The Very Commands of the Lord1 Corinthians 14:37-38
If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

Thoughts for Today:The English word "command" is translated from the Greek word ENTOLE. According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, it means: "an injunction, charge, precept, or commandment. It is the most frequent term and is used of moral and religious precepts." Paul used ENTOLE to indicate the directions he gave were not simply recommendations or good advice, but the words of an Apostle. Therefore, those who were spiritual would recognize that when he spoke, he did so with the full authority of the Lord.

Just as there is a New Covenant that replaces the Old Covenant, so too there are new commands to guide believers. In the Old Testament, commands were very specific. They regulated worship, what to eat, what not to eat, etc. As New Covenant believers, we are guided more by principles than by detailed instructions. We have been given the Holy Spirit, with "love" as our guiding light. John 13:35: "[Jesus speaking] A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

In the New Testament, commands are principles that show believers how to demonstrate the love God has placed in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. While the Old Testament commandments were dealing with outward behavior, the New Testament examines the motivation of the heart Ð yet with the empowerment of a renewed heart and spirit. (Ezekiel 36:26-27: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.")

It is this "new" heart and spirit that allows us to recognize Paul's words as commands from the Lord. To an outsider they are just like any other, but to us they carry the full weight of instruction inspired by the almighty God.

Questions to Ponder:1 John 5:3, tell us: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome." God's commands are pretty simple: "As I have loved you, so you must love one another." How have you been expressing God's love to others in your life? What kind of a witness have you been? How can you show more of God's love?

​

Cultural Instruction?1 Corinthians 14:34
Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says.

Thoughts for Today:The church at Corinth followed Jewish tradition -- the women typically sat on one side and the men on the other. Because the Greek word LALEO, which is translated as "speak", can also mean "chatter" or "interrupt", many Biblical scholars reason that Paul was simply forbidding women to call out across the room to their husbands, or interrupt the teaching with questions. (This was a problem in Biblical times because women were generally less educated than men.)

Does this mean women are not to participate in church services? Of course not, Paul said in Chapter 11 that women were free to pray and prophesy as long as they did so under the authority of their husband. If we take these passages in the context of Paul's subject matter, we realize he's saying women must abide by the same rules of order as men in the assembly. The question might be asked, "Why does Paul address women directly?" I don't know. Perhaps in Corinth (as in many churches today), the women were the most open to Spiritual gifts, so Paul felt inclined to provide very clear instruction to them.

Questions to Ponder:Sometimes we have a tendency to think Biblical instruction applies to other people. That is until it speaks directly to us. What has Scripture been speaking to you about? Will you pay attention? How will you respond?

​

Whose Disgrace Is It?1 Corinthians 14:35b
...for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

Thoughts for Today:Anyone who thinks the Bible prohibits women from leading or teaching should read the Book of Judges. (Judges 4:4: "Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time.") In our passage today, when Paul says, "It is disgraceful for a woman to speak in church," I think he is making more of a commentary regarding the lack of leadership by men, rather than a prohibition against women. How so? Judges 4:8-9: "Barak said to her, 'If you go with me, I will go; but if you don't go with me, I won't go.' 'Certainly I will go with you,' said Deborah. 'But because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.'"

It is a sad state of affairs, when in any group -- it is a woman who is the only person able and willing to teach or lead. How does it happen? Because the men are too worldly, carnal, pre-occupied, sinful, weak, or otherwise unwilling to do so themselves. They have abdicated their designated role in the body of Christ. Yet, it is also a position that women are more than qualified and capable to step in and fill. Throughout history God has blessed women for their willingness to serve Him, even if it is in roles He designed for men.

Questions to Ponder:The "disgrace" Paul speaks of is not necessarily the acts of women, but rather the lack of Christ-centered men at work in the church and in the home. Leadership is not awarded; it is earned. As men, are we regularly studying Scripture, praying, and encouraging fellowship with other believers? All too often, I see men who are lacking in these areas. Do you want to lead? Begin with a personal commitment to follow the Lord. Joshua 24:15b: But AS FOR ME and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Equality in Christ1 Corinthians 14:35a
If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home...

Thoughts for Today:Paul said in Galatians 3:28: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Apparently, some of the women in the Corinthian church had taken their Christian freedom a bit too far. They were now questioning men openly and in public. Biblical scholars tell us this had created a cultural problem and division in the church was the result.

We know women in Biblical times did not receive the same type of religious training as men. So naturally questions would be raised by the women related to the teaching in the assembly. This had a negative and disruptive effect upon the church in general. Paul's stated position was for the women to ask questions of their own husband at home. Therefore, I believe these passages are less about women's role in the church and more oriented to maintaining order in the assembly.

