The Disciplined Attitude

The Disciplined Attitude

2004037

Topic # 1494

Introduction:

A. Been talking about the disappearance of Discipline

1. Need to lead disciplined lives – 1 Cor. 9:24-27

2. So far, we’ve talked about:

a) discipline & what it is

b) the disciplined mind

c) disciplined speech

d) discipline in learning

3. Today…talk about the disciplined attitude when it comes to respect for God. Is our respect for God seen in the way we worship Him?

B. Think of someone who you profoundly appreciate & deeply respect.

1. Focus on that person. Can you see the person in your mind?

2. Do you admire the person? Why? Can you tell me why this person is exception on your list of people?

3. If you were to speak of this person to me – could I hear your respect & admiration in your words & voice?

C. Do you ever talk about God the way you talk about this person?

1. How often do we realize the good experiences we have in life come from God?

2. How important is God in our lives? Are we treating Him with the respect He is due? Is it seen in our attitude?

3. Think of this:

I. The blessings Christians experience is because they’ve made peace with God.

A. The sinner is not at peace with God.

1. Isa. 59:1-2 – he is separated from God.

2. Sinner is at enmity with God. Enmity means “hatred.” Opposite of agape love.

3. Sinners do not possess the peace that surpasses all understanding.

B. Christians: what would your life be had you never

1. worshipped; prayer; had a godly thought

2. knew any Christian

3. had nowhere to turn when times get tough and bad things happen

C. Perhaps this why when we look at world & see people

1. Hard, indifferent, uncaring, selfish, & mean spirited.

2. others consumed w/guilt that eats at them constantly

3. some w/o God are depressed & angry at the world

4. Others run to alcohol, drugs, and use pills to numb them from the pain they experience.

D. Think – of what God does for you everyday!

1. What would your life be like for just 24 hours if God did absolutely nothing for you?

2. God is the reason we are alive! It is because of Him we have what we do! W/o Him, we would not exist!

E. Gen. 8:15-22 – when Noah stepped off the ark onto dry land – Noah knew what God had done for him.

1. Think there was a time in Noah’s life when building the ark that he thought about all he was doing for God?

2. When he climbed off that ark – he knew he did nothing for God – God had done everything for Him!

3. How fortunate was Noah? Consider Gen. 6:5-6

a) People had no concern for God. Why waste their time thinking about God?

4. 8:20 – what’s the first thing Noah did when he stepped off the ark? Sacrifice & worshipped God.

a) A command?

5. Noah offered b/c he was grateful & thankful. God was worthy of ALL his honor & praise!

a) 8:21 – soothing aroma. God suddenly enjoy smell of burning flesh?

b) Noah profoundly grateful to God for what God did for him.

c) God touched by Noah’s gratitude.

F. When we worship God in truth, with all our heart & soul – this is what touches God & deeply pleases Him.

1. Why do people worship God?

a) Because He commanded it?

b) No question that those who believe & trust in God must worship Him.

c) But for us to do it “b/c we think we have to” misses the point of why we worship.

2. We can do exactly what God commands in the name of obedience – and still insult & deeply offend God!

3. Isa 1:10-17 – people of Judah worshipping God according to the commandments. The point here:

a) If worship doesn’t come from the heart – it is an insult.

b) If worship doesn’t come from sincere appreciation – it is an insult.

c) If worship doesn’t honor God – it is an insult.

II. Let us evaluate our attitude toward worship.

A. What we doing here today is serious!

B. What is our attitude as we prepare our minds for worship?

1. As a congregation – we need to focus more prior to worship.

a) Trend: noisy just prior to worship until someone dims the lights.

b) Do we forget that we about to enter worship to the Almighty God? Our Creator?

2. Before worship we need to ask:

a) Why am I here?

b) What do I expect now that I am here?

c) What will I contribute by my being here?

d) What will I receive as a result of my being here?

e) How will my being here affect me & my life?

C. If the proper thought is given to these questions & the answers reflect the right purpose…then one’s attitude will be as it should be.

