By Pastor Dave Farmer
TOPIC #28 - THE FINAL DIRECTIVES - PART 6
1 Corinthians 14:39-40 is a study of the final two verses. The commands are for us to follow today. They are current and extremely needed.
This final section summarizes the major principles of this chapter related to the divine purpose and design for public worship in churches. First (verse 39), Paul restates his preference for the gift of prophecy [see also vss. 1,3,4,5,12,17,24,26]. This preserves the primary purpose for assembling worship in the local church, "All things must be done for the purpose of edification" 1 Corinthians 14:26. Our Heavenly Father designed the worship service to be for the spiritual strengthening and spiritual maturity of the family of God on the earth. Nothing we do as a church is more important than gathering together on the Lord's day to be taught the Word of God.
Secondly (verse 40), the chaotic and undisciplined worship at Corinth led Paul to state in writing, so inscripturating the policy, the standard for all the churches, that "All things must be done decently and in order." This precept builds on what was previously taught in verse 33: "The unique God is not the author of confusion or the one producing disorder." This was the situation at Corinth as their worship failed to meet the divine standard.
As we conclude this chapter, we have three more imperatives of command. This brings our total to twenty-one. Half of the verses in this chapter contain commands. It should be noted that the imperative mood is used when, from the writer's viewpoint, a person of superior rank is exhorting those under his charge. The Apostle demands change, and his instructions are meant to be immediately obeyed. The number of imperatives strongly suggests the problems were a grievous breach of divine policy, and the commands were necessary to restore the church to the way of righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16; or to state this differently, here is a bad example that should not be followed.
Repeating The Preference
1 Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, my brethren, begin and continue to seek after prophesying, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
Seek After Prophesying
Throughout this chapter, Paul contrasts two spiritual gifts, the gift of speaking in a foreign language called "tongues" and the gift of prophecy, to show the greater gift. During the pre-canon period of the church, prophesy was the temporary gift given to fulfill the divine purpose of assembling worship until the permanent gift of the pastor-teacher was operational. At Corinth, the people were seeking after tongues, not teaching.
Stating Again The Preference
The gift of prophecy is preferred for it represents the spiritual gift that provides for the believer's edification. The edification principle is crucial for Paul. The gift of tongues could never produce spiritual growth. At Corinth, the prophets were the conveyors of Bible Doctrine. They brought to the people the truth of God, thus fulfilling the divine purpose of assembling worship. At the time of writing, Corinth was without a pastor, so the preference was for prophecy. Why? Paul gave six reasons why prophecy was superior to the gift of tongues:
In the first argument, 1 Corinthians 14:2-12, he showed how the gift of prophecy had a greater audience. It reached the entire congregation so that all were blessed.
1 Corinthians 14:4
One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church.
In the second argument, 1 Corinthians 14:13-17, edification takes priority, and the gift of tongues does not edify the church.
1 Corinthians 14:17
For you are giving thanks well enough [when exercising the gift of tongues], but the other person [a member in the congregation] is not edified.
In the third argument, 1 Corinthians 14:18-20, the gift of tongues signifies spiritual immaturity. They are not growing spiritually.
1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature.
In the fourth argument, 1 Corinthians 14:21-22, the spiritual gift of tongues has a limited purpose, for it is a sign to evangelize the Jews.
1 Corinthians 14:22
So then tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe.
In the fifth argument, 1 Corinthians 14:23 -25, the spiritual gift of tongues leaves a bad impression, "the unsaved will think you are nuts."
1 Corinthians 14:23
Therefore if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad?
In the sixth argument, 1 Corinthians 14:26-33, Paul restricts the prophets, those who spoke in tongues, and the women to organize these members so that all experienced the blessing and benefits of worship. Chaos and confusion must give way to harmony and good order. Only in this kind of environment can the church be edified.
1 Corinthians 14:26
What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.
In summary, the command to "seek after prophesying" does not mean that they all were to pursue this spiritual gift, for this would contradict what Paul previously taught that everyone has a different spiritual gift, 1 Corinthians 12:29. Rather, we are all to seek out those who are prophesying for they provide the divine revelation that is necessary for us to be spiritually strengthened. To reach spiritual maturity, the church needs the teaching of the Word, not tongue-speaking. Paul said, "so that all may learn and all may be exhorted," that is, to be spiritually strengthened and spiritually motivated.
Do Not Forbid Speaking In Tongues
The second command was not to prohibit those who desired to speak in tongues during public worship. It was possible the Corinthians would go too far in applying the restrictions. Paul did not call for a complete halt to using this spiritual gift, for it was still operational in 57 A.D. It should not be rejected; it should only be regulated. A time would come when the temporary gift of tongues would cease. Paul explained this earlier, 1 and it was related to the Fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. So after 70 A.D., the Holy Spirit would no longer distribute the gift of tongues to any believer.
