1 Corinthians 14:26-40
When the church comes together for worship, something really unique transpires. While we're called to be the church in the everyday, making gospel-centered disciples in community, we're also commanded to gather regularly to worship God and build up one another. Paul gives needed clarity to this gathered worship setting, urging us to come ready to be used by the Spirit in order to strengthen and encourage one another. A Strong Church is empowered by the Spirit to use gifts in service of one another, eagerly pursuing the Spirit's leading while maintaining order and peace so that everyone flourishes.
FOR REFLECTION:
1. Read 1 Corinthians 14:26-40. Paul is ending the section (chapters 11-14) on how the body of Christ gathers in ministry and worship. What themes have you seen in these chapters? What seems to be Paul’s overarching point?
2. What is the dual emphasis of v.26, and how ought it shape our gatherings? What is Paul hoping happens when we gather?
3. In what ways have you grown in clarity around who you are and how God has wired/gifted you for mission and ministry? How has that helped you?
4. What does obeying v.39 look like? Are we? How could we obey it together?
5. In v.36-38, Paul gives a word of warning designed to move the Corinthians toward greater humility. What does he say there, and why does it matter?
June 30, 2019 | Steve Hart