Stuart identifies that the birthing church had 3 main issues in its services: The apostle Paul responds the reactions to the Holy Spirits work in these issues: Speaking in Tongues,Prophesy & Women speaking during the services. These were culturally and individually recognisable but all 3 together created irreverance and chaos.
Paul's purpose: vs 5, 12, 26 & 31: Strengthen the church, encourage, learn, and build up.
Summary: All people must be strengthened. Tongues must be interpreted. Prophesy must be explained.
vs 34,35, 39, 40 Women to ask husbands, respectfully, in proper orderly way.
We are to seek out spiritual gifts to strengthen the church: make sure all see God as present: Church is not about ME.
Let Love be your highest Goal:
frm 1 Cor 13: 1-3: If I don't Love .. I am nothing
Matt 22: 37-40 : Love God and neighbours as you love yourself
Jn 13: 34,35: Love each other
Is love my motivation or SELF: Not to be critical of others
Is love my default position.
! Cor 13:4-8: Love is... from MESSAGE version
Is my focus on strengthening the BODY or self. Is LOVE my highest Goal.