Hey, Paul? – April 13 , 202 5 1 Corinthians 14 – Building Up the Church Through Orderly Worship Introduction Theme: Spiritual gifts must be exercised in love and in a way that builds up the church. God is a God of order, not confusion. G etting T o K now Y ou Section 1: Icebreaker Activity: “Say What?” • Instructions: Option 1 Break the group into two teams. Each team take a turn playing charades, guessing what the determined item or action is related to the theme of communication. Team 1 gives the topic to the one who will act out the item for team 2...for example, a ra dio or tv program; or a couple arguing, etc. Then Team 2 chooses a topic or item and gives the item to the one who will pantomime the chosen item for Team 1to guess. Option 2 Play the telephone game. Break into two teams. Team 1 selects a script or message for Team 2, telling only the first person what they are supposed to repeat to their team mates in turn. Then reverse it where Team 2 chooses the script or message a nd tells the first person on Team 1 who then repeats it discreetly to their teammate who then tells what they heard/remembered to their next teammate etc. At the end the last person tells the whole group what they believe the message is they heard. The idea is to see what the message is like at the end compared to the original script or message. • Transition to Bible Study: In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul talks about the spiritual gifts of prophecy and tongues. These are two of the four communication gifts given by the Holy Spirit to the church. S piritual gifts and experiences — like speaking in tongues — aren’t as helpful as prophecy . His main point: spiritual gifts should build up the church, not confuse or divide it. D igging D eeper Go Deeper – Exploring Scripture Introduction to 1 Corinthians 14 – Historical Background The church in Corinth was passionate about spiritual gifts, especially speaking in tongues, which they believed to be a mark of spiritual maturity. However, their gatherings had become chaotic and self - centered, with people speaking in tongues loudly and o ut of turn, often without interpretation. Paul writes 1 Corinthians 14 to bring correction and clarity. He explains that prophecy (speaking God’s truth clearly to others) is more beneficial in a group setting than uninterpreted tongues. His overall message is that worship must be done in a way tha t edifies (builds up) the whole body and reflects the character of God, who is not a God of confusion but of order This chapter connects Paul’s teachings on spiritual gifts (chapter 12) and love (chapter 13), reminding believers that gifts must be used with love and order to strengthen the church. (****Key Issues related to the Gift of Tongues. 1. Not all believers receive the same spiritual gifts. Not all believers have the gift of tongues. 2. What does “tongues” mean? Historically, the church and biblical scholars have interpreted the gift of tongues in two main ways...one, tongues means other known, physical languages. Two, tongues means ecstatic utterance of a heavenly language. 3. The use of the gift of tongues in public worship, according to Paul’s teaching, should be interpreted by someone with the gift/ability of interpretation in an orderly manner and is not to be disruptive. If no interpretation is available, the one with the gift of tongues should practice it in private. 4. Whether the spiritual gift of tongues means a known language spoken by someone who does not know that language but it is heard and understood (or interpreted and understood), or it means utterance of ecstatic heavenly language, the use of the gift of tongu es is not to be forbidden. Rather, it is to be done in an orderly manner for the building up of the church and able to be understood by unbelievers. 5. Tongues is the only spiritual gift that requires a corollary spiritual gift to complete its function in edifying the church and evangelizing unbelievers.) Key Passages from 1 Corinthians 14: • Verses 1 – 5 – Prophecy builds up the church more than uninterpreted tongues. • Verses 6 – 12 – Clear communication is essential for helping others grow spiritually. • Verses 13 – 19 – Tongues are valuable but must be interpreted to benefit others. • Verses 20 – 25 – Paul contrasts childish thinking with mature worship that reveals God to unbelievers. • Verses 26 – 33 – Instructions for orderly worship; each part of the service should build up the church. • Verses 34 – 35 – Instructions on respectful conduct in worship (interpreted in light of the cultural context). ****Disclaimer — we will not try to expound upon the meaning and application of these two verses in this context as part of this study. It would require more time and space than we have here. (One controversial issue is enough for this study ☺ ) • Verses 36 – 40 – Paul reaffirms that all things must be done decently and in order. Supporting Scriptures: 1. Acts 2:1 – 12 – Tongues at Pentecost were understood by all present, resulting in many believing. 2. Romans 12:6 – 8 – Spiritual gifts should be used humbly and purposefully in service. 3. 1 Peter 4:10 - 11 – Each person should use their gifts to serve others and glorify God. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does Paul prioritize prophecy over speaking in tongues in the context of gathered worship? 2. What principles does Paul give for making sure church gatherings build people up? 3. What does it mean that “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (v. 33)? 4. How can church services today reflect the balance of Spirit and order that Paul teaches? 5. How do the other scriptures reinforce Paul’s emphasis on clarity, understanding, and edification? Application Section 3: Application – Living Out the Teaching Objective: use your spiritual gifts in a way that promotes understanding, unity, and growth in the church. Application Questions: 1. Do you know what spiritual gifts God has given you? Are you using them to build others up or to draw attention to yourself? 2. Have you ever been in a church or worship setting that felt confusing or chaotic? How did it affect your spiritual experience? 3. How can you help promote order, clarity, and unity in your church community? 4. What can you do personally to grow in your ability to clearly communicate God’s truth to others (prophecy, teaching, encouragement)? 5. How can your spiritual gifts and your worship life point others — especially nonbelievers — to God rather than to yourself? Conclusion & Challenge: 1 Corinthians 14 teaches us that spiritual passion must be guided by love and order. Whether you’re teaching, singing, praying, or serving, ask yourself: “Does this build up others and bring peace?” Challenge: This week, intentionally use your gift(s) to encourage or strengthen someone in your church or small group. Do it in a way that is clear, helpful, and full of love. ParentCue 1. How does this week’s message apply to your daily/weekly family life? 2. What are some practical ways you can model these truths for kids? What are ways you can give kids an opportunity to practice these truths themselves? 3. What challenges are you facing in your family or parenting right now? Share with the group and pray/talk through how you can give biblical counsel and support for each other through those challenges. 4. Are there any encouraging or helpful parenting resources, verses, etc. that you found this week to share? G rowing C loser 1. Who is someone you shared the gospel with this week? 2. What have you been reading in your quiet times? 3. What has God been teaching you?