The term "decently" is often associated with the concept of orderliness and propriety within the Christian life and worship. It is derived from the Greek word "euschemonos," which conveys the idea of behaving in a manner that is appropriate, fitting, and orderly. This concept is particularly emphasized in the context of church gatherings and personal conduct.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for the term "decently" is found in 1 Corinthians 14:40, where the Apostle Paul instructs the Corinthian church: "But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner" . This verse is part of a broader discussion on the use of spiritual gifts within the church, emphasizing that worship should be conducted in a way that edifies the congregation and reflects the character of God, who is a God of order and peace.

Contextual Understanding:

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul addresses the chaotic and disorderly practices that had arisen in the Corinthian church, particularly concerning the use of tongues and prophecy. His exhortation to do everything "decently and in order" serves as a corrective to ensure that worship services are conducted in a way that promotes understanding, edification, and unity among believers.

Application in Worship:

The principle of doing things decently extends beyond the specific context of spiritual gifts to encompass all aspects of Christian worship and church life. It implies that services should be conducted with reverence, respect, and a sense of sacredness. This includes the orderly conduct of liturgy, the respectful administration of sacraments, and the thoughtful delivery of sermons.

Personal Conduct:

Beyond corporate worship, the concept of decency applies to the personal conduct of believers. Christians are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and orderliness of God. This includes modesty in dress, speech, and behavior, as well as integrity in personal and professional relationships. Romans 13:13 echoes this sentiment: "Let us walk with decency, as in the daytime—not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."

Cultural Considerations:

While the biblical mandate for decency is clear, its application can vary across different cultural contexts. What is considered decent in one culture may differ in another. Therefore, Christians are encouraged to discern and apply the principle of decency in a way that honors God and respects cultural norms, without compromising biblical truth.

Theological Implications:

The call to do things decently and in order reflects the nature of God as a God of peace and order. It underscores the importance of reflecting God's character in both communal worship and individual lives. By adhering to this principle, believers demonstrate their commitment to living in a way that honors God and builds up the body of Christ.DECENTLY

de'-sent-li (euschemonos): Only once is this word found in our English Bible (1 Corinthians 14:40). It is in the last verse of that remarkable chapter on the proper use of spiritual gifts in the church and the proper conduct of public worship. It does not refer here to absence of impurity or obscenity. It rather refers to good order in the conduct of public worship. All things that are done and said in public worship are to be in harmony with that becoming and reverent spirit and tone that befit the true worshippers of God.

2156. euschemonos -- becomingly
... Transliteration: euschemonos Phonetic Spelling: (yoo-skhay-mon'-ose) Short Definition:
becomingly, decorously Definition: becomingly, decorously, decently. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2156.htm - 6k

On the Ecclesiastical Ministrations of the New Testament and on ...
... The government of the church is used for this end, that, in the whole church, all
things may be done decently, in order, and to edification; and that each of ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lix on the ecclesiastical.htm

The Rich and the Poor
... neither decently civilized nor decently Christianized, uncertain, most of them,
of regular livelihood, and therefore shiftless and reckless, extravagant in ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xliii the rich and.htm

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... that they should be performed decently and orderly, he thereby forbiddeth any
performance thereof undecently; as for men with long hayre, and women to speak in ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm

Knowledge and Self-Confidence
... But this sense should proceed from solicitude for performing well our duty, not
from a motive of fear; and we may decently betray emotion, but not faint away. ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/knowledge and self-confidence.htm

In the House of Kimberker
... not mix freely with them, he did not like their talk or their manners, and he slipped
quietly away from their noisy gatherings as soon as he decently could. ...
/.../chapter vi in the house.htm

'the Angel Adjutant'
... these lodging-houses. Some"can it be believed?"are decently clothed
and look as if they are sometimes washed.... The mass of ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/x the angel adjutant.htm

Individuality.
... rich in them. To-day, they tell us, we are all in real danger of becoming
decorously, decently, conventionally alike. We have conceived ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iv individuality.htm

Answer to Objections: Conditions Necessary to Prayer
... has thus presented herself for prayer) as Paul has taught in the same Epistle when
he says, "in like manner that women array themselves decently in simplicity ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter v answer to objections .htm

Exile: Appeals for a Phinehas, and a Jehu: 1554
... He had been a decently endowed official of State, engaged in bringing a reluctant
country into the ecclesiastical fold which the State, for the hour, happened ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter v exile appeals for.htm

The Sunday School or Church School
... The boy has the right to demand that the time, his own time, which he gives to the
Sunday school, should be utilized to some decently profitable, pleasurable ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/iv the sunday school or.htm

Decently (2 Occurrences)
...DECENTLY. de'-sent-li (euschemonos): Only once is this word found in our English
Bible (1 Corinthians 14:40). ... Multi-Version Concordance Decently (2 Occurrences). ...
/d/decently.htm - 7k

Deception (24 Occurrences)

/d/deception.htm - 13k

Decent (2 Occurrences)

/d/decent.htm - 7k

Properly (11 Occurrences)
... He doesn't sin. Let them marry. (See RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all
things be done decently and in order. (See NAS). Ephesians ...
/p/properly.htm - 9k

Honestly (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) Honorably; becomingly; decently. 2.
(adv.) In an honest manner; as, a contract honestly made ...
/h/honestly.htm - 8k

Honorably (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (adv.) In an honorable manner; in a manner showing, or consistent with, honor.
2. (adv.) Decently; becomingly. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/h/honorably.htm - 7k

Government (20 Occurrences)
... their own hands. Paul wrote the church at Corinth: "Let all things be done
decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). In that ...
/g/government.htm - 50k

Church (110 Occurrences)
... their own hands. Paul wrote the church at Corinth: "Let all things be done
decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). In that ...
/c/church.htm - 89k

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