The Beauty of Corporate Worship
Gathering for corporate worship is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It’s a time when believers come together to express their knowledge and affection for God, cherishing the supreme worth of their treasure in Jesus. However, it’s not always easy. Christians don’t always experience a steady-state fullness, ready to overflow in joyful praise.
Worship in Neediness
God is glorified not only by those who come full but also by those who come desperately needy. The same heart of worship that says, “Thank you” and “Praise you” when full, also says, “I need you, I long for you, I thirst for you” when empty. Corporate worship is not just for those who are overflowing; it’s also for those who are languishing, seeking to drink from the fountain of God’s life-giving word.
The Importance of Human Ministers
God has designed us to depend on other humans to awaken, sustain, and strengthen our worship. This is clear from many considerations in the New Testament. God has appointed pastors and teachers in the church, requiring them to be able to teach. We need other ministers to help us, not just our own private reading and praying.
Examples from Scripture
The example of Paul strengthening the churches he started demonstrates our need for other ministers. Additionally, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of exhorting one another every day to prevent hardness of heart and to persevere in joyful, sin-mortifying faith. We are not designed to survive without the ministry of the word from others.
The Body of Christ
God has arranged the members of the body of Christ in such a way that we need each other. Paul’s use of the word “need” in 1 Corinthians 12:21 emphasizes our dependence on other Christians. Total dependence on God’s grace does not mean no dependence on God’s means of grace.
The Ministry of the Word
Preaching is commanded because preaching is needed. Paul’s command to Timothy to “Preach the word” is not pointless. We need the ministry of the word from other Christians to strengthen our spiritual lives.
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