Not of Disorder, but of Peace
Churches have all sorts of ways to conduct their worship services. They are mainly shaped by their doctrines, but some of what we do is the preference of the leaders and members. People feel very strongly about their preferences of how to worship. They like different kinds of music, and they like doing things in a particular order. Some like louder music, while some prefer the service to be quiet in nature. One reason for all of these differences is that the New Testament doesn't give a lot of specific instructions or commands about how to worship. I think this means that each church has a lot of leeway as to how to worship the Lord in their culture and in their beliefs. However, Paul gave us some guidance on worship services. (I Corinthians 14:32-33) He said that the prophets' spirits are to be subject to the prophets, since God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. This is how it was in all the churches of the saints in Paul's time. This is meant to be a timeless principle based on human nature and God's nature.
Disorder brings chaos and confusion. It is hard for us to learn in an atmosphere of disorder. God is not a God of disorder in that He always does things by His perfect will. He doesn't do anything in a random way that doesn't have a purpose. We need to learn from God's nature and do what we need to do to maintain order in our lives, our churches, and our worship. When we do things God's way, peace prevails. Peace is the result of everything being done well and in order. When we have peace, we will learn and grow as God desires. That is why Paul told us that the "prophets' spirits are subject to the prophets." In worship we have people who proclaim God's Word to us. Those people are the prophets referred to here. Whether it is a pastor or another person sharing God's message, the prophet can't just go off on his own. He must listen to the other prophets and even the members of the church. We all have the Holy Spirit to guide us, so we must not allow the personal spirit of a prophet to bring disorder or lack of harmony in doctrine or practice. This is why I stop sometimes when I am teaching and ask, "Does, anyone want to set me straight?" When we follow this principle, we will worship God as we should, and we will grow in the Lord as He desires.
#NHBaptistdotorg
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Corinthians 15-16 and II Corinthians 1-2.