True Worship Series
True Worship Series • Sermon • Submitted
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Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 1
Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 1
The Most Important Thing Any Person Do
The Most Important Thing Any Person Do
John 4:20-24
John 4:20-24
I} Introduction ()
I} Introduction ()
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
A. There are a million ways to worship God
A. There are a million ways to worship God
B. Most are the wrong ways
B. Most are the wrong ways
C. People have a funny innate desire to worship – it is built-in
C. People have a funny innate desire to worship – it is built-in
1. Everyone worships
1. Everyone worships
2. So few truly worship
2. So few truly worship
3. I’m no judge – God is the One that draws the line in the sand and says people are doing it wrong
3. I’m no judge – God is the One that draws the line in the sand and says people are doing it wrong
D. The chief purpose of man is to worship God – we were created not to live and die ignorant of our purpose, and only pawns in the hand of the devil
D. The chief purpose of man is to worship God – we were created not to live and die ignorant of our purpose, and only pawns in the hand of the devil
E. The worship of God is the most fulfilling and powerful of experiences
E. The worship of God is the most fulfilling and powerful of experiences
F. Throughout the Bible, you have the record of people worshipping God
F. Throughout the Bible, you have the record of people worshipping God
1. Abel with his lambs
1. Abel with his lambs
2. Abraham on Mount Moriah with Issac
2. Abraham on Mount Moriah with Issac
3. David in every Psalm
3. David in every Psalm
4. The disciples, as they followed Jesus
4. The disciples, as they followed Jesus
G. This is a multi part message
G. This is a multi part message
1. Wrong Ways to Worship
1. Wrong Ways to Worship
2. The Right Ways to Worship
2. The Right Ways to Worship
II. Preview – Wrong Ways to Worship ()
II. Preview – Wrong Ways to Worship ()
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
A. Geographically
A. Geographically
B. Ignorantly
B. Ignorantly
C. Paganly
C. Paganly
D. Stubbornly
D. Stubbornly
E. Religiously
E. Religiously
F. Selfishly - Only for looks
F. Selfishly - Only for looks
G. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
G. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
H. Without the New Birth
H. Without the New Birth
III. Message – Wrong Ways to Worship
III. Message – Wrong Ways to Worship
A. Geographically (,)
A. Geographically (,)
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
1. People put a lot of emphasis on places of worship
1. People put a lot of emphasis on places of worship
2. For years I had people tell me they would never come and worship God in our old Barn in Blarney – the TA Hall
2. For years I had people tell me they would never come and worship God in our old Barn in Blarney – the TA Hall
3. So they stayed in their old rut of a pattern – and many missed some real worship
3. So they stayed in their old rut of a pattern – and many missed some real worship
4. Mormons revere Independence, Missouri and Salt lake City
4. Mormons revere Independence, Missouri and Salt lake City
5. Muslims revere Mecca, and 4 other holy places
5. Muslims revere Mecca, and 4 other holy places
6. Catholics revere Rome
6. Catholics revere Rome
7. Christians look for a city (, ) and until then, will worship anywhere, as long as it has the following ingredients:
7. Christians look for a city (, ) and until then, will worship anywhere, as long as it has the following ingredients:
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
a. Preaching
a. Preaching
b. Singing
b. Singing
c. Repentance and holiness
c. Repentance and holiness
d. Hunger for righteousness
d. Hunger for righteousness
e. Humility
e. Humility
f. Believers gathering together in Jesus’ name
f. Believers gathering together in Jesus’ name
8. Don’t worry about the Where, as much as the Who you are worshipping, and the How it is being done! It matters MORE than people think!
8. Don’t worry about the Where, as much as the Who you are worshipping, and the How it is being done! It matters MORE than people think!
B. Ignorantly (; )
B. Ignorantly (; )
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
1. People don’t know the God of heaven – they are ignorant of Him
1. People don’t know the God of heaven – they are ignorant of Him
2. They stare for hours through telescopes and microscopes at His handiwork, and don’t know a thing about the Creator!
2. They stare for hours through telescopes and microscopes at His handiwork, and don’t know a thing about the Creator!
3. They come up with superstitions, and theories and miss who He really is
3. They come up with superstitions, and theories and miss who He really is
4. This is one of the worst ways to worship God – blindly, ignorantly, stumbling through words not knowing if they have any effect or not
4. This is one of the worst ways to worship God – blindly, ignorantly, stumbling through words not knowing if they have any effect or not
5. That’s why God gave us the Bible!!!
5. That’s why God gave us the Bible!!!
C. Paganly – like pagans who know not God. They claim to be worshipping God, but they are worshipping Him just like those who do not know the slightest bit about Him!
