Wednesday, August 1st 2018

It's not a matter of corporate or private, it's a matter of both!

Habitual | Powered By Worship

It’s not a matter of corporate or private, it’s a matter of both!

Three Potential Benefits of Corporate Worship:

1. Double Sided Worship

Hebrews 10:23-25 NASB
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

2. Gracious Heart

Ephesians 5:18-20 NRSV
Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,  as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Free Wisdom

Colossians 3:16 NIV
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Three Potential Benefits of Private Worship:

1. Spiritual Muscles

1 Timothy 4:7-8 NRSV
Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness,  for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

2. Authentic Faith

Psalm 13 NIV
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?…But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

3. Knowing God

Psalm 23 NASB
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake…You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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1. Corporate Worship is the act of seeking God with other believers through prayer, scripture, and song. Private Worship is seeking God in solitude through scripture, prayer, and song.

2. What may fuel another persons spiritual walk, may not fuel yours. As long as you are participating in both Private and Corporate Worship you will feel full.

3. While Corporate worship is planned out by others private worship is solely led by you. If you struggle setting up scripture or are not sure how to utilize this time properly do not fret! There are plenty of resources available to help guide your Private worship. Some of these resources are daily devotional books, YouVersion Bible Reading Plans, or even a prayer list.

4. Remember, in order to be encouraged we must bring our “baggage” into church.

5. Not every time of prayer has to be polite, all throughout the Book of Psalms we find David calling out to and wrestling with God.

6. Heartfelt participation is the key to unlocking the potential benefits of Corporate and Private Worship, going through the motions promotes forgetfulness.

7. Starting and sustaining a habit of both forms of worship is going to be tough, but if you put in the work, you will be greatly rewarded.