D. Psa. 95:1-7 we should be filled w/an attitude of gratitude!

1. Should be seen in the way we arrange our lives around worshipping God!

a) Some have it backward. Worshipping God has to be “worked in” to a busy schedule.

b) It’s seen in the way we rush to services…unprepared…mind still going 100 MPH focused on worldly affairs.

2. How important was worship to the Israelites?

a) Mk. 15:42 – so important – they had a day of preparation.

b) A command in the law – Ex. 16:5; 22-24

c) Ensured they had their priorities in place & would be ready to serve God at a moments notice.

3. It’s scare as to how many brethren demote God to a lesser place. God is often somewhere behind:

a) Kids homework; hobbies; jobs; everything.

E. Our attitude of gratitude as we worship God should also be seen in the way we dress for worship.

1. Shouldn’t we dress in such a way that reflects our sincere gratitude & reverence for God?

a) Are we dressed in such a way that honors God?

b) Too often we’re more concerned w/our own personal comfort; likes & dislikes.

c) Never consider where we’re going; what we’re doing; whose presence we’re coming in.

2. How do you dress when you want to show reverence/honor to notable men?

a) IPD Officer that killed last week. How were fellow police officers & family dressed?

3. Remember beg. Of sermon – person you honor/admire.

a) what if you attended some event honoring that person –

b) Would you dress appropriately for the occasion?

c) Would you dress modestly?

d) Would you give thought to what you are doing? Words you speak?

4. How much more important is it to give honor to God & show it in everyway possible?

F. Our attitude is reflected in our actions!

1. Mt. 12:33; Psa. 122:1 – can we say this along with David?

Conclusion:

