Sermon Breakdown

1. The apostle Paul is dealing with the issue of speaking in tongues in 1 Corinthians 14.
2. Paul does not focus solely on the issue itself but examines how it relates to the church as a whole.
3. Most problems in the church and in our lives arise from not knowing how to properly approach issues.
4. Paul puts the issue of speaking in tongues in the context of the life of the whole church.
5. Our view of the church is inadequate which leads to many troubles.
6. 1 Corinthians deals with many issues in the church and how to solve them.
7. The church was dividing over favorite preachers like Paul, Apollos and Peter.
8. Paul says they have a wrong view of the church if they think it can be divided. The church is united in Christ.
9. There was a man in the church living in sin with his father's wife. The church tolerated this.
10. Paul says they must remove this man as sin spreads like leaven in the church. They must understand the nature of the church.
11. There were issues over eating meat sacrificed to idols. Some thought it was fine, others were offended.
12. Paul says not to cause a brother to stumble. The church is a family and must care for weaker members.
13. There were issues over the Lord's Supper where some had too much food and drink and others had little.
14. Paul says the church is like a body and they were violating this. They must understand the church.
15. The church was divided over spiritual gifts with some exalting showy gifts and despising others.
16. Paul says the church is a body with many parts. All gifts are needed. They must use gifts for the good of the whole church.
17. Paul examines speaking in tongues in the context of the whole church.
18. If unbelievers come in and all are speaking in tongues, they will think the church is mad.
19. But if all prophesy and an unbeliever comes in, they are convicted and the secrets of their heart are revealed.
20. The church gathers for the purpose of evangelism, not just for themselves.
21. The church is tested based on the response of unbelievers who come in.
22. There are two possibilities: they think the church is mad or they say God is truly among them.
23. The presence of God is shown through life, power, energy and vigor. God is the source of all life.
24. The kingdom of God is not in word but in power. The church should have power and life, not be dead.
25. Compare excited people at a football match to dull church members. The world wants life and reality.
26. A former spiritualist came to church and felt a clean power, unlike the unclean power she knew before. She became a Christian.
27. Where God is, there is life and power. This is what makes a church a church.
28. The church needs discipline and order. Power without order leads to confusion.
29. God is a God of order, not confusion. He powerfully created the universe but with order and laws.
30. A church needs life but also discipline. Power without discipline causes problems.
31. A church needs knowledge and teaching. The world needs understanding which only comes from God and his word.
32. The church is meant to spread light and truth, not just entertain. Preaching and teaching are essential.
33. The response of unbelievers shows if God is truly present. They will be convicted of sin and judgment.
34. Unbelievers will see their need for God, fall down and worship him, and report that God is among the church.
35. A church is not just a gathering of good people but a place where God dwells.
36. Without God's presence, a church is just a club or institution. God's presence brings conviction, repentance, salvation, and new life.
37. We must pray for and seek after God's presence in our gatherings. Nothing else will do.