Questions to Ponder:Paul maintains that women are to be in submission to their husbands whether in church or in the home. He's not talking about all women being in submission to every man -- it only applies to the marital relationship. Does your home reflect this commandment? What about your roles at church?

​

Order in the Disorder1 Corinthians 14:32-33
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace--as in all the congregations of the saints.

Thoughts for Today:I remember the first time I was in Nepal and attended a home church in a village high in the Annapurna Mountain range. Following the message, the pastor instructed us to stand, and then told us we were all going to pray Nepali-style. Everyone began to pray out loud and at the same time. It was quite noisy and I had some difficulty concentrating. At the time, I wondered if they had read our passage today: "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." Yet, in retrospect it worked for them. Why? Because there was order in the disorder -- it was the "free-praise" time of the service.

When born-again young people enter our churches, they too want more free-flow in worship. They grow bored with traditional and overly-orderly services. They want the Spirit to be encouraged to influence and express Himself through each person individually. I completely support this point of view. In fact, at my home church, we have several services which allow and permit more freedom of expression. For example: stand, sit, or dance while we sing; come forward to kneel and pray; or say "Amen" or speak other words of agreement as the Word is being preached. It's not for everyone -- which is one reason we offer multiple styles of worship.

However, some people will try to justify their odd behavior by saying, "I was overwhelmed by the Spirit." In our passage today, Paul tells us this is not to be the case. Even while ministering in the Spirit, a person is never to be out of control. And as this teaching applies to the worship assembly, the Lord is not going to interrupt Himself with some sort of prophetic outburst. Why? Because the Lord is not the author of confusion or disorder.

Questions to Ponder:Neither prophets nor anyone else should be compelled to speak or act as if they cannot control themselves. This is true of every gift of God. We alone choose to use or abuse our gifts. Have you chosen to use your gift? Do you allow God to influence where you go, and what you say and do? Have you retained control over your gift so it does not become corrupted?

​

Don't Just Believe It -- Judge It First1 Corinthians 14:29
Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said.

Thoughts for Today:I think this is a really important verse for all Christians to know, remember, and apply. It will keep us from doing some rather foolish things. For example, several months ago California based evangelical broadcaster, Harold Camping, told everyone who would listen that a cataclysmic event was about to happen. The world would experience the "rapture" of the church. At the appointed hour (which he alone had decoded from his studies of Scripture), all true Christians would be transported to heaven. Everyone else would be left to suffer the prolonged agony of the "tribulation" until the final destruction of the universe five months later.

The first of Camping's failed predictions dates back to 1978. But the one he made regarding May 21, 2011 created the most media attention as he went on a passionate campaign to inspire followers to drain their personal savings in order to warn everyone the end was near. When the world didn't end, he said his math was off a bit and reset the date to October 21, 2011 at 5:59 pm. A few days later, Camping's daughter Susan Espinoza, wrote to the Associated Press: "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but we at Family Radio have been directed to not talk to the media or the press."

Callers to Open Forum (the show Camping hosts), expressed outrage: "You're really pathetic, you know? I wasted all my money because of you. I was putting all my money and my hopes on you...I wish I could see you face to face, I would smack you. Mr. Camping, you always say a lot of (blank). I lost all my money because of you, you (blank)."

Could he have been right? Perhaps, but most likely not. Why? 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2: "Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night." When the Lord returns it will be completely unexpected. That's what the Bible says. A lot of people have gotten themselves into all kinds of trouble because they didn't validate a prophecy with Scripture first. They didn't judge properly. In our passage today, Paul instructs us to "weigh carefully" what is being said. In other words, don't believe what someone says just because they say, "I have a word from the Lord," -- judge it first.

Questions to Ponder:Paul tells us to "weigh carefully what is said". How do we know what is truth? Because it will be confirmed, and not contradicted, by Scripture. Have you been confused by the so-called "inspired" words of a pastor, radio, or television evangelist? Be careful. Read and study your Bible. Ask your Christian brothers and sisters in Christ for their impression. Pray, talk it over with your pastor, and go slowly.

​

                          Privately Praying and Praising the Lord1 Corinthians 14:27-28
If anyone speaks in a tongue, two--or at the most three--should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.

Thoughts for Today:According to The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology: "In the case of the interpretation of tongues, it would seem that Paul is not thinking of interpretation in the sense of translating one language into another, which would presume that 'tongues' had a coherent scheme of grammar, syntax and vocabulary. Rather, interpretation here seems to be more akin to discerning what the Spirit is saying through the one who is speaking in tongues."