Restating The Standard
1 Corinthians 14:40
Indeed, all things must be done honorably and in an orderly manner.
The third and final command establishes a universal, timeless standard for all the churches. When we gather together to worship our God, our love for Him is expressed in two general ways: we are to do things honorably and orderly. These two qualities are observable even to an unsaved visitor who has no spiritual acumen but can appreciate our bond of unity and respect for one another. He will leave with a good impression, not as Paul suggested that at Corinth they would leave thinking the congregation was nuts, 1 Corinthians 14:23. I have heard churches described by unbelievers as "a bunch of hypocrites or as money grabbers, now add a third bad impression category "mad." However, there are two qualities the Lord requires, and if they exist, we will be a church that will leave a good impression upon those who visit, and they will give a good report to the community.
The First Observable Quality
The first standard is translated in the KJV as "decently," the adverb EUSCHEMONOS. It comes from the verb EUSCHEMONEO, which means to behave in an honorable manner or with dignity and decorum [The verb is not found in the New Testament.]. The noun EUSHEMON means attractive, presentable, proper, something done in a becoming manner. It also has a secondary meaning of honored, prominent, of high standing as it is in Mark 15:43; Acts 13:50;17:12. 2
Dr. Wuest makes this comment about this adverb:
"The idea of honesty is seen in the fact that Paul is exhorting the saints to give an honest impression of themselves to the world. They should conduct themselves in a manner befitting their high station in life, as saints of the Most High God. Their outward expression should conform to their inner regenerated being." 3
For Paul, the Christian Way of Life was a high calling, which he points out in Philippians 3:14 as "the Upward Call." Our new life in Christ requires us to fulfill new mandates not given to any group of people before--a unique way of life. These commands collectively present to us God's will for our lives.
This word, chosen by the Apostle, represents a category of Biblical teaching regarding a code of conduct, an Honor Code. This truly is meant by this extraordinary word. EUSHEMENOS is the divine thinking of the positive believer motivated by a deep and abiding love for the Lord Jesus Christ to execute the mandates of God's will for their lives. Their obedience and submission to embrace the high standards of this new way of thinking and living produce this characteristic of honor.
Sadly, the Christian Way of Life has been reduced to observing taboos, keeping the Ten Commandments, being moral, having no fun, living life as a monk, getting involved in the community, and numerous other false substitutes. Paul challenged the Ephesians to live worthy of the station in life into which they have been called, Ephesians 4:1. So then, we are to do all things honorably or in an honorable manner. The study of this concept exceeds our ability to pursue in this article, except briefly. There are two other passages where this adverb expands the idea of "living honorably or according to the Honor Code."
In Romans 12:9-31 Paul lists 25 commands [the number can be different according to how you divide them], providing God's direct will on how we are to treat believers and take note of how we interact with the unsaved as well. Here is an example of the honor code, and this part has to do with the unbeliever:
1. When someone hurts me, ask God to bless them. This includes praying for your enemies as Jesus taught (verse 14).
2. I should never trade insult for an insult, cursing for cursing, anger for anger. I must not protract, widen, or extend a problem (verse 14).
3. I must do all I can to meet the other person's need, everything within my ability (verses 15, 20).
4. I must pursue peace with the one concerned as far as it depends on me (verse 18).
5. Plan for the crisis. It will take thought, prayer, and hard work to ensure you will not return evil for evil.
6. I must never take revenge on anyone. God Himself will avenge all wrongs. I will step aside and allow God to step into this situation when and how he pleases. I will leave my case before the Supreme Court of Heaven (verses 19,21)
Finally, in Romans 13:13, Paul says, "Let us behave properly...". This is the adverb. Literally, the translation is " Let us live honorably...". The honorable way of life that was previously given is now being contrasted with the immoral excesses of the Roman culture, which is not much different than in America today, "not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy." I am a Christian, and my life has changed. I dance to a different drummer. I follow the Honor Code that my Lord gave us. It is designed to help me become more like Christ. Paul further explains that this is "putting on the Lord Jesus Christ (verse 14)" This transformation takes place as we learn from God's Word His will for our lives. When the faithful pursuit of that knowledge becomes my standard, the Honor Code will be on display.
The following passage explains how the honorable lifestyle of the Christian Way of Life is a powerful witness to the watching world around us. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul contrasts the Honor Code with the idleness and laziness of some believers. Their behavior gives a bad impression to the unsaved.
1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more.
First, Paul introduces this chapter with a fundamental principle. You cannot live the Christian Way Of Life until you are taught the Christian Way of Life. After you accept Jesus Christ as Savior, you must become a learner, or you will not be able to execute this unique way of life. Notice Paul taught the Thessalonians the Honor Code, and a portion of that code of honor was being violated. So he reminded them:
1 Thessalonians 4:11
and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,
1 Thessalonians 4:12
so that you will behave properly [honorably] toward outsiders and not be in any need.