C. Paganly – like pagans who know not God. They claim to be worshipping God, but they are worshipping Him just like those who do not know the slightest bit about Him!
1. Pagans Use Idols (; )
1. Pagans Use Idols (; )
8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.
1 And God spake all these words, saying, 2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. 4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
2. Pagans Focus on Creation, and the Gifts, instead of the Creator and Giver ()
2. Pagans Focus on Creation, and the Gifts, instead of the Creator and Giver ()
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
3. Pagans Worship people () – religious leaders, the gods (Greek and Roman mythology)
3. Pagans Worship people () – religious leaders, the gods (Greek and Roman mythology)
25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
4. Pagans Worship angels (,; ,)
4. Pagans Worship angels (,; ,)
9 And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
5. That’s the WRONG way to try and worship God!
5. That’s the WRONG way to try and worship God!
D. Without the New Birth ()
D. Without the New Birth ()
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1. It is impossible to worship God as a condemned sinner
1. It is impossible to worship God as a condemned sinner
2. That’s why, when you are sinning, you feel the hypocrite when you come to church – because sin blocks your relationship with God
2. That’s why, when you are sinning, you feel the hypocrite when you come to church – because sin blocks your relationship with God
3. Unless that sin-record is taken cared of, all the worship in the world will do you no good
3. Unless that sin-record is taken cared of, all the worship in the world will do you no good
4. Jesus said to a very religious, very worshipful man named Nicodemas, that he HAD to be born again to worship God
4. Jesus said to a very religious, very worshipful man named Nicodemas, that he HAD to be born again to worship God
5. Same goes for everyone
5. Same goes for everyone
IV. Conclusion ()
IV. Conclusion ()
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
A. There are a million ways to worship God
A. There are a million ways to worship God
B. Most are the wrong ways ()
B. Most are the wrong ways ()
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
1. Geographically
1. Geographically
2. Ignorantly
2. Ignorantly
3. Paganly
3. Paganly
4.. Without the New Birth
4.. Without the New Birth
C. The worst of all is to try to do it ignorantly, without the new birth! Otherwise you are wasting your time and effort.
C. The worst of all is to try to do it ignorantly, without the new birth! Otherwise you are wasting your time and effort.
D. Here is how to get born again!
D. Here is how to get born again!
Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 2
Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 2
The Most Important Thing Any Person Do
The Most Important Thing Any Person Do
John 4:20-24Mp3 Audio PowerPoint I. Introduction () A. There are said to be a million ways to worship GodB. Most, however, are the wrong waysC. People have a funny innate desire to worship – it is built-in 1. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!2. But so few truly worship3. I’m no judge – God is the One that draws the line in the sand and says people are doing it the wrong way4. It would benefit us all to know what is true worship, and what is a waste of our time! D. The chief purpose of man is to worship God () – we were created not to live and die ignorant of our purpose, and be only pawns in the hand of the devil – we were created by Almighty God, to live and walk with God in a spirit of worshipE. The worship of God, when it is real, and active, is the most fulfilling and powerful of experiences in this life! But so few ever experience itF. Too many today are settling for either a dead worship of God, or a false worship of God.G. Throughout the Bible, you have the record of people worshipping God 1. Abel with his lambs2. Abraham on Mount Moriah with Issac 3. David in every Psalm4. The disciples, as they followed Jesus H. What is worship? True worship, real devotion does not consist in the performance of certain religious duties at set times, but in the spirit in which the Ordinary duties of common life are performed. William LawI. This is a multi part message where I am exploring True Worship, and True Worshippers 1. The Wrong Ways to Worship2. The Right Ways to Worship II. Preview – Wrong Ways to Worship () A. GeographicallyB. IgnorantlyC. Paganly D. StubbornlyE. Religiously F. Selfishly - Only for looks G. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal H. Without the New Birth III. Message – Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 2 A. Stubbornly () – Unwilling to worship God the way HE said to. 1. How do people normally worship God? As easily, and painlessly as possible! a. On their own termsb. When it fits their schedule – too busy to worshipc. As long as they don’t have to changed. As long as they don’t have to thinke. As long as they get something out of it – got to be entertaining, and modern and politically correct, etc.f. Isn’t that the spirit of this age?g. The truth is, Most religions today worship God stubbornly – with themselves at the forefront, always claiming the blessings of God, and believing that they are in the true church, thinking only of themselves and what THEY can get out of the relationship instead of just worshipping God! 2. How does God demand that we worship Him? One word - Humbly a. None of us like to be humbled, and to take last place, but that is just what God commands us to do if we are going to worship Him.b. To watch modern religious people, you would think you were watching a zoo of peacocks – showing off, full of themselves, proud to be Irish, thinking God is impressed with their success and their money 3. Stubborn worship started way back just outside the garden of Eden with the worship method of Cain () a. Abel’s worship was right (behind the blood of innocent lambs) and Cain’s was wrong (showing off his best efforts – his own righteousness)b. But when God told him he was wrong, Cain would not change – would not do things God’s way! Stubborn!c. Ends up murdering his brother over religion – continues to this dayd. Stubbornness blocks our worship of God 