In our passage today, Paul says, "If there is no interpreter," rather than, "If there is no interpretation". This would imply -- before a person considered speaking in tongues -- they should first know that someone gifted with the interpretation of tongues (spiritual language versus foreign language) would be present. Therefore, if no known interpreter was present, then those with the gift of tongues were to remain silent in the assembly.

Although the gift of speaking in tongues might not be beneficial to the church body as a whole without an interpretation, there is a significant benefit to us individually when we do so in private. Paul encourages us to speak quietly to ourselves while worshipping God in prayer. In other words, it is orderly and acceptable to softly pray and praise God in tongues, even though we are in the assembly, as long as it does not disturb others.

Questions to Ponder:Have you ever felt so overcome by a situation that you couldn't find words to express your feelings? The next time you feel this way, will you allow the Spirit to take control and make His petition to the Lord on your behalf?

​

Positive Examples1 Corinthians 14:26b
All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.

Thoughts for Today:I think it is interesting to look at how early church believers used various ways to express and describe their worship of the Lord. For example:

Praise: "In order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:12)

Blessing: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)

Psalms, hymns, and songs: "Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:19)

Giving: "But since you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you --see that you also excel in this grace of giving." (2 Corinthians 8:7)

Thanksgiving: "Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God." (Romans 14:6)

Boasting and rejoicing: "So that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me." (Philippians 1:26)

Giving glory to God: "And every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:1)

In our passage today, Paul uses the Greek word OIKODOME (translated as "strengthening" or "edifying") to describe how it is each believer's responsibility to conduct themselves in a way that will strengthen the church as a whole. Each of the foregoing is a positive example of how we can do so.

Questions to Ponder:When you attend church, are you strengthening the church? How can you do so? By the way we worship together. How does this change your perspective regarding worship services?

​

​A Disruptive Influence?1 Corinthians 14:26a
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.

Thoughts for Today:Greek manuscripts do not contain punctuation marks. Therefore, we might ask, "Did the translators pick the right spot to place the question mark? What if the second sentence was a continuation of the first and the question mark was placed after 'interpretation'? Does it change the meaning?" I think it does a little.

In context, Paul has been speaking about the importance of maintaining order when the Corinthians came together. He is basically saying, "Why does every one of you feel the need to get involved? When you do it is a complete madhouse."

I have attended some very spirit-filled, smaller church services, in which everyone was encouraged to share publically whatever the Holy Spirit had placed upon them to share. This is the picture I have in mind when I imagine what the first century churches must have been like. It can be uplifting and inspiring. However, it can also easily get out of control when words are shared that have no business being expressed in a large gathering. In our passage today, Paul tells us, regardless of our inspiration, the public venue is not the place to share our separate hymn, word of instruction, revelation, tongue or interpretation. And if we do, it causes nothing but confusion and disorder.

Questions to Ponder:Have you ever been in a Bible study that was interrupted by someone who felt the need to regularly express their opinion regarding the subject matter being discussed? While in many smaller formats, this is can be a great interactive learning experience, in most cases it is simply disorderly and intended to gain recognition for the person who is expressing their opinion. Paul warns against this practice. Are you the one who is a disruptive influence? Do you express unsolicited opinions or ask unnecessary questions? What is your motive?

Causing the Word of God to Shine1 Corinthians 14:24-25
But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"

Thoughts for Today:The word "prophecy" comes from two Greek words: "PRO" and "PHAINO". "PRO" means "before", and "PHAINO" means "cause to shine". In the Bible, this term is most often used in relation to the Word of God. Therefore, someone who is "prophesying" is one before the Word of God and causes it to shine. It is taking the message of God and illuminating it in such a way that it both attracts and motivates people by its truth. Peter said it this way (2 Peter 1:19, NKJV): "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts."

Previously, Paul told us that prophesying is designed to edify believers. Therefore, because it is truth (communicated in clear language), it has a beneficial effect on any unbeliever who is present. Here is the four part effect upon the unbeliever that Paul describes in our passage today:

1. It convicts or convinces;

2. It forces some sort of self-evaluation;

3. It discloses what they don't know about their own hearts;

4. It calls for acknowledgment.

Prophesy reveals the reality of where someone is spiritually. I have seen this happen literally hundreds of times when unbelievers come to a church service and listen to the Word of God being taught to believers. At first they are concerned, then convicted, and finally (because they've been awakened to the truth of the Gospel) -- they come to the Lord. So many conversions have come about this way I have lost count.

Prophesying is the acknowledgment and professing of divine activity with human words and rationality. There is nothing disorderly about it (unlike speaking in tongues), because it is conducted in a language that everyone understands.

Questions to Ponder:When was the last time you invited an unbeliever to church? This is one of the ways the Lord calls people into relationship with Him. It is how He reveals His truth -- through prophecy during a church sermon. Will you invite someone next week?

​