In this passage, Paul reminds the church that we have a responsibility to be a witness for Christ. We are accountable to the Lord Jesus to present a picture of Him to the unsaved community around us. When they look at us, they should see Him. How we live and interact with the unsaved is just as important as sharing with them the gospel. Paul never shirked either duty, whether to present Christ by sharing the gospel or by living according to the Honor Code.
From his lips, Paul says,” I am a Christian, and here is how you can become one too, and from his life, we see a man abiding by the Honor Code. Paul had one goal in mind that all could see Jesus in him. He wanted the name of Christ to be glorified (see 2 Thessalonians 1:12). I call this Christian integrity.
The public image of the church is so bad today because too many believers are not living in accordance with the divine standards of the Honor Code. They have failed to see that their primary role is to show the world Jesus. How? By living for Christ and becoming more and more like Him. Anything less is a dereliction of duty. God has designed our way of life to impact the unsaved community around us powerfully. Again how? Let me spell it out by each believer reaching spiritual maturity. It is not fixing society's problems, although we might be involved in the community helping people with basic needs. Nevertheless, our primary focus will be on reaching the high ground of spiritual maturity, and that lifestyle, living in an honorable way, will greatly impact the watching world. This is God's way.
Summary:
1. The adverb represents the concept of a Code of Honor to be followed, which is explained in several passages of the New Testament: Galatians 5:13-26; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 5:12-22; 1 Peter 1:2-15. Putting these qualities into practice will result in living "an honorable life."
2. Living life honorably before the watching world has an evangelistic effect. We are all ambassadors for Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:20 4
The Second Observable Quality
In contrast to the confusing and chaotic form of worship that led the unsaved to declare, "They are nuts!" there is to be orderliness. For instance, when we gather together on the Lord's day, we follow a set procedure. It advances the idea that the service is organized well-thought-out, and preparations are made before our worship. We call this "the order of worship." Someone may complain that this can become a dead and lifeless ritual. They say, "There is no spontaneity." I think spontaneity is overrated. So before you protest, we have another word that must characterize our worship: KATA TAXIS, which means order, organization, and proper procedure.
Paul loves to use military words, and TAXIS is one of those words. To succeed as a military unit, you must be well-disciplined and organized.
I spent four years in the United States Marine Corps, and I know about TAXIS. Nothing in the military is out of place. Everything has meaning, definition, and purpose. For thirty-six years, I filled the pulpit, and we began with prayer, announcements, followed by congregational singing, followed by offering, Scripture reading, and message. This routine would be called by some a ritual, but they would be wrong. We followed an "order of worship."
Dead ritual. Impossible! From the songs we sing, the Scriptures we read, and the messages given, all are dynamic and powerful. You can keep your spontaneity; I'll stick with God's design. Worship must not be conducted haphazardly. It is not a free-for-all. Just show up at a given time, and whoever wants to sing can sing; whoever wants to pray can pray; whoever wants to give a testimony can testify; whoever wants to shout and dance can do so. Our God is set up and organized, and His magnificent and glorious character is not reflected in chaos.
Coordination is another concept of TAXIS. All the people are functioning toward a common goal. During my pastorate, I kept this common goal before the people. I would remind them that the thrust of our ministry was the teaching of the Word of God so that all who attend have the opportunity to grow in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 4:13, 2 Peter 3:1`8; 1 Peter 2:2; Romans 8:29. All the things we do as a church should meet the standard of orderliness. Our tasks should display organization, pre-planning, and exhibit a pattern of set and established procedures.
Summary:
1. The local church's ministry has two sides. First, the church is an organism, a living, breathing body made up of all the believers in the congregation. The ministry of the WORD is designed to provide nourishment, spiritual health, and strength to the Body of Christ. Our first quality, the honest and honorable lifestyle, comes from the teaching of the Word of God.
2. The church is also an organization. This requires TAXIS, a word that means good administration, "all things being done in an orderly manner." This has to do with the WORK of the ministry.
3. Whenever a pastor opens the Word of God and teaches from the Scripture, he is fulfilling the ministry of the Word.
4. When a pastor opens a business meeting or leads a staff meeting, he does the Work of the ministry. He is acting as a spiritual administrator.
5. We have already shown that when Paul deals with the problems in worship at Corinth, we learn some precious lessons that apply to all churches. Edification was an important lesson learned in this chapter. We are taught that the true purpose of worship is to receive the teaching of the Word of God so that we might grow spiritually and become more like our Lord. Are we fulfilling this purpose?
6. The local church is an organization, and important administrative duties must be fulfilled. When Paul says, "all things must be done in an orderly manner," he is not talking about the church as an organism but as an organization.
