“CORPORATE WORSHIP & SPIRITUAL GIFTS”

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 12-14

INTRO: What is the purpose of corporate worship? What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? How should spiritual gifts operate in corporate worship? We should desire to continue growing in the use of spiritual gifts, which generally means change and some discomfort. This is in no way a rebuke, but rather coaching for more effectiveness.

I. GOD DOESN’T WANT US IGNORANT OF SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

A. intellectual & Experiential ignorance (1Cor. 12:1).

B. Overview of supernatural spiritual gifts (vv. 8-10).

C. Desiring spiritual gifts (12:31a; 14:1, 39).

D. Motivation – to benefit others and love (12:7, 13:1-2).

E. Let all things be done decently and in order (14:40).

II. PRIORITY OF CORPORATE WORSHIP – CORPORATE

     EDIFICATION (1Cor. 14:2-3, 5-12, 16-19, 26-28, 31, 33).

A. Corporate worship should be understood.

B. Corporate worship should edify the church.

III. SPIRITUAL GIFTS PRINCIPLES.

A. Prophecy is to be the premiere gift because it has the

   most potential for corporate edification (vv. 1, 3-5, 24-25).

B. The number of manifestations is to be limited (vv. 27-29).

     1. More people will have words than can be shared.

C. The manifestations should be judged (v. 29).

D. Those who manifest spiritual gifts have control over how

     And when the gift is shared (v. 32).

E. Three important factors:

     1. Content – in harmony with Scripture, edifies rather

          than rebukes (vv. 3, 12, 26c), not the same as has been

          shared, appropriate length.

     2. Timing – fits current flow, number and timeframe.

     3. Delivery – doesn’t detract from the content, reflects

          the love of God (not harsh, too loud or too dramatic).

CONCLUSION (vv. 37-40): Let’s pursue growth in the area of manifesting spiritual gifts in corporate worship, which will result in the further building up of the church.