True Worship

True Worship

2005025

Topic # 1642

Introduction

A. God wants you to walk away from a worship service with:

1. Renewed spiritual passion & determination.

2. More love & commitment.

B. When we approach God in worship we want to make sure that:

1. God is honored by our presence & expressions of worship.

2. that we intend to grow closer to God in our hearts

3. Seek to be renewed within by involving our spirits in the communion with & worship of God.

C. Why did you come to worship?

1. Christian worship is the most momentous, most urgent, most glorious action that can take place in human life.

2. We come to worship to renew the inner man. 2 Cor. 4:16

D. It’s been said; modern man worships his work, works at his play, and plays at his worship.

1. Worship is an “active response by God whereby we declare His worth.

2. Last week: we discussed worship was once pronounced worth-ship.

3. Today…by your presence, you are attributing worth to God.

4. The primary focus of worship is honoring God.

E. John 4:23-24 Worship God in Spirit & Truth. Last wk: in “spirit.”

1. Today: our worship must be according to truth.

a) It must be offered in a way that is divinely approved by God.

b) John 17:17 – God’s word is the proper source.

2. Mention truth – boooooring.

a) Think of extremes. Lifeless religion; mundane/ritualistic acts.

b) This has led others to approach worship w/absolutely no thought of God whatsoever.

1) It all about people’s wants/desires/recreation/etc.

2) northview pics.

3. So…who’s to say what’s right. Is the truth in these extremes?

a) Jesus claims all authority under the new covenant. Mt. 28:18

b) Mt. 15:8-9 – Jesus talked about vain worship.

F. Since God desires to be worshipped in truth, not anything & everything that is thrown up in praise will be pleasing to Him.

G. So…how can Christians honor God in truth?

I. We venerate God in our partaking of the LS.

A. The OT is filled with memorials or rembrances to events, people, and God.

1. piles of stones; altars; new names

B. NT also has a memorial – to Christ’s death – the Lord’s Supper.

1. Actions consist of partaking of unleavened bread; drinking FOV; giving of thanks; and prayer.

2. 1 Cor. 11:23-25 – the pattern for NT Christianity.

C. But these actions are of little use w/o the proper attitude.

1. 11:26 – in partaking of the LS – we proclaim the Lord’s death.

2. 11:27-28 – it involves examination & an attitude adjustment.

3. 11:29-30 – it involves discerning the Lord’s body.

4. 11:31-34 – it involves a solemn; serious occasion – whereby we come to reflect on the sacrifice made on our behalf.

D. 11:30 – to ignore the honor is to make the worship vain.

II. We praise God with our lips.

A. Eph. 5:18-19

1. Christians pour out praise, joy, and adoration from hearts filled with happiness & love.

2. Js. 5:13 – there is emotion involved.

a) Were you singing during today’s worship service?

b) If not, why not? Are you saying God is unworthy? Undeserving?

2. Ironic that we who defend singing against denominational style of worship have many congregations where a significant # do not sing.

B. 5:19 – we are speaking to, teaching, and admonishing one another.

1. Speak clearly. Many words in our hymns challenge us to greater service.

2. Lift up – we edify each other through our singing.

3. We admonish each other.

C. We do a great job w/our singing…but…keep in mind...

1. Examine yourself. Do you approach the singing part of worship enthusiastically?

2. SL…examine yourself. It’s not about you, but do you realize you set the tone for the majority of the worship service?

3. Nothing less than enthusiastic service, and energetic worship honors God!

III. We honor God in corporate prayer.

A. Acts 2:42 – an example and command of prayer. Too obvious to dispute.

B. Do we realize the importance of this part of worship?

C. Why are typical prayers boring, empty, and hopeless?

1. Mt. 7:7-8 – we don’t believe God’s word.

2. Js. 5:17-18 – we don’t trust His promises.

3. Js. 1:5-8 – we curse our efforts with doubts.

4. 1 Pet 3:10-12 – we limit ourselves with our own sin.

5. Acts 4:29, 31 – we’re afraid of boldness & confidence.

D. We honor God by believe Him & asking in faith.

1. Name names; get real & specific. Cry out to God!

2. We need to give God our faith, honor, time, and thanks!

IV. We glorify God in our giving.

A. 1 Cor. 16:1-3 – is command & pattern authority for corporate giving.

B. How do we turn a financial arrangement into worship?

1. 16:2 – should be regular – 1^st day of the week.

