Orderliness

In his creating, sustaining and saving work, God reveals himself as a God of order. Likewise, the life of his people and of society as a whole should be orderly.

Orderliness in creation

Isaiah 45:12 See also Genesis 1:31; Job 26:7–10, Job 38:4–11; Psalm 8:3, Psalm 19:1, Psalm 104:5–9; Isaiah 40:26; Acts 17:26

It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. It was My hands that stretched out the heavens, and I ordained all their host.

Orderliness in providence

Genesis 8:22 See also Psalm 65:9, Psalm 104:14–27, Psalm 145:15; Acts 14:17

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall never cease.”

Orderliness in salvation

Salvation was planned by God

Romans 8:29 See also 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:4–5; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 13:8

For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

Jesus Christ's coming was prepared in advance

Luke 24:26–27 See also John 5:46; Acts 2:23, Acts 3:18; Galatians 4:4

Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then to enter His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself.

Orderliness in the life of God's people

Corporate worship must be orderly

Exodus 25:9; 1 Corinthians 14:40 See also 1 Chronicles 28:12; Acts 7:44; 1 Corinthians 14:32–33

You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.

Personal devotion includes orderliness

1 Thessalonians 5:6 See also Proverbs 25:28; Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 7:17; Ephesians 5:16; 1 Timothy 3:2–5

So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.

Respect for leaders as part of God's order

Exodus 22:28; Hebrews 13:17 See also 1 Samuel 24:6; 1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:7

You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.

Order in pastoral care

1 Corinthians 12:28; Titus 1:5 See also Acts 6:3, Acts 14:23; Romans 12:4–8; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10, 1 Peter 5:1–3

And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.

The reason I left you in Crete was that you would set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.

Orderliness in society

God gives responsibility in his administration to men and women

Psalm 82:6; Daniel 6:2–7; Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13–14

Governing authorities are ordained by God

Romans 13:1 See also John 19:11; Romans 13:6

Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.

Those in authority are to be honoured

Titus 3:1 See also Matthew 22:21 parallels Mark 12:17, Luke 20:25; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; 1 Peter 2:13

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

Order in the home and workplace

1 Timothy 3:4 See also Exodus 6:14, Exodus 20:12; 1 Samuel 3:13; Job 1:5; Ephesians 6:1, Ephesians 6:5; 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 3:12, 1 Timothy 6:1; Titus 1:6, Titus 2:4–5, Titus 2:9–10; 1 Peter 2:18

An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity.