Decently and In Order
Symphony of Order, Not Chaos
SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 14:7 CSB - Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds -- whether flute or harp -- if they don't make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?
OBSERVATION:
1 Corinthians 14 highlights the importance of order over chaos. Paul discusses two spiritual gifts – tongues and prophecy – to show how they can work together to do the “right thing, the right way.” In verse 7, he uses musical instruments as an analogy, showing that they can produce noise or, when played skillfully, create beautiful music. The same principle applies to spiritual gifts: exercised with love, they please God and uplift the body of Christ; improperly used, they lead to chaos and confusion. Paul concludes chapter 13 by stating that the greatest gift is love, then opens chapter 14 with a call to ‘pursue love,’ emphasizing its importance.
1 Corinthians 14:1 CSB - Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.
Why would Paul tell us to pursue love?
1 Corinthians 14:7 CSB - Even lifeless instruments that produce sounds -- whether flute or harp -- if they don't make a distinction in the notes, how will what is played on the flute or harp be recognized?
OBSERVATION:
1 Corinthians 14 highlights the importance of order over chaos. Paul discusses two spiritual gifts – tongues and prophecy – to show how they can work together to do the “right thing, the right way.” In verse 7, he uses musical instruments as an analogy, showing that they can produce noise or, when played skillfully, create beautiful music. The same principle applies to spiritual gifts: exercised with love, they please God and uplift the body of Christ; improperly used, they lead to chaos and confusion. Paul concludes chapter 13 by stating that the greatest gift is love, then opens chapter 14 with a call to ‘pursue love,’ emphasizing its importance.
1 Corinthians 14:1 CSB - Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy.
Why would Paul tell us to pursue love?
There was nothing wrong with the Corinthian Christians’ desire for spiritual gifts. But they made a godly desire into an obsessive pursuit, when the main pursuit for Christians should be love. – David Guzik.
The word 'pursue' is interesting because it carries two distinct meanings and implications. One is to pursue in a hostile manner, while the other is to seek eagerly or strive earnestly to obtain. Paul teaches us that the Corinthians focused on one gift over another—tongues. Although the gift of tongues itself is not wrong, overemphasizing it is. In their pursuit of this gift, they became somewhat hostile, chasing after it for the wrong reasons—to appear more spiritual than others. Nonetheless, Paul advises us to ‘pursue love and desire spiritual gifts.’ Our goal should be to love sincerely and eagerly, rather than to elevate ourselves. Today, Paul uses the example of a musical instrument played alongside others to create a beautiful symphony. However, when played alone and poorly, it results in chaos and noise.
Musical instruments must use a certain pitch and beat to communicate a song. If they do not, the music is not accessible to the listener. Sounds come forth, but they cannot be understood. The same is true for a trumpet that makes an uncertain sound. It is of no profit for others… It may feel good for a child to bang on a piano, and they may like the sound, but for anyone else, it is unpleasant. – David Guzik.
APPLICATION:
Today, the focus isn't so much on theological debate over the proper timing and use of tongues and prophecy, but on pursuing love in our daily lives, whether through our spiritual gifts or in everyday interactions. Are we simply making noise—like a trumpet—or harmonizing and creating music with the other instruments in the symphony?
Let us do all things decently and in order (vs 40) and pursue love.
Today, the focus isn't so much on theological debate over the proper timing and use of tongues and prophecy, but on pursuing love in our daily lives, whether through our spiritual gifts or in everyday interactions. Are we simply making noise—like a trumpet—or harmonizing and creating music with the other instruments in the symphony?
Let us do all things decently and in order (vs 40) and pursue love.
The order should always be the order of the living, not of the dead! Some have cultivated an atmosphere of gloom and depression among Christians in the name of Let all things be done decently and in order. – David Guzik.
Why, brethren, true praise sets the heart ringing its bells, and hanging out its streamers. Never hang your flag at half-mast when you praise God; no, run up every color, let every banner wave in the breeze, and let all the powers and passions of your spirit exult and rejoice in God your Savior. They rejoiced. We are really most horribly afraid of being too happy. Some Christians think cheerfulness a very dangerous folly, if not a ruinous vice. – Charles Spurgeon.
Why, brethren, true praise sets the heart ringing its bells, and hanging out its streamers. Never hang your flag at half-mast when you praise God; no, run up every color, let every banner wave in the breeze, and let all the powers and passions of your spirit exult and rejoice in God your Savior. They rejoiced. We are really most horribly afraid of being too happy. Some Christians think cheerfulness a very dangerous folly, if not a ruinous vice. – Charles Spurgeon.
Psalm 133:1 NKJV - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
PRAYER:
Jesus, in everything I do, may I do it correctly and in order through the filter of love—Your love. In areas where I may sound more like ‘hot air’ blown through a trumpet, help me to join the symphony of love, not chaos. May I, like You, think of others more than myself and see You glorified.
PRAYER:
Jesus, in everything I do, may I do it correctly and in order through the filter of love—Your love. In areas where I may sound more like ‘hot air’ blown through a trumpet, help me to join the symphony of love, not chaos. May I, like You, think of others more than myself and see You glorified.
Decency and order do not mean gloom and depression but rather joy and love.
Posted in 07 - 1 Corinthians
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