4. Back to . Here is the truth: Salvation and worship is defined by the Jews! Not by England, not by America, not by Hollywood, not by popular opinion a. If you want to worship God your way, go right ahead and skip over the place of the Jews thinking you are just as good, and just as qualified to be first in line in God’s plan – but you are NOT!b. According to Jesus, unless we yield our place and take second place to the Jews, then we will miss out on worshipping God the right wayc. This is where so much confusion has taken over theology 1) You have to know the God of the Jews – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! He has a HEBREW name - Jehovah2) You have to believe on a Jewish Messiah – Jesus was a Jew3) You have to get a Jewish Bible – not an English Bible, or American – it is JEWISH, written by Jewish authors!4) You have to honour the Jew’s Place in God’s Plan () – they still are God’s people, and that Land in Palestine belongs to them. 5) The Bible still says that the Gospel is to be presented always to the Jew FIRST (), and then to us Gentiles. d. We Gentiles have a way of thinking that God is all through with the Jews – but He isn’t. They are His people, and so many Jews have been wrongly slaughtered by both catholics and protestants throughout history that it is a holocaust just as tragic as Germany’s was!e. We are Gentiles, and God shows us the Jew, and we storm ahead and try to worship God our own way, when it has to be the Bible’s way, as shown first to the Jews, and now to the whole world! 5. Humbling isn’t it? Good! That will be the best way to approach God – as a nothing, clinging only to Jesus, knowing that you don’t even deserve crumbs from the table!!! B. Religiously – according to traditions instead of according only to the word of God () – no matter how magnificent those traditions may be, they have no effect on God! Only our heart moves the heart of God! 1. To worship only religiously means a. Having a form of worship - “a form of godliness” – praying just so, and talking using religious sounding words and phrasesb. Acting like you are worshipping, but only acting!c. Going through all the motions of worship, but the heart is still far from God 2. Religion is a work of man to try and impress God – wasted effort!3. Worship is a work of the heart to try and love God4. To waste time worshipping God religiously means to do everything you can “for” God, but without having true love for God5. Examine your heart! Worship is not a Sunday Thing – it is a spiritual thing that you do on Sunday, AND Monday, AND Tuesday, etc!6. What you do is not worship – what spirit and what attitude you have while you do what you do is worship! a. Ponder THAT for a minute!b. Ask yourself in your next argument, who are you worshipping when you fight and argue and devour one another? C. Selfishly – Worshipping only for looks () and for personal gain - worshipping God carnally, interested in physical things only 1. How much time do you pray for THINGS and improvements in your welfare instead of for improvements in your attitudes, and for others?2. Selfish worship is what drove a wedge between Lucifer and the Lord in heaven at first a. Lucifer thought of his lack, and turned against Godb. Later, Satan taught Eve to believe SHE too was lacking and to think of HERSELF for once! 3. Self worship is shown by the amount of time you spend in front of a mirror, or how much money you spend on clothes, and fashion, and how much time you spend worrying about what others think of you instead of God! 4. If you are worshipping, you have no time to worry! But if you are worrying, you will have no time to worship!!!5. So many people only “worship” a good, giving God that gives them what they want, when they want it – But if God is not meeting their needs at the moment, they quickly dump Him. That’s why people aren’t here this morning… they are not wanting to worship the God of heaven – they only worship the Genie behind their successes! Sad!6. Selfish worship is modern worship – period! God deliver us from our pre-occupation with self instead of with the God who died for us! D. Apathetically – with no passion, no heart, nor zeal () – no real need in your mind. You just do things because it is expected of you? Apathetic worship is bored worship – indifference towards the things of God. Apathetic worship is when we just don’t take God seriously 1. So, no prayer life – just a few prayers here and there – if any!2. No serious study of the word of God – to you it is just a Book that you have, but that does not have you!3. No burden to win souls – you are really a Calvinist at heart – or a fatalist – if they WANT to get saved, they will do it themselves!!!4. No commitment to a local Bible believing Church – just attend it whenever it is possible, but definitely NOT on Sunday evening, and DEFINITELY NOT on Wednesday evening! No real need to join the Church and get really involved in soul-winning and building this body of believers like we are commanded to! Apathetic!5. No thought about sin in your life – it hasn’t killed me yet, so why worry about it? Apathetic a. Most people won’t even THINK of getting rid of the cigarettes until the doctor says, you have 6months if you don’t stop smokingb. Most people wouldn’t dream of cutting out the drink unless their doctor says, your liver is ruined and you will die if you take another drinkc. Funny isn’t it? People live knowing the Bible says you will reap what you sow, but you don’t CARE!!! 6. No worry about the judgment of God – doesn’t change the fact of a devil’s hell! The goodness of God waits for you to repent, but we all take it the wrong way – as a licence to sin!!! Wicked!7. The opposite of apathy is energy! Energetic kind of worship! Active, lively, passionate love for God, no matter what is going on in life!8. Wouldn’t it be nice to conquer our apathy?9. Victory over apathy is found in the cross () IV. Conclusion () A. There are a million ways to worship GodB. Most are the wrong ways 1. Geographically2. Ignorantly3. Paganly 4. Without the New Birth 5. Stubbornly6. Religiously 7. Selfishly - Only for looks 8. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal C. The worst of all is to try to do it ignorantly, without the new birth! Otherwise you are wasting your time and effort.D. Here is how to get born again!
