Divine Orders In The Church

If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant. Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.

Title - Divine Orders In The Church

Series - Lessons On Ministry (1 Corinthians )

Background

In our last lesson, Paul warned the believers in Corinth of the danger of falling, and gave Israel’s history as a warning and example.

Beginning chapter 11 through 14, Paul lays down a certain

The Main Point

Paul’s letter was not merely observations and suggestions for the church, but commandments from the Lord Jesus Christ who wants to see His church do ministry in the right order.

Definition:

Lexham Theological Wordbook τάξις

τάξις (taxis). n. fem. order, duty, fixed order. This word refers to an orderly arrangement or assignment of duty.

basic meaning - order, duty, orderly arrangement

Example - Hebrews 7.11

order of Aaron

order of Melchizedek

Paul desires to see the churches in order

Colossians 2:5 NKJV

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Sermon Points

Four divine orders that Paul set in Corinth:

the divine order of headship

the divine order of the communion

the divine order of spiritual gifts

the divine order of service

Divine Order of Headship

1 Corinthians 11:3 NKJV

But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

First, God

Second, Christ

Third, Man

Last, Woman

What this is all about

Authority

Lexham Theological Wordbook ἐξουσία

ἐξουσία (exousia). n. fem. authority. This noun refers to the power or ability to do something, but can also describe the right to exercise authority or rule.

sphere of rule

Function

our functions are confined within the sphere of our authority

Authorities and functions of the Man and the Woman

1 Timothy 2.8-14

1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

1 Timothy 2:9–12 NKJV

9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.

“Men pray everywhere..” - leading in prayer was a man’s job, a symbol of patriarchal authority

“woman learn in silence with all submission” - in a public occasion, indicative of respect to man’s headship

“I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man” - order of headship

Symbols of Authority

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 NKJV

4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

head covering

a social and cultural practice among people in those days

a sign of respect to authorities - 1 Cor 12.

God-given head covering - the woman’s long hair

1 Cor 12.13-15

Divine Order of the Communion

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NKJV

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

Paul clearly received instructions from Jesus Christ concerning the Lord’s Supper

Those who eat the Lord’s supper must be worthy

1 Cor 11.27-28

Those who eat unworthily will be judged

1 Cor 11.29-32

Those who eat the Lord’s supper must learn to wait for one another

1 Cor 11.33-34

Divine Order of Spiritual Gifts

1 Corinthians 12:27–31 NKJV

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

the Body of Christ has “many members”

all the members are appointed according to their “gifts”

Each member should function according to their respective gift or gifts

Gifts are used for edification, not for self-vested interests

1 Cor 14.12

Divine Order of Service

1 Corinthians 14:26–33 NKJV

26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Do all things for edification - v. 26

Edification of the body is the foremost reason in coming together

Order in the service is achieved by

doing things in turn (v. 27)

keeping silent if necessary (v. 28-30)

mutual submission (v. 31-32)

Order brings peace - v. 33

Conclusion

The Purpose of Order is

to bring the “peace of God” among His people

1 Corinthians 14:33 NKJV

33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

to bring the people of God to work in harmony with God

to send a beautiful testimony to the unbelieving

1 Corinthians 14:23–25 NKJV

23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.

Do all things in in order

1 Corinthians 14:40 NKJV

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

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