifts, seeking to be filled and empowered for service. This pursuit should lead to the building up of the church and a compelling witness to unbelievers. By earnestly desiring the Spirit's presence and power, the church can realize its potential and demonstrate the transformative power of Christ. This pursuit is not just for personal edification but for the edification of the entire church community, creating a vibrant and Spirit-filled environment that draws others to Christ. [31:54]
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." (Ephesians 5:18-19, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to pursue a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and His gifts?
Day 5: Worship as a Witness to Unbelievers
Worship services should be designed to edify believers and convict unbelievers. When outsiders witness the church's unity and devotion to Christ, they should be drawn to consider the transformative power of the gospel. By creating an environment where the Spirit's presence is evident, the church can serve as a compelling witness to the world. This requires a focus on clarity, order, and the edification of the entire church community, allowing the Spirit to work effectively in drawing others to Christ. [37:40]
"But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you." (1 Corinthians 14:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: How can your personal worship and participation in church services serve as a witness to those who do not yet know Christ?
Quotes
"Well, turn in your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 14 this morning. After a week off, we come back to this passage of Scripture and to this book of the Bible that was written by the Apostle Paul, one of his earliest letters to the church. It's one of his longest letters, and he writes to a group of people, to a church that had amazing potential in the Lord. They had great leaders. They had great ministries. God had done a great work in the city of Corinth. As difficult and as secular and pagan the culture around them was, God was using the church at Corinth to change a great many lives. But sadly, as time went on, the potentiality that Paul saw in the church lost some of its luster as a result of the problems that were created. You see, like us, often, though we have great potential in Christ, we're distracted. And we allow those distractions to become problems in our life, and as a result, we don't live up to the potentiality that God wants us to see in our lives. And so this great church with great leaders and great opportunities stopped focusing in on what they could do for Christ and started focusing on what they could do for themselves. And division started to break out. People started to view attending and participating in church being about them and not others." [00:00:00]
"You come and you go and you do all the activities that we have asked of you. You sing songs, you pray prayers, you fellowship with people, you hear the Word of God taught, and nothing changes. In fact, not only does nothing change, but maybe you leave even worse off than you did coming in. That's what was happening in Corinth. The worship times that were supposed to be of benefit, that were supposed to build up the body of Christ, were serving as barriers, not only to the people of God, but to the outsiders and guests who had come to see what was going on. Instead of it being a place of great clarity, it'd become a place of confusion." [00:02:31] (39 seconds)
"How sad would it be, as humorous as those are, how sad would it be that if it is our intention that our worship services draw people closer to the Lord and draw unbelievers to Him, if because of our wrongdoing of doing church and doing worship, that that gospel and that message was lost in translation. That's what Paul is saying was happening in the time of 1 Corinthians. And if we're honest today, it may be happening here without us knowing it. And so this is a great word for us if we desire to fire on all cylinders to hear what the word of the Lord says. So here we will start in chapter 14, and what we will see is there are three truths that he wants us to know. And the first one is, is he wants to declare that clarity is better than chaos." [00:05:42] (50 seconds)
"What Paul is going to communicate is he's going to communicate the following. He's going to say that the people of God, when they gathered together in Corinth, were creating more of a commotion, more chaos than they were clarity. And that wasn't just the church at Corinth. A great many churches do that. There's no doubt churches today, because of their inability to bring clarity and definition to what they're doing, they allow chaos to ensue for a variety of reasons. And some people love that. Maybe you know of someone who loves to live in the world of chaos. They love it. They love the spontaneity of it. They love the excitement of it. And for you who are more ordered, it drives you crazy. How can you live in that kind of world where chaos ensues? And yet, that's the life and the ministry of the church of Corinth. You would have loved it if you liked the chaotic time. Because what would happen is is everybody would..." [00:07:41] (62 seconds)
"But we don't know what caused them to do this. But Paul clearly defines that we need clarity. And to get clarity, not only for them, but for us today, we need to understand the problem that they were running into. And so notice that Paul communicates that the area, the specific space or place that was causing some of this chaos was the use of tongues. The use of tongues. And that's something that maybe if you're new to church, you're like, what in the world are we talking about? And if you've been a part of a church, no doubt you have probably a position on this subject matter, which makes this a kind of a divisive passage. And I don't want it to be by any stretch of the imagination." [00:09:41] (44 seconds)
"Now, the question we have to ask is, well, do we see that kind of tongues anywhere else? And the answer is no. Nowhere else in the Bible does it declare that Christians are to, in fact, speak in these unknown spiritual languages. And so we've got to wrestle with that. But then we go and say, okay, anywhere else in the Bible, in Acts chapter 2, we get what is called xenoglossolalia. And that is the miraculous speaking in an actual human language unknown to the speaker. And that's in Acts chapter 2. So we've got the day of Pentecost. The disciples are up in the upper room. Jesus has not only been resurrected from the dead, but he's ascended into heaven. And he says, I want you to stay in the upper room until the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And in Acts chapter 2, the Holy Spirit enters that upper room. And he enters it through the demonstration or the manifestation of tongues of fire falling upon them. And as they do, they are filled with the Holy Spirit." [00:12:24] (61 seconds)
"And so now we've got a struggle. Because from Azusa Street, not only in America, but all over the world, cause for the Pentecostal movement to grow. And Pentecostal comes from the belief of the belief of tongues at Pentecost. Denominations like the Assemblies of God, Four Square, Vineyard, Church of God in Christ, and others hold to the belief that these gifts, these gifts of glossolalia weren't just alive and well in the book of Acts and the time of Corinthians, but are alive and well today. Now, you would ask, okay, so where is Village Bible Church? Well, Village Bible Church would consider themselves a non -charismatic. Charismatic, the word charismata is in the Greek, is spiritual gifts. And you would say, but wait a minute, we're against spiritual gifts? No, what we would say is that we do not make as a part of our normative services the use of tongues." [00:16:35] (68 seconds)
"Paul seems to say, okay, yeah, tongues is something. He even says, I want you to speak in tongues. But notice what he says in the text. He says, I would rather you prophesy. I would rather you prophesy. So tongues was getting a lot of play. Everybody wanted to speak in tongues and the church at Corinth said, if you speak in tongues, you're the real deal. Listen to me. Don't ever let anybody tell you that the only way you can prove you're a Christian is if you speak in tongues. That's not the case. There's nowhere, anywhere in the Bible that says that is true. You are a brother or sister of Christ, or a brother or sister in the family of God, a child of God, when you by faith and repentance give your life to Jesus." [00:20:55] (50 seconds)
"Don't just focus on the gifts that make a big splash, and don't focus your gifts on making a big splash of who you are. What I want, what will bring clarity to the church, friends, he says, is if we could speak to one another in language that everybody can understand for the purpose of building up and encouraging and equipping the people. Seven times in our text, we will see the word benefit, building up, or upbuilding. That's what Paul wants. A church that has clarity are people who come into this place in the gathering of the people of God for the purpose of making much about Jesus by serving one another." [00:22:48] (45 seconds)
"So brothers, do not be children in your thinking, but be infants in evil. But in your thinking, be mature. In the law, it is written by the people of strange tongues. He's speaking of the Assyrian people that entered into Jerusalem as the prophet declared, that by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord. Thus tongues are a sign not for believers, but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers, but for believers. If therefore the whole church comes together, that's what we're doing right now. We've come together." [00:29:10] (37 seconds)
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