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
I. Introduction ()
I. Introduction ()
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
A. There are said to be a million ways to worship God
A. There are said to be a million ways to worship God
B. Most, however, are the wrong ways
B. Most, however, are the wrong ways
C. People have a funny innate desire to worship – it is built-in
C. People have a funny innate desire to worship – it is built-in
1. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!
1. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!
2. But so few truly worship
2. But so few truly worship
3. I’m no judge – God is the One that draws the line in the sand and says people are doing it the wrong way
3. I’m no judge – God is the One that draws the line in the sand and says people are doing it the wrong way
4. It would benefit us all to know what is true worship, and what is a waste of our time!
4. It would benefit us all to know what is true worship, and what is a waste of our time!
D. The chief purpose of man is to worship God () – we were created not to live and die ignorant of our purpose, and be only pawns in the hand of the devil – we were created by Almighty God, to live and walk with God in a spirit of worship
D. The chief purpose of man is to worship God () – we were created not to live and die ignorant of our purpose, and be only pawns in the hand of the devil – we were created by Almighty God, to live and walk with God in a spirit of worship
11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
E. The worship of God, when it is real, and active, is the most fulfilling and powerful of experiences in this life! But so few ever experience it
E. The worship of God, when it is real, and active, is the most fulfilling and powerful of experiences in this life! But so few ever experience it
F. Too many today are settling for either a dead worship of God, or a false worship of God.
F. Too many today are settling for either a dead worship of God, or a false worship of God.
G. Throughout the Bible, you have the record of people worshipping God
G. Throughout the Bible, you have the record of people worshipping God
1. Abel with his lambs
1. Abel with his lambs
2. Abraham on Mount Moriah with Issac
2. Abraham on Mount Moriah with Issac
3. David in every Psalm
3. David in every Psalm
4. The disciples, as they followed Jesus
4. The disciples, as they followed Jesus
H. What is worship? True worship, real devotion does not consist in the performance of certain religious duties at set times, but in the spirit in which the Ordinary duties of common life are performed. William Law
H. What is worship? True worship, real devotion does not consist in the performance of certain religious duties at set times, but in the spirit in which the Ordinary duties of common life are performed. William Law
I. This is a multi part message where I am exploring True Worship, and True Worshippers
I. This is a multi part message where I am exploring True Worship, and True Worshippers
1. The Wrong Ways to Worship
1. The Wrong Ways to Worship
2. The Right Ways to Worship
2. The Right Ways to Worship
II. Preview – Wrong Ways to Worship ()
II. Preview – Wrong Ways to Worship ()
20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. 21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
A. Geographically
A. Geographically
B. Ignorantly
B. Ignorantly
C. Paganly
C. Paganly
D. Stubbornly
D. Stubbornly
E. Religiously
E. Religiously
F. Selfishly - Only for looks
F. Selfishly - Only for looks
G. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
G. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
H. Without the New Birth
H. Without the New Birth
III. Message – Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 2
III. Message – Wrong Ways to Worship – Part 2
A. Stubbornly () – Unwilling to worship God the way HE said to.
A. Stubbornly () – Unwilling to worship God the way HE said to.
22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
1. How do people normally worship God? As easily, and painlessly as possible!
1. How do people normally worship God? As easily, and painlessly as possible!
a. On their own terms
a. On their own terms
b. When it fits their schedule – too busy to worship
b. When it fits their schedule – too busy to worship
c. As long as they don’t have to change
c. As long as they don’t have to change
d. As long as they don’t have to think
d. As long as they don’t have to think
e. As long as they get something out of it – got to be entertaining, and modern and politically correct, etc.
