God's Church: Peace not Confusion

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the fifteenth sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Peace not Confusion."‘ Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. 38 But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: What are the key ways in which you could use your gifts more for the building up of God’s church?WARM-UP Have you ever experienced a moment or an event of extreme chaos? Why is it important that when we gather together, there isn’t chaos?Read 1 Corinthians 14:26-33Who has God gifted in the church and with what type of gifts? What would be the result of everyone using all their gifts all at the same time?What is the lens that we should see our gifts through? What question should we be asking as we come to us our gifts especially in the context of the gathered church?Why does Paul go into such granular detail here? Why would the people who wished to speak required to speak one at a time?If there was no interpretation of the tongues, what would they have to do? Why?In what circumstances might we have to show restraint or not use our gifts? What should be the guiding principal?When the church gathers, what should there be? Why? What regulations did Paul set out for those who wished to share their prophesy?Why is the ‘weighing’ of any teaching important? How might we do this today?In what ways to we see God bringing order out chaos? How might our usage of gifts reflect this?Read 1 Corinthians 14:34-40In light of 1 Corinthians 11:2-15, does this passage forbid women from speaking at all in gatherings? How can we reconcile the two?What was happening in their gatherings? What may have been ‘disgraceful’ about the interactions between husbands and wives?How can we ensure that we maintain peace and order amongst all of our relationships in the gathered church?What role should the word of God have in our lives? How does it tell of the peace and order of God?APPLY:  How can you use your gifts in peaceful and ordered ways to build up the church? PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege that it is to gather together as your people to build each other up. Help us to use our gifts in peace and in service of you. Where we should use our gifts, show us. Where we should be still, remind us. Help us to do all we do for your glory and not ours. In Jesus’ name, Amen. GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: How can you remain fruitful over the long-term? If you’d like to explore this with others, join us at our Work + Faith meeting, 7-8AM Wednesday 1 September.Listen, Watch, and Read: AUDIO: “Prophecy then and Now” by Dick LucasPart 1 // Part 2AUDIO (Podcast): “Ask N T Wright Anything” on the gifts of the SpiritAUDIO (with Q&A): “Confusion or Peace” by Charlie SkrineAUDIO: “God Loves Order Not Chaos” by Ray GaleaAUDIO: “All Things from God” by Adam LoweSeries Resources:Some helpful resources for our Series:Series Overview Published by St Bart’sWebsite: “First Corinthians” by the Bible ProjectCourse: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course) WITH CHILDREN Grow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook