Properly & Orderly

Part 4 - All Things Done in an Orderly Manner?

We continue our exposition of 1 Corinthians 14:40, "Let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." First, we interpreted all things. Paul refers to all aspects of Christian ministry and service. Second, we looked at the term properly. We do things properly when our actions are laden with the fruit of the Spirit. Now we turn to the meaning of orderly. What does it mean to do all things in an orderly manner?

Literally the text speaks of doing things according to order. The versions rightly translate the phrase with the adverb, orderly. We derive the English word taxonomy from this word. Taxonomy is the law of orders. Taxonomy is the process of naming, categorizing, and classifying things. When we name a sin, we place that sin under the head of one of the Ten Commandments. Correction is possible. When doctors properly diagnose, classify, and categorize a disease, treatment is possible. Naming, categorizing, and classifying bring order. Our word therefore has to do with ordering our lives.

The New Testament uses the word translated order and orderly only a very few times. The first use is in Luke 1:8. "Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division." Zechariah, the husband of Elizabeth, and the father of John, entered the temple to burn incense according to the previously designated plan and according to his order as a priest.

Priests lived and worked according to very strict plans of discipline. Priestly orders were rigid. The Old Testament gives specific rules and regulations for the priests. There were rules for erecting the tabernacle, striking the tabernacle, and carrying the various parts of this tent and its furniture. The priests had specific duties to perform in the various sacrifices. Zechariah went into the Holy Place to burn incense and trim the lamp of God. He was under orders and followed specific directions. To do things in an orderly manner therefore requires us to follow orders.

We must use and follow directions and procedures at work. Lawyers must follow the procedures dictated by the law. Computer analysts must follow the procedures dictated by hardware and software. Christians should follow the directions of Scripture. To conduct our business in an orderly manner means following plans, procedures, and directions. For example, the Christian life includes Bible reading and prayer. An orderly approach dictates ordering our lives and setting aside specific times for Bible reading and prayer.

We also find our word in Hebrews 5. The writer to the Hebrews 5:5-6 quotes Psalm 110. "So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You'; just as He says also in another passage 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.'" As a priest, Christ followed the plans of the Father in minute detail. He fulfilled the law perfectly. If we follow Christ, we too fully implement the precepts of the Word of God.

"Let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner." What does our text mean? Doing things properly refers to being fruit-laden in all our actions. Being orderly means bringing order to our lives and following the procedures of Scripture. Summing it up, our lives must be characterized by fruit-laden order. Next I want to show that love in characterized by fruit-laden order. Finally, I want to show you the eldership must also be characterized by fruit-laden order.