e. As long as they get something out of it – got to be entertaining, and modern and politically correct, etc.
f. Isn’t that the spirit of this age?
f. Isn’t that the spirit of this age?
g. The truth is, Most religions today worship God stubbornly – with themselves at the forefront, always claiming the blessings of God, and believing that they are in the true church, thinking only of themselves and what THEY can get out of the relationship instead of just worshipping God!
g. The truth is, Most religions today worship God stubbornly – with themselves at the forefront, always claiming the blessings of God, and believing that they are in the true church, thinking only of themselves and what THEY can get out of the relationship instead of just worshipping God!
2. How does God demand that we worship Him? One word - Humbly
2. How does God demand that we worship Him? One word - Humbly
a. None of us like to be humbled, and to take last place, but that is just what God commands us to do if we are going to worship Him.
a. None of us like to be humbled, and to take last place, but that is just what God commands us to do if we are going to worship Him.
b. To watch modern religious people, you would think you were watching a zoo of peacocks – showing off, full of themselves, proud to be Irish, thinking God is impressed with their success and their money
b. To watch modern religious people, you would think you were watching a zoo of peacocks – showing off, full of themselves, proud to be Irish, thinking God is impressed with their success and their money
3. Stubborn worship started way back just outside the garden of Eden with the worship method of Cain ()
3. Stubborn worship started way back just outside the garden of Eden with the worship method of Cain ()
3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
a. Abel’s worship was right (behind the blood of innocent lambs) and Cain’s was wrong (showing off his best efforts – his own righteousness)
a. Abel’s worship was right (behind the blood of innocent lambs) and Cain’s was wrong (showing off his best efforts – his own righteousness)
b. But when God told him he was wrong, Cain would not change – would not do things God’s way! Stubborn!
b. But when God told him he was wrong, Cain would not change – would not do things God’s way! Stubborn!
c. Ends up murdering his brother over religion – continues to this day
c. Ends up murdering his brother over religion – continues to this day
d. Stubbornness blocks our worship of God
d. Stubbornness blocks our worship of God
4. Back to . Here is the truth: Salvation and worship is defined by the Jews! Not by England, not by America, not by Hollywood, not by popular opinion
4. Back to . Here is the truth: Salvation and worship is defined by the Jews! Not by England, not by America, not by Hollywood, not by popular opinion
a. If you want to worship God your way, go right ahead and skip over the place of the Jews thinking you are just as good, and just as qualified to be first in line in God’s plan – but you are NOT!
a. If you want to worship God your way, go right ahead and skip over the place of the Jews thinking you are just as good, and just as qualified to be first in line in God’s plan – but you are NOT!
b. According to Jesus, unless we yield our place and take second place to the Jews, then we will miss out on worshipping God the right way
b. According to Jesus, unless we yield our place and take second place to the Jews, then we will miss out on worshipping God the right way
c. This is where so much confusion has taken over theology
c. This is where so much confusion has taken over theology
1) You have to know the God of the Jews – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! He has a HEBREW name - Jehovah
1) You have to know the God of the Jews – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! He has a HEBREW name - Jehovah
2) You have to believe on a Jewish Messiah – Jesus was a Jew
2) You have to believe on a Jewish Messiah – Jesus was a Jew
3) You have to get a Jewish Bible – not an English Bible, or American – it is JEWISH, written by Jewish authors!
3) You have to get a Jewish Bible – not an English Bible, or American – it is JEWISH, written by Jewish authors!
4) You have to honour the Jew’s Place in God’s Plan () – they still are God’s people, and that Land in Palestine belongs to them.
4) You have to honour the Jew’s Place in God’s Plan () – they still are God’s people, and that Land in Palestine belongs to them.
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, 2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: 4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
5) The Bible still says that the Gospel is to be presented always to the Jew FIRST (), and then to us Gentiles.
5) The Bible still says that the Gospel is to be presented always to the Jew FIRST (), and then to us Gentiles.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
d. We Gentiles have a way of thinking that God is all through with the Jews – but He isn’t.
d. We Gentiles have a way of thinking that God is all through with the Jews – but He isn’t.
They are His people, and so many Jews have been wrongly slaughtered by both catholics and protestants throughout history that it is a holocaust just as tragic as Germany’s was!e. We are Gentiles, and God shows us the Jew, and we storm ahead and try to worship God our own way, when it has to be the Bible’s way, as shown first to the Jews, and now to the whole world!
