Worship and Others

Did you read last week’s blog posting entitled “Worship and YOU”? It emphasized that worship is not a consumer activity. It is not about making us happy and fulfilling our expectations as consumers. It is about giving honor and praise to God. That is true whether one’s worship is offered in a weekly assembly with other Christians or as an expression of worship when alone.

And yet, when we intentionally come together to worship God, our worship also fills another expectation: encouragement of fellow believers.

Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul as he gives instruction regarding the assembly of Christians. Although he was specifically addressing issues regarding spiritual gifts, the application is broad.

I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church [assembly] I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. 

-- 1 Corinthians 14:19

Based on Paul’s instruction it seems that the Christians in Corinth were so excited about speaking in tongues (foreign languages) that they had placed too great an emphasis on that spiritual gift. After all, if there was no interpreter (translator), then the foreign language meant nothing to anyone. The simple point is that our worship gathering ought to be understandable and encouraging to everyone attending.

Eight times in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul makes an argument for understanding. Six times he specifically emphasizes the need for edification in the assembly. He was so adamant about understanding and edification that he instructed those who spoke in tongues to be silent if there was no one to interpret (translate). He instructed those who prophesied (delivering a message from God) to take turns to avoid confusion.

So, while worship consists of praise and honor TO God, all that is done as worship should be understandable and edifying to those participating.

Earlier in 1 Corinthians, Paul gave instruction concerning the Lord’s Supper, another problem area for the Corinthian Christians. He said…

As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 

-- 1 Corinthians 11:26

Even though the Lord’s Supper is focused on the life and sacrifice of Jesus, we should be aware that we are each making an open proclamation when we participate. We are announcing the Lord’s death to our fellow saints. It is not because they are unaware. Rather, it is a declaration of unity in our shared conviction regarding Jesus. But not only that, we do so “until He comes.” It is a simple celebratory memorial that announces the death of Jesus while each participant is convinced of His return. So to share in the Lord’s Supper is to collectively celebrate our salvation AND our hope.

This blog posting is for EVERY Christian who assembles to worship, but it is especially for those who lead. The prayers led ought to encourage. The songs chosen should encourage, and the way they are led ought to encourage. The comments at the Lord’s table ought to encourage us as they remind us of Jesus. The preaching and teaching ought to encourage. All glory and honor goes to God and to Jesus. And yet, in His divine wisdom, God desires for His worshippers to be encouraged when they assemble to worship.

Each of us has a part in our worship assemblies. Each week ought to be a kind of homecoming, until we go to our heavenly home.

Mark Stinnett

August 23, 2026