Purposeful Worship

Sunday we continue our march through 1 Corinthians by contending with the text 1 Corinthians 14:26-40. Paul has dealt with the Corinthians spiritual immaturity by demonstrating overwhelming evidence of it. He has meticulously revealed each issue and the proper response so they are able to correct it. Paul has not avoided difficult subjects or downplayed the severity of the problems. He has firmly while lovingly provided God-given instruction on dealing with their sin. The central issue has been the self-centered nature in which the Corinthians have manifested their Christian walk. Christianity is not a free for all, self-aggrandizing endeavor, but a purposeful and intentional exaltation of Christ, and Christ alone, before all mankind. Paul gives instructions on how they are to worship God in an orderly manner. The reason for this is because how one worships indicates who one worships. Each person may have a part in the worship time, but it should not be transformed into a time of self-exaltation. Worship can happen in private, but is primarily a corporate endeavor making Christ the focus. The chaos of the Corinthian worship services has made them more of a sideshow attraction than worship of a Holy and Righteous God. We ourselves can make worship about us even without falling into the chaotic patterns of the Corinthians. How do you worship? To be seen and recognized? To be hidden and unattached? Who is our focus when we enter into worship? Let us make certain it is Christ.