5. Humbling isn’t it? Good! That will be the best way to approach God – as a nothing, clinging only to Jesus, knowing that you don’t even deserve crumbs from the table!!!
5. Humbling isn’t it? Good! That will be the best way to approach God – as a nothing, clinging only to Jesus, knowing that you don’t even deserve crumbs from the table!!!
B. Religiously –
B. Religiously –
according to traditions instead of according only to the word of God () – no matter how magnificent those traditions may be, they have no effect on God! Only our heart moves the heart of God!
1. To worship only religiously means
1. To worship only religiously means
a. Having a form of worship - “a form of godliness” – praying just so, and talking using religious sounding words and phrases
a. Having a form of worship - “a form of godliness” – praying just so, and talking using religious sounding words and phrases
b. Acting like you are worshipping, but only acting!
b. Acting like you are worshipping, but only acting!
c. Going through all the motions of worship, but the heart is still far from God
c. Going through all the motions of worship, but the heart is still far from God
2. Religion is a work of man to try and impress God – wasted effort!
2. Religion is a work of man to try and impress God – wasted effort!
3. Worship is a work of the heart to try and love God
3. Worship is a work of the heart to try and love God
4. To waste time worshipping God religiously means to do everything you can “for” God, but without having true love for God
4. To waste time worshipping God religiously means to do everything you can “for” God, but without having true love for God
5. Examine your heart! Worship is not a Sunday Thing – it is a spiritual thing that you do on Sunday, AND Monday, AND Tuesday, etc!
5. Examine your heart! Worship is not a Sunday Thing – it is a spiritual thing that you do on Sunday, AND Monday, AND Tuesday, etc!
6. What you do is not worship – what spirit and what attitude you have while you do what you do is worship!
6. What you do is not worship – what spirit and what attitude you have while you do what you do is worship!
a. Ponder THAT for a minute!
a. Ponder THAT for a minute!
b. Ask yourself in your next argument, who are you worshipping when you fight and argue and devour one another?
b. Ask yourself in your next argument, who are you worshipping when you fight and argue and devour one another?
C. Selfishly –
C. Selfishly –
Worshipping only for looks () and for personal gain - worshipping God carnally,
interested in physical things only
1. How much time do you pray for THINGS and improvements in your welfare instead of for improvements in your attitudes, and for others?
1. How much time do you pray for THINGS and improvements in your welfare instead of for improvements in your attitudes, and for others?
2. Selfish worship is what drove a wedge between Lucifer and the Lord in heaven at first
2. Selfish worship is what drove a wedge between Lucifer and the Lord in heaven at first
a. Lucifer thought of his lack, and turned against God
a. Lucifer thought of his lack, and turned against God
b. Later, Satan taught Eve to believe SHE too was lacking and to think of HERSELF for once!
b. Later, Satan taught Eve to believe SHE too was lacking and to think of HERSELF for once!
3. Self worship is shown by the amount of time you spend in front of a mirror, or how much money you spend on clothes, and fashion, and how much time you spend worrying about what others think of you instead of God!
3. Self worship is shown by the amount of time you spend in front of a mirror, or how much money you spend on clothes, and fashion, and how much time you spend worrying about what others think of you instead of God!
4. If you are worshipping, you have no time to worry! But if you are worrying, you will have no time to worship!!!
4. If you are worshipping, you have no time to worry! But if you are worrying, you will have no time to worship!!!
5. So many people only “worship” a good, giving God that gives them what they want, when they want it – But if God is not meeting their needs at the moment, they quickly dump Him. That’s why people aren’t here this morning… they are not wanting to worship the God of heaven – they only worship the Genie behind their successes! Sad!
5. So many people only “worship” a good, giving God that gives them what they want, when they want it – But if God is not meeting their needs at the moment, they quickly dump Him. That’s why people aren’t here this morning… they are not wanting to worship the God of heaven – they only worship the Genie behind their successes! Sad!
6. Selfish worship is modern worship – period! God deliver us from our pre-occupation with self instead of with the God who died for us!
6. Selfish worship is modern worship – period! God deliver us from our pre-occupation with self instead of with the God who died for us!
D. Apathetically
D. Apathetically
– with no passion, no heart, nor zeal () – no real need in your mind. You just do things because it is expected of you? Apathetic worship is bored worship – indifference towards the things of God. Apathetic worship is when we just don’t take God seriously
1. So, no prayer life – just a few prayers here and there – if any!
1. So, no prayer life – just a few prayers here and there – if any!
2. No serious study of the word of God – to you it is just a Book that you have, but that does not have you!
2. No serious study of the word of God – to you it is just a Book that you have, but that does not have you!
3. No burden to win souls – you are really a Calvinist at heart – or a fatalist – if they WANT to get saved, they will do it themselves!!!
