While we may be quick to affirm the importance of worship and the importance of community, for what reason is it important to worship together? I Corinthians 14 was addressing one of those times in which worship in the Church had unravelled into controversy. So Paul writes to correct misunderstandings and give the biblical foundation for corporate worship: the edification of the Church.
While spiritual gifts and forms of worship might remain controversial today, the foundational purpose for God's people to worship together remains the same.
Again, I'd love to hear questions, thoughts, or ideas through the comment tab below. It was an interesting experience to preach from this passage, not to mention a little tricky. I hope it blesses you.
Take care,
Karl
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Thanks Karl for digging into 1 Cor 14. It gave me a clearer understanding of the purpose and exercise of spiritual gifts and corporate worship.
ReplyDeleteAs for spiritual gifts, I sometimes struggle with,"Does this edify God or the person exercising the gift?" As the passage suggests it is for the edification of God.
As for corporate worship strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the church, I know an important part of my worship experience at NTBC especially when I am on the worship team, is to be able to view others who are pouring their hearts out to the Lord and feel that I am participating with them in corporate worship.