Order in the Church – 1 Corinthians 14:40

Text: 1 Corinthians 14:40

Introduction

When Paul was writing to the church at Corinth, he addressed some problems concerning their worship to God.  He told them, “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). A world without order would lead to chaos. There would be much confusion as no one would know what to do.

An Orderly Creation

God created the world in an orderly fashion (Genesis 1:1-27). Hence, He is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). We must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and if we all do that there will be order and not confusion.

Order in Worship

One specific problem the church at Corinth had was the way in which they observed the Lord’s Supper. Paul reminded them of how Jesus used it to remind them of His body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). When they partook of it, they were to examine themselves and remember the sacrifice Christ made; yet, some took this for a common meal. They were being worldly in this, as Paul said they should not do. After addressing this problem, Paul said he would “set the rest in order” when he came (1 Corinthians 11:27-34).

An Orderly Account

3. The Bible is written in an orderly fashion. It is divided into two testaments (old and new) that takes us from God creating the world to His law given through Moses, speaking through the prophets, birth and life of Christ, history of the church, guide to living the faithful Christian life, and then to things that would shortly come to pass according to Revelation. Luke tells Theophilus he was writing an orderly account to set in order things that happened to Christ (Luke 1:1-4).

An Orderly Work

4. Paul had an important job for Titus. He left him in Crete to “set in order things that were lacking” (Titus 1:5). One can only wonder what was missing in the church there, and what problem may have needed to be corrected.

Order in our Lives

Is anything out of order in your life? Have you obeyed the gospel by being baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38)? If so, are you living faithfully as you should (Revelation 2:10)?

Is there anything you need to set in order with God, yourself, or with anyone else?