3. No burden to win souls – you are really a Calvinist at heart – or a fatalist – if they WANT to get saved, they will do it themselves!!!
4. No commitment to a local Bible believing Church – just attend it whenever it is possible, but definitely NOT on Sunday evening, and DEFINITELY NOT on Wednesday evening! No real need to join the Church and get really involved in soul-winning and building this body of believers like we are commanded to! Apathetic!
4. No commitment to a local Bible believing Church – just attend it whenever it is possible, but definitely NOT on Sunday evening, and DEFINITELY NOT on Wednesday evening! No real need to join the Church and get really involved in soul-winning and building this body of believers like we are commanded to! Apathetic!
5. No thought about sin in your life – it hasn’t killed me yet, so why worry about it? Apathetic
5. No thought about sin in your life – it hasn’t killed me yet, so why worry about it? Apathetic
a. Most people won’t even THINK of getting rid of the cigarettes until the doctor says, you have 6months if you don’t stop smoking
a. Most people won’t even THINK of getting rid of the cigarettes until the doctor says, you have 6months if you don’t stop smoking
b. Most people wouldn’t dream of cutting out the drink unless their doctor says, your liver is ruined and you will die if you take another drink
b. Most people wouldn’t dream of cutting out the drink unless their doctor says, your liver is ruined and you will die if you take another drink
c. Funny isn’t it? People live knowing the Bible says you will reap what you sow, but you don’t CARE!!!
c. Funny isn’t it? People live knowing the Bible says you will reap what you sow, but you don’t CARE!!!
6. No worry about the judgment of God – doesn’t change the fact of a devil’s hell! The goodness of God waits for you to repent, but we all take it the wrong way – as a licence to sin!!! Wicked!
6. No worry about the judgment of God – doesn’t change the fact of a devil’s hell! The goodness of God waits for you to repent, but we all take it the wrong way – as a licence to sin!!! Wicked!
7. The opposite of apathy is energy! Energetic kind of worship! Active, lively, passionate love for God, no matter what is going on in life!
7. The opposite of apathy is energy! Energetic kind of worship! Active, lively, passionate love for God, no matter what is going on in life!
8. Wouldn’t it be nice to conquer our apathy?
8. Wouldn’t it be nice to conquer our apathy?
9. Victory over apathy is found in the cross ()
9. Victory over apathy is found in the cross ()
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
IV. Conclusion ()
IV. Conclusion ()
3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
A. There are a million ways to worship God
A. There are a million ways to worship God
B. Most are the wrong ways
B. Most are the wrong ways
1. Geographically
1. Geographically
2. Ignorantly
2. Ignorantly
3. Paganly
3. Paganly
4. Without the New Birth
4. Without the New Birth
5. Stubbornly
5. Stubbornly
6. Religiously
6. Religiously
7. Selfishly - Only for looks
7. Selfishly - Only for looks
8. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
8. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
C. The worst of all is to try to do it ignorantly, without the new birth! Otherwise you are wasting your time and effort.
C. The worst of all is to try to do it ignorantly, without the new birth! Otherwise you are wasting your time and effort.
D. Here is how to get born again!
D. Here is how to get born again!
How to Worship in Spirit – Part 1
Study on Worshipping God
John 4:20-24
Introduction ()
A. What is worship? True worship, real devotion does not consist in the performance of certain religious duties at set times, but in the spirit in which the Ordinary duties of common life are performed. William Law
B. This is part three of a series looking at True Worship, and True Worshippers
C. So Far, we have looked at the Wrong Ways to Worship
D. Starting today, I want to explore the Right Ways to Worship God
E. This is not something trite, or simple, or easy – like 1+1=2
F. The Worship of God has been so perverted today, and without the Bible, would be totally lost
G. When examined by the Bible, it will be found that MOST (at least 90%) of all churches worship God wrongly, and even sinfully – not an exaggeration
II. Review – There are Many Wrong Ways to Worship () People try all the time to worship God…
A. Geographically
B. Ignorantly
C. Paganly
D. Without the New Birth
E. Stubbornly
F. Religiously
G. Selfishly - Only for looks
H. Apathetically – with no passion, heart, or zeal
III. Principles of Worship
A. Worship means to show someone’s worth! Ascribing great worth to a person
1. To honour – extol, lift-up, praise
2. To please
3. To bless
4. To love with all the heart
5. To glorify – put all the attention on – put the lime-light on
6. To serve gladly and whole-heartedly
7. To show someone’s worth-ship!
An act of ascribing worth/value to a person.
B. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!C. But most people miss the target when it comes to worshipping God - People assume they know what worship should be like.
