1 Corinthians 14:26-40
Here Paul summarizes his teaching about spiritual gifts. I think the theme for this section can be found in v. 26, "But everything that is done (in the church) must be done to strengthen all of you." Paul is still talking about spiritual gifts. He says that the purpose of our gifts is to build up other believers. He also gives some guidelines for an orderly service. "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God's holy people." v. 33
The paragraph beginning "Women should be silent" may cause us to scratch our heads a little. Here is the explanation given in The Life Application Study Bible, p. 1618. "In the Corinthian culture, women were not allowed to confront men in public. Apparently some of the women who had become Christians thought that their Christian freedom gave them the right to question the men in public worship. This was causing division in the church...Paul was asking the women not to flaunt their Christian freedom during worship. The purpose of Paul's words was to promote unity, not to teach about women's timeless roles in the church." Always remember that this was a real letter written to real church people who lived in a culture that in some ways was very different from ours. And so we always have to evaluate how the teachings apply to us. I think in this case, it is to teach us that sometimes we have to sacrifice our way to promote unity in the church. As individuals, we don't always have to say and do what may be technically "allowed," but is not helpful to the whole body of believers.
Paul concludes this discussion with these words of wisdom, "But be sure that everything is done properly and in order." Good advice.
Psalm 28
David turns to the Lord in time of trouble just as we should do. In vv. 3-5, I guess you could say that sandwiches in the middle of the prayer, he complains to the Lord about wicked people--those who speak friendly words but are planning evil in their hearts. Remember that David was king, and I'm sure he had many "friends" whose motives were to gain something for themselves. These psalms in which the writer begs God to bring down judgment on enemies may seem a little troubling to us. After all, the New Testament teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them. In way of application, I see these words as an invitation to tell God exactly how we feel (even though He already knows). We are to pour out our hearts and frustrations and fears to Him and then trust Him to do what needs to be done. God is the Perfect Psychiatrist. Not only does He listen, but He has the power to solve the problems.
Then in vv. 6-9, David praises and thanks the Lord for hearing his prayer. "Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." These are good words to meditate on. Let's ask God to help us have this very attitude. Cry out for help and mercy; trust God with all our hearts; praise and thank Him for who He is and what He does for us.
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