Enhancing Public Worship: Serving in the Church Assembly

2. In Remembrance Of Me “…that the church may receive edifying.” Offering suggestions for young men so they can better serve in the assembly of the local church of Christ

3. An opening observation… • Notice the teaching in 1 Cor 14 • Context = the use/practice of spiritual gifts possessed by the Corinthians, especially in their public worship assemblies • Use of spiritual gift was to “edify the church”vv. 5, 26, 40 OUR THEME

4. An opening observation… • Notice the teaching in 1 Cor 14 • Context = the use/practice of spiritual gifts possessed by the Corinthians, especially in their public worship assemblies • Though we do not possess such gifts today, principles from this text can guide us in using our “gifts” when leading in public worship

5. General Introduction • Why have such a class? • Elders in a local church are charged with the task of providing ways to help members grow Acts 20:28 • As individual disciples of Christ, we should all be concerned about our own growth Eph 4:14-16 2 Pet 3:18

6. General Introduction • Why have such a class? • Male members have the obligation to participate and direct the worship activities of the local church1 Cor 14:34-35 • These activities need to be done in a way that is “…decently and in order.”1 Cor 14:40

7. General Introduction • What are our goals for this class? • To help those improve what they are currently doing in the worship assembly • To better equip some to serve in the worship assembly in ways they would like, but have never felt they were able to do

8. General Introduction • What are our goals for this class? • To help those be prepared to serve in the worship assembly who think they may never do so, but might be called upon in some unforeseen circumstances • To prepare us to “…be ready for every good work”Titus 3:1

9. General Introduction • What is required for this class? • Faithful living for Christ • Hypocrisy is not to be found in ChristiansMt 7:5 Rom 2:1, 3 1 Pet 2:1-3 • Trying to improve how we worship God publicly is a waste of time if we are not privately committed to Himcp. Titus 1:16

10. General Introduction • What is required for this class? • A real desire for self-improvement • If we decide to “show up” just because we think the elders want us here or we think everyone else (our friends) will come, we won’t improve • In almost every endeavor, if one WANTS to bad enough, he CAN

11. General Introduction • What is required for this class? • An honest effort from a true heart • At first, the unknown or new is uncomfortable • Yet, after time and practice, the uncomfortable becomes comfortable • We will help in this way by doing drills/practice • Adopt the motto Ù “I’ll try my best!”

12. General Introduction • Topics we’ll cover in this class… • Public reading of the word of God • Public prayers • Talks when presiding over the Lord’s Supper • Extending the invitation on Wednesday

13. Reading The Scripture • There is precedent for the public reading of the Scripture • Ezra read to the remnant Jews Neh 8:1-8 • He read from a podium v. 4 • This was done as an act of worship v. 6 • Notice the stated purpose for the reading v. 8“…so that they understood the reading.”

14. Reading The Scripture • There is precedent for the public reading of the Scripture • Jesus read in the synagogue Lk 4:16-20 • Notice He “…stood up to read” & then He “…sat down” vv. 16, 20 • The reading made an impression upon those in attendance v. 20

15. Reading The Scripture • There is precedent for the public reading of the Scripture • Paul urged Timothy to “give attention” to the public reading of the word 1 Tim 4:13 • Same word as in Acts 13:15 & 2 Cor 3:14 • Context implies this was a “public” activity