Church worship services have two goals: worshipping God (obviously) and...
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1 Corinthians 14 Summary
The first century church was a much different environment than the typical Midwestern protestant church is today. Their services were probably included very little music, but yet it was also a very charismatic event with multiple church members standing up and sharing new revelations God had just given them, often in languages nobody could understand.
The big difference between then and now is in the way God speaks to His people. Today, we have the full and complete Word of God written down, and so our services are oriented around understanding what it says and applying those living words to our lives.
These early Corinthian Christians didn't have that. They had the Old Testament for sure, and perhaps Mark's gospel by this point, so God gave them revelation in more direct ways, through 'tongues' and miraculous healings. As the New Testament neared completion, these extraordinary communications from the Spirit slowed down and came to an end.
Dig Deeper
Although the situation in which the church operates is significantly different now than it was in first century Corinth, and these early instructions contain particulars that are no longer as relevant, there are some deeply abiding principles taught here.
First of all, v33:
God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
This means the way we do things (especially in the church) ought to reflect God's character, as Paul writes in v40:
All things should be done decently and in order.
This instruction pertains both to the Church's polity (governance), but also to the manner in which our worship services are conducted. Certainly there's room in life for unbridled and extemporaneous praise, but note that worship, as important and critical as what it is, is only one reason the church gathers.
While it's true that all elements in our worship services must bring honor, glory and praise to God, v26 adds that second goal:
Let all things be done for building up.
And that's the reason you need to participate each week.
AAA Prayer:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father is not a God of confusion but of peace (v33)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Thank God for how the church builds you up each week, and pray that you'll be even more committed to it.
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
