1 Corinthians 14:26 What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
Paul shifts topics slightly from the specific topic of speaking in tongues to the application of having orderly gatherings. The these of this section is when the church gathers together. For most modern churches, this would be Sunday morning corporate worship. Paul may not be so concerned about a one hour meeting but anytime the church gathers. Our scheduled “church services” today miss the dynamic interaction of the early church.
Tongues are only the evidence of the deeper issue of mission effectiveness. By speaking in tongues, the Corinthian church was alienating nonbelievers and causing scandal and division within the church. Basically, they were not selflessly loving one another. Having worship services that were orderly, coherent, and uplifting would further God’s mission for their church.
The items Paul lists in this verse give hints of first century worship services. It appears that people were led by the Holy Spirit to bring different contributions to the worship time, as the Holy Spirit gifted them. Some could bring a hymn. They may have been the ones blessed with musical ability. God gifts certain people with the ability to lead and play music. A church is truly blessed that has such musicians. Others will be gifted as teachers and can bring a lesson. They can help the church understand and apply the gospel. In today’s churches, this can begin at an early age as children are taught and continue until the end of life. Every person of whatever age or situation needs to be taught about God, God’s word, and how to live a holy and loving life. God will bless some people with deeper insights and revelations with the gift of prophecy. These prophecies always need to be tested, but genuine Christian prophecy is a powerful tool to call people to repentance, revival, and mission. Some people will be gifted with a tongue. Paul uses the same word as earlier in this chapter. If there is a “tongue,” it must be interpreted, otherwise, it should not be part of corporate worship because of the potential to cause problems. The bottom line is that the worship gathering should be a time of spiritual growth and strengthening of each of the members.
Worship is not a performance with a few leaders and mostly spectators. Modern worship may be done in an orderly way but may be missing the key element of building up through wide participation and use of gifts. It is not that what is done today is bad, but it may be missing some of the key elements that Paul writes about in this chapter and letter.
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