Revealed worship – I Corinthians 14:26

Worship Revealed – Preaching

Preaching Outline on I Corinthians 14:26 – “What then, brethren? When you come together, each of you has a psalm, each of you has doctrine, each of you has revelation, each of you has tongues, each of you has interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” I Corinthians 14:26.

Introduction to I Corinthians 14:26

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians transports us to a vibrant church, full of spiritual gifts, but also marked by challenges and conflicts. The Christian community in Corinth, a cosmopolitan and multicultural city, was struggling to integrate the Christian faith into its social and cultural context, which led to tensions and disagreements.

In chapter 14, Paul addresses issues related to the use of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues and the gift of prophecy. The apostle, moved by a deep love for the church and a desire for it to grow in spiritual maturity, offers practical guidelines on how the gifts should be exercised for the edification of all.

Verse 26, in particular, highlights the importance of order and purpose in Christian worship. In a church where the manifestation of spiritual gifts was intense and sometimes disorderly, Paul emphasizes the need for everything to be done “for edification”.

The expression “for edification” reveals the central objective of Christian worship: mutual edification, the spiritual growth of the community and the glory of God. Paul teaches us that worship is not a space for self-promotion or the display of gifts, but rather a time of encounter with God and with our brothers and sisters, where we are strengthened and encouraged in our faith.

Paul’s message to the Corinthians remains relevant for the church today. In a world marked by individualism and the search for sensory experiences, we are challenged to rediscover the true meaning of Christian worship and to celebrate it with order, purpose and reverence.

Development

1 Corinthians 14:26: “What then, brethren? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, a doctrine, a revelation, a tongue, an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”

Diversity of Gifts: The verse recognizes the diversity of spiritual gifts present in the church. Each member has something to contribute to building up the body of Christ (Romans 12:6-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11).
Unity of Purpose: Despite the diversity of gifts, everyone’s goal should be to build up the church. Worship is not a talent show, but a time of communion with God and the brethren, where we seek to grow in faith and in the knowledge of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Order and Decorum: The expression “let all things be done” implies order and organization in worship. Spiritual gifts should be exercised in a way that promotes harmony and understanding, not confusion and disorder (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Mutual Edification: The focus of worship should be mutual edification, the spiritual growth of each member of the community. We should use our gifts to serve one another, encourage one another and strengthen one another’s faith. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Centrality of Christ: Although the verse mentions various gifts, the center of Christian worship is Christ. All worship activities should point to Him, exalt His redemptive work and glorify His name (Colossians 3:17).

Conclusion of I Corinthians 14:26

Paul’s exhortation in 1 Corinthians 14:26 calls us to reflect on the way we celebrate the worship of God. In a world marked by superficiality and the search for entertainment, we are challenged to rediscover the beauty and depth of Christian worship.

May we gather as a church with a clear purpose: mutual edification and the glory of God. May our services be marked by order, reverence and the exercise of spiritual gifts for the common good. May each of us contribute to building up the body of Christ, so that together we may grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.