A 'fitting' for the bride of Christ

The Question: Dave & Chris, from the passage tonight, in verse 40, what does it mean by everything should be done in a fitting/decent way?

This question stems from our series called 'Lets get spiritual' from 1 Cor 12-14 and in particular ch 14. (You can listen to the talks here)

Paul has been speaking since v26 about what happens when the 'bride of Christ' gathers. And Paul is saying that there is an order in the gathering.

The structure of the passage is as follows:

1. Each person has something to bring - but for it to be spoken it must be edifying for all people

2. But then he goes on to tell various groups to be silent for the sake of order

Tongue speakers: only 2 or 3 if no interpreter then they are to be silent

Prophets: only 2 or 3 if a revelation comes to another then the first is to be silent

Women: While the prophesy is being weighed they are to remain silent

The two key verses in this section are v33

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace

And v40

But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way

God's nature is always to have order. Ever since he created the world his ordered nature has been on show. He has made creation in a certain way to work a certain way and this includes relationships between men and women.

The question is about fitting and orderly. Are these two words the same?

The word fitting is about doing things in a decent way; behaving in a way that depicts our respect for each other.

The word order is what helps us to achieve our proper behaviour.

So, the two words are very similar with only a small difference between them.

To sum up: 1 Corinthians 14 is all about what is 'fitting' for the bride of Christ when we gather together.