1 Corinthians 14:40 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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1 Corinthians 14:40

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These words are very deep and very important. ‘Decently’ – you could translate the Greek term as ‘well-formed’. It is rather like a piece of pottery being shaped by the potter. It must be the right shape. It must be balanced; it can’t be ludicrously top-heavy, it wouldn’t look right, it wouldn’t stand up right either; it can’t be ugly, it has got to be aesthetically an acceptable shape, something which is balanced and appropriate. When the apostle says, ‘Let all things be done decently’, he is asking, ‘Is your worship fit for God? It must not be entertainment, but it must be fit for sacred use, for high and holy things. It cannot be flippant, light, or man-centred – applauding people. It must be well-formed, appropriate, correct for the worship of our majestic and glorious God?‘And in order.’ It is like a military term: in ranks, in battle formation. Is there an order in worship? Innovation is out. It is not to tickle fancy. It is predictable, it is reverent, and it has all the correct elements in it, none missing.Well, when you bear all that in mind, it is not surprising that the New Testament puts rules and limits on the worship. Even in the days of prophets, not more than three. Even in the days of tongues speakers – real languages – not more than three. It is not surprising, because there is so much to be thought about in a valid, real service of worship, which will uplift the heart.

Application

Many true Christians have been drawn into superficial and irreverent worship, and even chaotic worship, worship that does honour all the principles of worship. That is very, very sad. Don’t let a more formal worship service rob you of your earnestness and your heartfelt participation in the worship. But the formal worship service, which honours all the principles and ingredients of worship, is not only elevating us to God, but humbling to us also. Reverence humbles us. ‘God is great; I am small.’ Casual, informal, flippant worship reduces God, and inflates me. ‘I strut about, hop up and down, dance, express myself. I am the great me!’ There is nothing humbling; there is nothing holy; there is nothing wonderful. ‘I, dress as casually as I like.’ Formal worship shapes Christian character, and it draws us out to him in heartfelt praise. These are precious instructions, and they draw us truly to Christ.

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1 Corinthians 14:40 Commentary and Bible Study