(1Co 15:1) “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;”  Notice the progression: the gospel was given; it was received (its truths: embraced); and now the heart positionally is rested upon it.

(1Co 14:40) “Let all things be done decently and in order.”  Decently: from the word decorously. Remember, the focus of worship is not self or self’s pleasure. So, it is not speaking of pleasing the person sitting in the pew. It is speaking of pleasing our God and Savior – decently.

 (1Co 14:39) “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.”  This chapter taught us that prophecy was the Holy Spirit’s instrument to speak to the saved, to teach them. It was needed, for there was no complete revelation, the New Testament. Now we have the complete Word of God. There is no new revelation. Therefore the gift of prophecy has ceased.

(1Co 14:39) “Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.”  Why not forbid the use of tongues? Answer: The Holy Spirit might be prompting because of a lost person present in the assembly needing to hear. But remember, this chapter revealed the gift was the Spirit’s instrument to speak to the lost, not the saved. Prophecy was for ministering to the saved.

(1Co 14:37) “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. (38) But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.”  Saved man has not changed. There have always been those who refuse the teaching of the Word of God, desiring what they want more than obedience to Him. “Such”, the Holy Spirit says, “are willfully ignorant”.

(1Co 14:36) “What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? (37) If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”  Those statements cover both the teachings regarding the use of the gifts and the conduct of women. Without doubt then, both are the teachings of our God to the local church.

(1Co 14:35) “And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.”  Asking her husband does two things. First, it demonstrates the heart’s attitude of submission to God. Second, it encourages and prompts the husband to study to be the spiritual leader he is meant to be.

(1Co 14:34) “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”   This teaching will only be embraced by those who hold to and believe all the Word of God. A saved person has no choice but either to sin in rebellion or embrace it in love of their Savior.

(1Co 14:34) “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.”  This is referring to the instruction of men. Those listening to instruction are submitting to the teaching of another. It is God’s plan for men to hold positions of authority. This is explained later in this chapter.

(1Co 14:33) “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”  Taken with Verse 40, “Let all things be done decently and in order” a service should never be a mishmash, thrown together assembly, but one that reflects our God. He is the God of purpose, direction, moving us toward fulfillment of pre-determination.