Corporate Worship

I Cor. 14:26c

Let all things be done for building up.

I Cor. 14:40

But all things should be done decently and in order.

 

 

Paul's teaching about corporate worship reveals 2 very important principle: whatever is done needs to  edify and be orderly. Paul urged the people to pursue love because above all other things love binds believers together in perfect harmony. Apparently, the Corinthian believers were really into spiritual gifts especially tongues. Paul explained that if you have the gift of tongues without interpretation, it has no function in corporate worship. While on the other hand, the one who prophesies edifies the people by up-building, encouragement, and consolation. The major principle is edification of the body as opposed to personal gratification. So Paul encouraged the church to strive to excel in building up the church. Paul personally stated, Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than 10,000 words in a tongue.

 

In addition to this, tongues were given for unbelievers (Pentecost) while prophesy was given for believers. If unbelievers come into the church and all the members are in their own private tongues experience, what will the unbelievers think? Perhaps, you are out of your minds! But if there is prophesy, the unbeliever can hear the words, be convicted, held to account with his secrets disclosed, and fall on his face worshiping God. His life can be transformed!

 

Finally, whatever you bring to corporate worship, whether a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done decently and in order. If there is no interpreter, then the gift of tongues should stay quiet. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. What about women? They too should remain quiet in church, and in submission be taught by their husbands at home. How much of our culture has changed this perspective? Something that needs more prayer and study! In conclusion: all things should be done decently and in order.

 

Father,

Keep my heart focused on You and on building others up in the body. Give me your peace so that my life would be one of order and my presence in the body would be one of order.

In Jesus name,

Amen