I Cor. 14:22-33, Our Purpose: To Glorify God (6)

We want to suggest some areas of application relative to how a local church glorifies God.  First, remember that application for a local assembly is application for the individuals who make up that assembly.  Also, the matter of application is ultimately between the Holy Spirit and the individual, or the Holy Spirit and the leadership of the church.  All we can do is suggest areas of church life that are especially significant in terms of our purpose: to glorify God!

·       The first area is what we call “worship.”  We should know that worshiping God is a full-time, moment-by-moment, life-long occupation.  Everything we do, say, think, or feel is worship.  Having said that, let me speak to the issue of what we often call “worship services.”  If we seek to glorify God then the parts of these primary gatherings of the flock must be evaluated in light of that purpose. 

o   The music must glorify God.  Congregational singing is a significant way that a church expresses unity of thought about God (Rom. 15:5-6).  Is there unity, or are we at odds over this issue?  Is there, in fact, corporate or congregational singing; or is the congregation listening to others sing?

o   The act of giving must be evaluated in terms of worship.  Do we seek to motivate people by arm-twisting, by meeting a budget or paying for a project; or do we seek to encourage people to worship God through their giving. 

o   What about the place of God’s word in our services?  If we are to do His will, not our will, then His word will have a central place in our services.  Are we doing things to help people become people of the word?

·       Another area is the “prayer focus” of the church.  Do the leaders engage in prayer?  Do congregational meetings as well as smaller groups encourage prayer?  Is there prayer for fellow believers (Eph. 6:18)? for those serving in gospel ministry (Eph. 6:19)? for governmental leaders (1 Tim. 2:1-2)?  If we exist for God’s glory then we must be regularly before Him.

·       In a similar fashion, is there encouragement for the believers to give public thanks to God for His goodness?  This would seem to be a “must” if we exist for the glory of God.  We may not feel there is time for corporate thanksgiving services (that’s too bad) but how then are we encouraging the giving of thanks?

·       One other area has to do with motivation: why are people attending a church’s meetings?  What reasons are we using to encourage their participation in the church’s ministries?  To be willing to call people to live to God, and to order their lives accordingly, fits our purpose.  The point is, even when we make announcements during a church service, it must appeal to this purpose.

There are certainly other areas but we hope this gets us to thinking.  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Rev. 2:7, etc.).