As one continues to read through First Corinthians the theme of the book continues to be evident, church unity. The church is so embroiled in a fight and even lust for the quest to be and have the best at the expense of other people; Paul begins to sound like a broken record. He continues his insistence that the church be united by love and the desire to have the gift of prophecy over their desire for the showy gift of speaking in tongues. Again Paul reminds the church if the purpose of spiritual gifts as being for the edification of the church and the glory of God by spreading the Gospel. However, the church is not listening to this point so Paul must continue to press the issue.
In the concluding verses Paul deals with the issue of what elements are necessary for the edification of the church in a worship service. In verse 26 he says, "Whenever you come together, each one has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, [another] language, or an interpretation. All things must be done for edification.". Paul does not lay out a specific order be merely the necessary elements for the proper building of a service. He ends the section by reminding the reader that because God is One of order not chaos that all services should reflect order and respect to honor our God.
Takeaways
1. Love is the method for all endeavors.
2. Order and decency must prevail in all worship services.
3. Gifts of the Spirit are for edification of the church not self-promotion.
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