7. Bad administration in a church will eventually lead to ineffective and inefficient teaching. This is a nightmare scenario for a pastor who is positive toward the Word of God and desires to see his people grow spiritually. However, when the pastor’s ministry means taking out the church's trash, picking up the church's mail, cleaning the church, and dropping off the Sunday collections at the Bank, this type of church may not have a problem with tongues as did Corinth, but meeting administrative needs will impair effective teaching.
8. Isn't it interesting that Paul's last comment in this chapter concerns what many consider secular or less spiritual.? Yet Paul deemed organization a spiritual matter and demanded order and set procedures in the church.
In Acts chapter six, the reason for establishing the diaconate was to protect the ministry of the teaching of the Word of God.
Acts 6:3
“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task [administration - the WORK of ministry].
Acts 6:4
“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the WORD.”
This example is a clear illustration of this final principle. We cannot allow administrative tasks to infringe on the time the pastor needs to spend in the prayerful study and preparation for teaching the Word of God.
__________
1 See the article "The Prophetic Prospective of Tongues" Topic #2.
2 BGAD, p 347.
3 Dr. Wuest prefers "honesty" but translates it "in a seemly manner." I prefer "honorably" that is, " "All things must be done honorably." Our conduct is to be guided by a high standard, by a code of honor or the Honor Code. The concept of Christian integrity is involved in this word. We are to act in accordance with who and what we are. The honor code consists of all the mandates, virtues, principles, and instructions found in the New Testament regarding the Christian way of life.
Honesty is incumbent upon every person, for the Law says, "Thou shall not lie or bear false witness, Exodus 20:16." So telling the truth and honesty requires moral integrity- faithfulness to the Law. Again, to act honorably is a higher law requiring us to execute the Honor Code faithfully.
Our Role As Ambassadors For Christ
2 Corinthians 5:20
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ. . .”
Your spiritual life began when you accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. Every believer, regardless of age [young and old ], sex [male or female], or finances [rich or poor], has been given their very own spiritual life. Only you can live it, no one can live it for you, and along with this spiritual life comes a spiritual title, "Ambassador for the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Dr. Rudolph Deissmann's research on this word led him to conclude:
The proper term in the Greek East for the Emperor's deputy”, Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East in inscriptions and papyri, p.374
This word was used for “A high-ranking minister of state, often a member of royalty or nobility, sent to a foreign country to represent his sovereign on official business." We are appointed by our Savior, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to represent Him on earth while He is seated at the right hand of God the Father. We are ambassadors of the King. This is our life mission.
God has prepared the gospel for the world and is preparing the world to receive the gospel. He sends us to the world to tell them about the Lord Jesus Christ. We give them the good news! It is about how they can be reconciled to God. This is our life message. It is the message of the spiritual ambassadors of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18
"And God has given us the privilege of urging [we are passionate about it] everyone to come into His favor and be reconciled to Him. This is the wonderful message that He's given us to tell others."
1 Peter 2:9
"You are the ones chosen by God, God's instruments to do His work and to speak out for Him to tell others of the night and day difference He made of your life."
Peter is speaking about our Mission in life and says we ALL have a personal story to tell.
Listen to the Psalmist:
Psalm 105:1
"Let the whole world know what He's done for you."
Psalm 96:2,3
"Everyday tell how He saves us. Tell the nations of His glory. Tell all peoples of the miracles He does. "
God is at work in this world and wants you to join Him. This assignment is called Your Mission and is different from your Ministry. Your ministry is your service to believers in the Body of Christ, while your Mission is your service to unbelievers worldwide. God has shaped you to do both.
Jesus said:
John 17:18 (The Message)
In the same way that You gave Me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. "
Paul said:
Acts 20:24 (NCV)
The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me to do, to tell others about Christ."
Summary
1. An Ambassador is a high-ranking Minister of State sent to another country to represent the King or a government.
2. Ambassadors do not represent themselves. The ambassador does not support himself. We are all supported by logistical grace, which God provides.
3. The ambassador's instruction is written, i.e., ours is found in the Scripture.
4. An ambassador does not belong to the country where he is sent or serves. We have heavenly citizenship, serving the interests of the Lord Jesus Christ in the devil's world. Therefore, ambassadors do not live in a foreign country for their own personal interest or gain.
5. When he is recalled, this is tantamount to a declaration of war. We will be recalled to heaven at the rapture, and then the war begins what Jesus called "The Great Tribulation."
There is no such thing as an ordinary believer, for this concept explains our unique mission in this world, which is given to ALL of us.
1 Peter 3:15
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense [to give an explanation] to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
We need to be prepared, and one way is to organize your LIFE STORY so that you can tell others the night and day difference the Lord Jesus made in your life.