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1 Corinthians 14:26-40 ESV
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. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. 36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

I.STRUCTURED SPONTANEITY (26-33)
A.The church worship services should be structured but leave room for spontaneity.
B.Churches usually either fail to plan services & wing it or plan the Holy Spirit right out of the service.

II.SPECTATORS AND SUBMISSION IN WORSHIP
A.Worship of God is not a spectator sport but a participatory activity.
B.What is said in a church service, by anyone, including the pastor, should be tested against God’s Word. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
C.New Testament prophecy is still prevalent in churches with limited access to God’s Word.

III.SILENCE FOR THE SAKE OF SALVATION (33-40)
A.Women exercising power over men was not the custom in the churches or Corinthian culture.
B.Women exercising power over men did not reflect the created order and would have hindered response to the Gospel.

NEXT STEPS
1.God is a God of control and order and one of the results of being His adopted child will be self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
2.We can know peace only when we really know the God who is control.

NEXT WEEK: The Case for the Resurrection — 1 Cor 15:1-34