July 16 2023 – Full Service

There’s a lot going on in this passage, but the big picture concern of Paul is that when the church comes together for worship God is the focus. What seems to have been happening in Corinth was that many people were wanting to place themselves front and center, making themselves the stars of the show. When the church meets to worship God should get the glory, gifts should be used in the service of others and God’s people should be built up and strengthened in the faith.

Sermon Notes:

• What does it mean to be the church gathered as opposed to simply “going to church”?
• Our gatherings reflect our hearts. Worship begins on our knees and continues in relationship. (vv. 25-26)
• The purpose of gathering is to build up the body of Christ. (vv. 26 & 31)
• Our weekly gathering should be a living representation of both the order and wonder of God’s creation. (vv. 27-33 & 40)
• Everyone is a participant. How am I contributing? (vv. 31 & 36)
• Four principles to practice:

1. 1. Wait – put others before yourself.
   2. Listen – be attentive to what someone is saying.
   3. Be silent – don’t draw attention to yourself.
   4. Speak – only when you have something that will build someone up.