First of all, I admit a bias in favor of open meetings. At the same time I have seen the advantages and disadvantages of them. Even with the disadvantages, they are worth working through for the benefits.

At the same time, I think Steve is pressing a point that Paul is not pressing. In my opinion, which is based more upon observance than scholarship, I believe Paul is emphasizing his authority to bring order out of the confusion that he found in Corinth.

As a child of the pentecostal/charismatic movements, I know how things can get out of hand in meetings and that not everyone knows what to do with that kind of freedom. I have been in gatherings that were filled with enthusiasm and the joy of the Lord which did not end in chaos. I have also seen times when that freedom was misused.

It is also my opinion that one of the reasons the spiritual gifts are not in evidence in many churches today is the reaction against the chaos they can bring. A recent movie, "The Jesus Revolution," gave an example of how the spiritual gifts can go to a persons head, and how the leadership, (Chuck Smith in this case) needed to rein in the situation.

Paul is trying to bring balance to the Corinthian church, and show that love is the greatest gift of all. At the same time he is acknowledging the value of the spiritual gifts when exercised in a respectful manner. There are other passages that are prescriptive, but I think this prescription is to this situation of the disorder in Corinth.

"1 Tim 4:11-14

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. " NIV

Eph 5:17-20

"17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. " NIV

Col 3:14-17

 "14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." NKJV

Some might think that the above verses need not apply to our gathering only. I agree, but they should at least apply to our gatherings. While miracles, prophesy and tongues are not mentioned, we know from other places they are not forbidden. (Romans 12).

1 Peter 4:10-11

1"0 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. " NIV

None of these passages limit the use of spiritual gifts to the Christian gatherings. If we read The New Testament we learn that many spiritual gifts were shown in action outside the meetings as well. Life in the Spirit should be experienced daily everywhere possible!