2. 16:2 – done by each member of the congregation

3. 16:2 – give as prospered

4. 2 Cor. 9:7 – should be planned as purposed

5. 2 Cor 9:7 – cheerful w/a good attitude.

V. We pay homage to God by learning from His word.

A. Acts 2:42 – the practice of the early church. PREACHING.

B. Learning, listening to preaching a very important part of the FC Church.

1. But...the finest orator w/the clearest speech can’t communicate w/an audience that is unprepared or uninterested to learn.

2. Learning is a major responsibility that many are ignorant of.

C. Some suggestions to help you get more out of the sermon:

1. 2 Cor. 13:5 – examine yourself. It is humbling to listen to God’s word.

2. 2 Pet. 2:1-3 – confess your sins. Goes right along w/humility.

3. Prepare your mind by meditation & prayer.

4. Psa. 119:18, 40, 162 – prepare your heart.

5. Psa. 119:111 – make the effort to retain what you hear.

a) Notes; viewing the PowerPoint; etc.

b) Sitting up straight in pew.

6. Acts 17:11 – examine scriptures while staying in context w/the lesson.

7. Js. 1:25 – determine to make the needed adjustments.

a) Don’t listen saying hope bro. ____ is listening.

8. Heb. 10:24 – after the lesson – discuss challenges & encouragement w/family & brethren.

a) How did this lesson help me grow closer to God?

9. Investigate passages further – w/references.

10. Js. 1:25 – AGAIN…make the needed adjustments.

VI. We declare His holiness with our preparation.

A. Psa. 15:1-5 – note the one who abides in God’s tent:

1. He lives in humility in:

a) integrity; righteousness; truth; honor

B. This is the person who prepares his soul, mind, and body for worship.

C. Mt. 5:23-24 – prepares for his relationships with others.

D. Rom. 12:1-2 – prepares himself for self sacrifice daily.

Conclusion:

A. So…will you walk away from today’s worship service with:

1. Renewed spiritual passion & determination?

2. More love & commitment?

B. Has God been honored by our presence & expressions of worship?

1. Have we grown closer to God in our hearts?

2. Have we been renewed within by our worship of God?

C. With attitudes of preparation/service/action according to God’s direction we can approach the throne of grace in true worship.

