Calendar Date: November 28
Day of the Year: 332
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Corinthians 11:2–14:40
Proper Worship
What behavior is acceptable in a worship service? Are all forms and actions appropriate? How do we worship the LORD in a way that is pleasing to him?
The church in Corinth (an ancient city in Turkey) had many problems and questions. One challenge they had was their worship; it was out of control. In today’s Bible reading, Paul urges corrective action, so worship isn’t a public distraction but a genuine reverence for God. The instructions he gives to them are also profitable to us.
Who should Lead in Worship?
The Apostle Paul says the followers of Christ are to maintain an attitude of submission toward each other and the LORD. Then, he instructs them to follow a God-ordained order: “Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God” (1Corinthians 11:3, NIV). Each man and woman should follow his or her head and be submissive. This statement was significant for Corinth because her culture was full of immorality and idol worship. Proper order and respect in the home and the church needed to be restored.
If we were to apply the principle of headship or authority in a worship service, we might say that the congregation should follow the lead of the worship leader, the worship leader the direction of the pastor or minister, and the pastor or minister should follow the Lord.
Is One Person better than Another?
One person, regardless of his position or influence, is not better than another. In a Communion Service where bread and wine (or unfermented wine, i.e., grape juice) are served, believers in Christ are one. They’re to remember the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It’s not a time for some believers to vaunt themselves above others with their own sense of self-importance.
In the realm of Christianity, position and material wealth or the lack of it doesn't matter. What matters is that we gather to remember the Lord in a spirit of love and unity. If a communion service becomes a bickering service, or we allow ourselves to otherwise distracted, we’re in danger of being severely judged for not giving proper attention and reverence for the Lord’s body, which was sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 11:27-32).
Spiritual Gifts in Worship
The Apostle Paul said that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit assigns gifts to believers, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:8-12, Romans 12:6-8, and Ephesians 4:7, 11-13. These may be examples of gifts given but may not be all-inclusive. Most of the spiritual gifts listed remain with us today. Still, some Scriptures lead us to believe sign gifts ended of their own accord after the Bible was complete (1Corinthians 13:8-10; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2:3-4).
Spiritual gifts are to be used for the common good (1Corinthians 12:7) to benefit the whole body of Christ. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ” (1Corinthians 12:12, NIV). Instead of being self-absorbed with our own spiritual gifts or being jealous of someone else’s, we need to serve others with the gifts God has given us. We should appreciate the contributions of all members of the body of Christ. We need each other!
Exercising Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are to be exercised in love and in consideration of one another. We may know 1 Corinthian 13 as the ultimate love chapter often quoted in wedding ceremonies. The context of it informs us how to exercise our spiritual gifts. We mustn’t draw attention to ourselves but honor and respect each other and put their needs before ours.
In worship services, we must exercise self-control and prefer the more extraordinary gift of prophecy, i.e., the proclamation of God’s Word, the Bible. All spiritual gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ, not to draw distinctions between those who are spiritual and those who aren’t. The gifts are “for the strengthening of the church” (1Corinthians14:26, NIV).
Church, we should remember “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1Corinthians 14:33, NIV). “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (1Corinthians 14:40, NIV). This is another way of saying our worship should be done with propriety. Is it a time for joy? Then celebrate. Is it a time of reflection? Then don’t be a distraction. Be considerate of one another and plan a good worship service that is honoring to God.
End Note: distractions during a communion service might include talking, folding papers, humming, doing searches with your cell phone or playing games during communion. All these things take your mind off the meaning of the service and so dishonor God.
Discussion
How do we apply the principle of headship in our homes and churches?
Why is it important to discern the Lord’s body in a communion service, and what does that mean?
How should we exercise our spiritual gifts?
Focus Verse
1Corinthians 14:40 (NIV): “But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod (the author)
Looking Ahead: Yet another question the Corinthians had was about the resurrection and its importance. Find out more in our Next Lesson.
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