A. Song # 564. How often do we say/thing words that depicted in this song?

1. God has done everything for us!

2. How fortunate we are that He cares for us! Saved us from our sin!

3. Shouldn’t we be willing to do whatever possible to please Him? W/o any regret? Second thoughts?

B. Let’s discipline ourselves & keep a check on our attitude! Never take for granted what God has done for us!

C. Not a Christian?

1. Recognize your need to turn to God.

2. W/o Him – you have nothing.

3. John 3:16

4. Will you respond today through your obedience to the gospel?

D. I N V I T A T I O N



The Disciplined Attitude 2004037 Topic # 1494 Introduction: A. Been talking about the disappearance of Discipline 1. Need to lead disciplined lives – 1 Cor. 9:24-27 2. So far, we’ve talked about: a) discipline & what it is b) the disciplined mind c) disciplined speech d) discipline in learning 3. Today…talk about the disciplined attitude when it comes to respect for God. Is our respect for God seen in the way we worship Him? B. Think of someone who you profoundly appreciate & deeply respect. 1. Focus on that person. Can you see the person in your mind? 2. Do you admire the person? Why? Can you tell me why this person is exception on your list of people? 3. If you were to speak of this person to me – could I hear your respect & admiration in your words & voice? C. Do you ever talk about God the way you talk about this person? 1. How often do we realize the good experiences we have in life come from God? 2. How important is God in our lives? Are we treating Him with the respect He is due? Is it seen in our attitude? 3. Think of this: I. The blessings Christians experience is because they’ve made peace with God. A. The sinner is not at peace with God. 1. Isa. 59:1-2 – he is separated from God. 2. Sinner is at enmity with God. Enmity means “hatred.” Opposite of agape love. 3. Sinners do not possess the peace that surpasses all understanding. B. Christians: what would your life be had you never 1. worshipped; prayer; had a godly thought 2. knew any Christian 3. had nowhere to turn when times get tough and bad things happen C. Perhaps this why when we look at world & see people 1. Hard, indifferent, uncaring, selfish, & mean spirited. 2. others consumed w/guilt that eats at them constantly 3. some w/o God are depressed & angry at the world 4. Others run to alcohol, drugs, and use pills to numb them from the pain they experience. D. Think – of what God does for you everyday! 1. What would your life be like for just 24 hours if God did absolutely nothing for you? 2. God is the reason we are alive! It is because of Him we have what we do! W/o Him, we would not exist! E. Gen. 8:15-22 – when Noah stepped off the ark onto dry land – Noah knew what God had done for him. 1. Think there was a time in Noah’s life when building the ark that he thought about all he was doing for God? 2. When he climbed off that ark – he knew he did nothing for God – God had done everything for Him! 3. How fortunate was Noah? Consider Gen. 6:5-6 a) People had no concern for God. Why waste their time thinking about God? 4. 8:20 – what’s the first thing Noah did when he stepped off the ark? Sacrifice & worshipped God. a) A command? 5. Noah offered b/c he was grateful & thankful. God was worthy of ALL his honor & praise! a) 8:21 – soothing aroma. God suddenly enjoy smell of burning flesh? b) Noah profoundly grateful to God for what God did for him. c) God touched by Noah’s gratitude. F. When we worship God in truth, with all our heart & soul – this is what touches God & deeply pleases Him. 1. Why do people worship God? a) Because He commanded it? b) No question that those who believe & trust in God must worship Him. c) But for us to do it “b/c we think we have to” misses the point of why we worship. 2. We can do exactly what God commands in the name of obedience – and still insult & deeply offend God! 3. Isa 1:10-17 – people of Judah worshipping God according to the commandments. The point here: a) If worship doesn’t come from the heart – it is an insult. b) If worship doesn’t come from sincere appreciation – it is an insult. c) If worship doesn’t honor God – it is an insult. II. Let us evaluate our attitude toward worship. A. What we doing here today is serious! B. What is our attitude as we prepare our minds for worship? 1. As a congregation – we need to focus more prior to worship. a) Trend: noisy just prior to worship until someone dims the lights. b) Do we forget that we about to enter worship to the Almighty God? Our Creator? 2. Before worship we need to ask: a) Why am I here? b) What do I expect now that I am here? c) What will I contribute by my being here? d) What will I receive as a result of my being here? e) How will my being here affect me & my life? C. If the proper thought is given to these questions & the answers reflect the right purpose…then one’s attitude will be as it should be. D. Psa. 95:1-7 we should be filled w/an attitude of gratitude! 1. Should be seen in the way we arrange our lives around worshipping God! a) Some have it backward. Worshipping God has to be “worked in” to a busy schedule. b) It’s seen in the way we rush to services…unprepared…mind still going 100 MPH focused on worldly affairs. 2. How important was worship to the Israelites? a) Mk. 15:42 – so important – they had a day of preparation. b) A command in the law – Ex. 16:5; 22-24 c) Ensured they had their priorities in place & would be ready to serve God at a moments notice. 3. It’s scare as to how many brethren demote God to a lesser place. God is often somewhere behind: a) Kids homework; hobbies; jobs; everything. E. Our attitude of gratitude as we worship God should also be seen in the way we dress for worship. 1. Shouldn’t we dress in such a way that reflects our sincere gratitude & reverence for God? a) Are we dressed in such a way that honors God? b) Too often we’re more concerned w/our own personal comfort; likes & dislikes. c) Never consider where we’re going; what we’re doing; whose presence we’re coming in. 2. How do you dress when you want to show reverence/honor to notable men? a) IPD Officer that killed last week. How were fellow police officers & family dressed? 3. Remember beg. Of sermon – person you honor/admire. a) what if you attended some event honoring that person – b) Would you dress appropriately for the occasion? c) Would you dress modestly? d) Would you give thought to what you are doing? Words you speak? 4. How much more important is it to give honor to God & show it in everyway possible? F. Our attitude is reflected in our actions! 1. Mt. 12:33; Psa. 122:1 – can we say this along with David? Conclusion: A. Song # 564. How often do we say/thing words that depicted in this song? 1. God has done everything for us! 2. How fortunate we are that He cares for us! Saved us from our sin! 3. Shouldn’t we be willing to do whatever possible to please Him? W/o any regret? Second thoughts? B. Let’s discipline ourselves & keep a check on our attitude! Never take for granted what God has done for us! C. Not a Christian? 1. Recognize your need to turn to God. 2. W/o Him – you have nothing. 3. John 3:16 4. Will you respond today through your obedience to the gospel? D. I N V I T A T I O N