D. First...have you honored him by your submission?

E. I N V I T A T I O N



True Worship 2005025 Topic # 1642 Introduction A. God wants you to walk away from a worship service with: 1. Renewed spiritual passion & determination. 2. More love & commitment. B. When we approach God in worship we want to make sure that: 1. God is honored by our presence & expressions of worship. 2. that we intend to grow closer to God in our hearts 3. Seek to be renewed within by involving our spirits in the communion with & worship of God. C. Why did you come to worship? 1. Christian worship is the most momentous, most urgent, most glorious action that can take place in human life. 2. We come to worship to renew the inner man. 2 Cor. 4:16 D. It’s been said; modern man worships his work, works at his play, and plays at his worship. 1. Worship is an “active response by God whereby we declare His worth. 2. Last week: we discussed worship was once pronounced worth-ship. 3. Today…by your presence, you are attributing worth to God. 4. The primary focus of worship is honoring God. E. John 4:23-24 Worship God in Spirit & Truth. Last wk: in “spirit.” 1. Today: our worship must be according to truth. a) It must be offered in a way that is divinely approved by God. b) John 17:17 – God’s word is the proper source. 2. Mention truth – boooooring. a) Think of extremes. Lifeless religion; mundane/ritualistic acts. b) This has led others to approach worship w/absolutely no thought of God whatsoever. 1) It all about people’s wants/desires/recreation/etc. 2) northview pics. 3. So…who’s to say what’s right. Is the truth in these extremes? a) Jesus claims all authority under the new covenant. Mt. 28:18 b) Mt. 15:8-9 – Jesus talked about vain worship. F. Since God desires to be worshipped in truth, not anything & everything that is thrown up in praise will be pleasing to Him. G. So…how can Christians honor God in truth? I. We venerate God in our partaking of the LS. A. The OT is filled with memorials or rembrances to events, people, and God. 1. piles of stones; altars; new names B. NT also has a memorial – to Christ’s death – the Lord’s Supper. 1. Actions consist of partaking of unleavened bread; drinking FOV; giving of thanks; and prayer. 2. 1 Cor. 11:23-25 – the pattern for NT Christianity. C. But these actions are of little use w/o the proper attitude. 1. 11:26 – in partaking of the LS – we proclaim the Lord’s death. 2. 11:27-28 – it involves examination & an attitude adjustment. 3. 11:29-30 – it involves discerning the Lord’s body. 4. 11:31-34 – it involves a solemn; serious occasion – whereby we come to reflect on the sacrifice made on our behalf. D. 11:30 – to ignore the honor is to make the worship vain. II. We praise God with our lips. A. Eph. 5:18-19 1. Christians pour out praise, joy, and adoration from hearts filled with happiness & love. 2. Js. 5:13 – there is emotion involved. a) Were you singing during today’s worship service? b) If not, why not? Are you saying God is unworthy? Undeserving? 2. Ironic that we who defend singing against denominational style of worship have many congregations where a significant # do not sing. B. 5:19 – we are speaking to, teaching, and admonishing one another. 1. Speak clearly. Many words in our hymns challenge us to greater service. 2. Lift up – we edify each other through our singing. 3. We admonish each other. C. We do a great job w/our singing…but…keep in mind... 1. Examine yourself. Do you approach the singing part of worship enthusiastically? 2. SL…examine yourself. It’s not about you, but do you realize you set the tone for the majority of the worship service? 3. Nothing less than enthusiastic service, and energetic worship honors God! III. We honor God in corporate prayer. A. Acts 2:42 – an example and command of prayer. Too obvious to dispute. B. Do we realize the importance of this part of worship? C. Why are typical prayers boring, empty, and hopeless? 1. Mt. 7:7-8 – we don’t believe God’s word. 2. Js. 5:17-18 – we don’t trust His promises. 3. Js. 1:5-8 – we curse our efforts with doubts. 4. 1 Pet 3:10-12 – we limit ourselves with our own sin. 5. Acts 4:29, 31 – we’re afraid of boldness & confidence. D. We honor God by believe Him & asking in faith. 1. Name names; get real & specific. Cry out to God! 2. We need to give God our faith, honor, time, and thanks! IV. We glorify God in our giving. A. 1 Cor. 16:1-3 – is command & pattern authority for corporate giving. B. How do we turn a financial arrangement into worship? 1. 16:2 – should be regular – 1^st day of the week. 2. 16:2 – done by each member of the congregation 3. 16:2 – give as prospered 4. 2 Cor. 9:7 – should be planned as purposed 5. 2 Cor 9:7 – cheerful w/a good attitude. V. We pay homage to God by learning from His word. A. Acts 2:42 – the practice of the early church. PREACHING. B. Learning, listening to preaching a very important part of the FC Church. 1. But...the finest orator w/the clearest speech can’t communicate w/an audience that is unprepared or uninterested to learn. 2. Learning is a major responsibility that many are ignorant of. C. Some suggestions to help you get more out of the sermon: 1. 2 Cor. 13:5 – examine yourself. It is humbling to listen to God’s word. 2. 2 Pet. 2:1-3 – confess your sins. Goes right along w/humility. 3. Prepare your mind by meditation & prayer. 4. Psa. 119:18, 40, 162 – prepare your heart. 5. Psa. 119:111 – make the effort to retain what you hear. a) Notes; viewing the PowerPoint; etc. b) Sitting up straight in pew. 6. Acts 17:11 – examine scriptures while staying in context w/the lesson. 7. Js. 1:25 – determine to make the needed adjustments. a) Don’t listen saying hope bro. ____ is listening. 8. Heb. 10:24 – after the lesson – discuss challenges & encouragement w/family & brethren. a) How did this lesson help me grow closer to God? 9. Investigate passages further – w/references. 10. Js. 1:25 – AGAIN…make the needed adjustments. VI. We declare His holiness with our preparation. A. Psa. 15:1-5 – note the one who abides in God’s tent: 1. He lives in humility in: a) integrity; righteousness; truth; honor B. This is the person who prepares his soul, mind, and body for worship. C. Mt. 5:23-24 – prepares for his relationships with others. D. Rom. 12:1-2 – prepares himself for self sacrifice daily. Conclusion: A. So…will you walk away from today’s worship service with: 1. Renewed spiritual passion & determination? 2. More love & commitment? B. Has God been honored by our presence & expressions of worship? 1. Have we grown closer to God in our hearts? 2. Have we been renewed within by our worship of God? C. With attitudes of preparation/service/action according to God’s direction we can approach the throne of grace in true worship. D. First...have you honored him by your submission? E. I N V I T A T I O N