What does Paul say about order in the local church in 1 Corinthians 14?
Paul teaches that everything done in the local church must be done in order, not in a mass of confusion. He tempers his correction of the Corinthians, seeking to straighten things up without browbeating them. This order reflects God's character, for He is a God of order.
Les explains that Paul is tempering the Corinthians throughout this section; he does not come with a sledgehammer blow, because he does not want them browbeaten or driven into rebellion, yet he must make corrections. The word Paul will use in chapter 14 is that everything in the local church must be done in order, not in a mass of confusion. Les emphasizes that this is the way God does things, since He is a God of order.
More Questions
Why should you keep the love chapter in mind when studying 1 Corinthians 14?
As you go into 1 Corinthians 14, you should not lose sight of chapter 13, because love is still the greatest of all things as far as God's dealing with man is concerned.
Why did Paul write 1 Corinthians 13 between chapters 12 and 14?
The Holy Spirit prompted Paul to write 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter, between the problem-filled chapters 12 and 14 in order to soften his approach and prepare the ground.
Why should 1 Corinthians 13 be studied before 1 Corinthians 12 and 14?
It is imperative to study chapter 13 before making any comments on chapters 12 and 14, because love, understanding, and patience were the Apostle's attitude as he approached the carnal Corinthians, and the controversial things in 12 and 14 should be approached in that same light.