Everything that God established in the earth has a prescribed order and function. He first demonstrated his divine design (and purposes) in the creation of the heavens, the earth, mankind and in everything therein (Gen 1-2). Further, he has chosen his people as a part of his redemptive plan that was hatched before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:3-6). He gave us his Word that we know him and share in his holiness through right worship. He established his church and gave it organizational structure and mission that everything be done decent and in order that witnesses to his name.

This truth also applies to the corporate worship of God’s people. In Part 2 of this sermon series, Paul draws from the OT Scriptures (Story of Creation) to continue his teaching on proper worship among men and women within the assembly of the saints as it relates to prayer and declaration of the Word.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:7-16

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The Church is an altar of worship unto God built into the earth. We are spiritual building inhabited by the Holy Spirit where we serve God as mobile temples of Jesus Christ to the nations. Peter taught (1 Pt 2:4-5), “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, (5) you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrificesacceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Amen!

Our worship becomes undeniable visible our obedience to his Word and the fruit of thanksgiving from our lips. This will be the central focus (i.e., proper worship) of Paul’s teaching through the next several chapters (11-14) of his 1st epistle to the Corinthians. In Part 1 of this sermon series, Paul will address proper worship among men and women within the assembly of the saints as it relates to prayer and declaration of the Word.

Focus Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 11:1-6

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The life of Christian is one where we die to a type of self-interest that would wrong our neighbor and impede our fellow man’s growth towards God. If we truly want to glorify God, we must model our Lord’s example in his earthly mission as recorded in the Gospels. He sacrificed his dwelling in heaven to come down to earth to do his Father’s will. He sought his Father’s glory in the service of mankind. This is the root motivation of all Christian liberty. Affirming this truth Paul taught (Gal 5:13-14), “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (14) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Paul continues his teaching to the church about how to live the Christian lifestyle with both believers and nonbelievers in a way that glorifies God. He uses the example of fellowship meal as way to provide application to this truth.

Focus Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:27-33

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