
Read Ephesians 5:15-21
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Though the primary focus of this passage is love, we see a call to corporate worship in verse 19 of Ephesians 5. We love well through our corporate worship.
The Corporate Worshippers
Corporate Worshippers find their wisdom in The Word (v.15-17)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. —Ephesians 5:15-17
- Read the Word, preach the Word, pray the Word, sing the Word, see the word…together.
We
- Worship is connected to how we “walk”
- Understand and obey the will of God.
Worship has been misunderstood as something that arises from a feeling which ‘comes upon you’, but it is vital that we understand that it is rooted in a conscious act of the will, to serve and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. —Graham Kendreck
Corporate Worshippers are sustained by the Spirit (v.18)
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, —Ephesians 5:18
- Surrender to the Spirit.
- Walking in obedience by the Spirit.
- Live by the spirit not the flesh. (Gal. 5)
Nothing teaches us about the preciousness of the Creator as much as when we learn the emptiness of everything else. —Charles Spurgeon
The praise from Corporate Worshippers springs from the heart (v.19-20)
19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, —Ephesians 5:19-20
- Edify the whole church (2 Cor 3:18)
18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. —2 Corinthians 3:18
Corporate worship plays a wonderful role in our
- Build one another up through spiritual encouragement.
Teach and admonish one another. (Col. 3:16)
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. —Colossians 3:16
Giving Thanks
Corporate Worshippers live in mutual submission (v.21)
21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. —Ephesians 5:21
- Sing to God, yes, but also teach and admonish
- Corporate worship is an expression of unity and harmony.
- An opportunity to embrace being led.
Corporate worshippers acknowledge a
Great blessings can be found for those who
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and sermon? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind? This would be a great opportunity as a group to use the Ask a Pastor feature and that way we can address it either directly or in the messages in the future.
How has corporate worship helped draw you closer God? What are some experiences you’ve had in a corporate gathering that have changed your heart on the spot?
How can we better teach and admonish one another throughout the week?
Who are the people at CBC that you intentionally let speak into your life? How have they helped you?