Introductory Thoughts
The Bible reveals that carnality infected and infested the first century Corinthian church. Divisions were commonplace as the believers were polluted by strife and envy. When the believers gathered together, every man did that which was self-pleasing. Every believer desired to be the center of attention rather than giving others first place. Every one of them had a psalm, or a doctrine, or a tongue, or a revelation, or an interpretation; but nobody sought to use those things for edification. Each of these things could have been used for good, but Paul said that the church being edified was most needed (1 Corinthians 14:5). As believers, every aspect of our service to God should seek to edify others. This most especially includes the times when we gather together.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Sometimes building up others can be with or without words. David said, I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way (Psalm 101:2a). At church, do you sing out during the song service, listen during preaching time, and obey the rules? Do you ignore some children while speaking only to those you consider your friends?
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(For everyone): Do you take part in the worship services? Could the things that you do be used of God to edify others? Are you self-centered in your service to God?
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Does your choice of songs edify the saints or feed the flesh? Does the preaching and teaching edify or weaken the saints? What steps can you take to insure that the saints are edified?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you be selfless in your service toward Him.
- Ask God to show you that worshipping Him is not about you.
Song
WHO IS ON THE LORD'S SIDE
