Everything Must Be Done So That the Church May Be Built Up
Date: June 25, 2024
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse in NIV (1 Corinthians 14:26) What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of community and for the opportunity to gather together as believers. Help us to see the unique gifts and contributions that each person brings to our fellowship. Give us hearts that are open to sharing and receiving from one another, always with the goal of building up the body of Christ. May our time together be filled with Your presence and may everything we do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
E - Explore the History and meaning In this passage, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing issues related to their gatherings and worship practices. The Corinthian church was known for its diversity of spiritual gifts, but there was also some confusion and disorder in how these gifts were being used. Paul provides guidance on how the believers should conduct themselves when they come together, emphasizing the importance of using their various gifts and abilities for the benefit of the whole community.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
"When you come together" - Emphasizes the communal aspect of faith and worship.
"Each of you has" - Recognizes that every believer has something valuable to contribute to the community.
"Everything must be done so that the church may be built up" - Highlights the purpose of gathering together: to strengthen and encourage one another in faith.
S - Summarize and Share
Isn't it wonderful to think about how God has designed us to grow and thrive in community with one another? In today’s scripture, we get a beautiful picture of what it looks like when believers come together, each bringing their own unique gifts and contributions to the gathering.
Paul paints a picture of a vibrant community where everyone has something to offer. Some might bring a song of praise, others a word of encouragement or instruction. Some might share a special revelation from God, while others might have the gift of speaking in tongues or interpreting those messages. The key is that everyone has a part to play in building up the body of Christ.
This verse reminds us that our gatherings as believers aren't meant to be passive experiences where we just sit back and receive. Instead, we're all called to be active participants, ready to share what God has given us for the benefit of others. It's like we're all bringing different ingredients to a potluck dinner - each contribution adds flavor and nourishment to the whole meal.
Now, you might be thinking, "But I don't have any special gifts to share." Let me assure you, God has given each of us something valuable to contribute. Maybe it's a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a heartfelt prayer. Perhaps it's the gift of hospitality, making others feel welcome and loved. Or it could be a talent for teaching, organizing, or serving behind the scenes. Whatever it is, your contribution matters and is needed in the body of Christ.
The beautiful thing about this kind of community is that as we share our gifts with one another, we all benefit. We learn from each other, we're encouraged by one another's faith, and we grow together in our understanding of God's love and truth. It's in this kind of rich, interactive fellowship that we truly experience the fullness of what it means to be part of the family of God.
So, the next time you gather with other believers - whether it's in a church service, a small group, or just a casual get-together - remember that you have something valuable to contribute. Don't be afraid to share what God has given you, and be open to receiving from others as well. As we do this, we'll see our community grow stronger and our faith deepen, all for the glory of God.
3 Bible Cross References:
Romans 12:4-5 - "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Ephesians 4:16 - "From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Question: Think about the last time you gathered with other believers. What did you contribute to the fellowship, and how were you blessed by what others shared? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!