1. But they either don’t know God
2. Or they don’t know how to worship Him
3. Or they don’t care to worship Him – I want to address those people a little later on!
D. People today worship…
1. Their rock music collection (including their CCM music sadly)
2. Their friends – obey them and live for THEM and their approval instead of God’s
3. Their family – can’t risk losing them, or being shunned by them
4. Money – couldn’t think of living out of debt but have to live in the pursuit of money and possessions
5. Themselves – they are “lovers of their own selves”
6. They deny all the above but it’s clear who their real gods are by their lives
E. The Tests of True Worship
1. Are you ashamed of the God of the Bible?
Ashamed of giving Him first place in your life – pre-eminence? Then you do not know worship
2. When was the last time you took Christ’s side in this world and stood with him joyfully when others mocked Him? If never, or only rarely, then you do not know or experience real worship
3. Have you forgotten that Satan seeks worship too ()?
3. Have you forgotten that Satan seeks worship too ()? If you think only God is interested in worship, then you do not struggle against the pull to worship the god of this world, and therefore probably have never really worshipped the God of the universe!4. How soft are you in your stubbornness towards authority? The worship of God changes a rebel into a servant of all! If you fight God, it makes it hard to worship Him at the same time!5. Do you find it easy to obey God and do His will for your life? If not, then you need to learn what it means to truly worship God!!!6. Is worship to you just a “church” thing? IV. Message – Worshipping God in Spirit A. Worshipping God in Spirit is An Inner Worship () 1. A Spiritual Worship – a worship by your spirit of a Spirit a. A worship using your spirit – not your body, your hands, your moneyb. You are a tri-part being with a soul, a body, and a spirit 1) The soul is the real you2) The body is what we relate to – what you walk with, eat with3) The spirit is what God relates to – what you pray with, worship Him with c. A worship of a Spirit – not of a star or planet, or person or thing 2. Kind of hard to worship with your spirit if it is dead () a. Kind of hard to talk with your mobile battery being deadb. Kind of hard to start your car if your battery is deadc. Kind of hard to walk if your legs are goned. Everyone of us are born with something missing in us – an ability to talk to God, to worship God 3. Must be born again () – regenerated is the Bible word – not baptized, or prayed over, or pumped up with enthusiasm, but handed over to Jesus Christ asking Him to give you life!!!4. All worship of God must be from the inside – it must come from within you – it is not faked, or worked up, but real and alive5. Contrast this truth - the flesh has nothing to do with worship at all (Philp 3:3; ,) a. Speaking of the acts of a person while attempting to worship – go through motions 1) Like kneeling, bowing, kissing, mumbling2) That has nothing to do with true worship b. There goes the fancy new hair-stylec. There goes the money and the carsd. There goes the new clothese. All our best efforts are nothing to God – Cain learned thatf. There goes the traditions of religion – holy days, holy water, holy vestments, holy candles, holy eucharist, holy orders, holy doors, holy cup, holy saints, holy week, … holy cow!g. There goes the modern worship-style too! A lot of churches emphasize their style of worship, instead of the One they are worshipping! 1) Contemporary Christian Music has taken over2) Drums now beat out an atmosphere like a rock concert instead of a time for preaching3) Dancing attracts people to the gyrations of women instead of the holiness of God4) Women preaching and screaming usurp authority that God meant to be vested in men h. Oh that we worshipped God in the beauty of a right spirit - holiness (; ) 6. A Bible believer checks his spirit, whether it is engaged in worship, or just his hands and his body B. Worshipping God in Spirit is An Attitude – the way you approach God is paramount 1. That’s why the Bible speaks just as much about attitudes as it does actions a. Of course murder is wrong, but hating someone is just as wrongb. Of course adultery is wrong, but lusting after girls is JUST as wrongc. Of course stealing is wrong, but thinking that stealing is ok is just as wrongd. Rebellion against God, against parents, against authorities is wicked, yet no one really questions their attitudes, and so the actions of this world just grow from worse to worser! 2. With bad attitudes, there can be no spiritual worship at all!3. That’s what David was warning is – that God does not respect any of your worship while sin rules in your heart instead of Him!4. Must worship in holiness – not worldliness5. The attitude of worship a. Awe () – in wonder and amazement - stunnedb. Fear – terror ()c. Excited – passionate (; )d. Careful – caring about the little things you do and say to God ()e. Stopped, Resting, Not Hurried () – having no where else to go (as with Job, and Peter) 6. A Bible believer checks his Attitude - whether it is driven by the world, the flesh and the devil, or by submission to Christ7. Worship comes straight from the Heart, not just the head – it is like love (; ,) a. Not something that is just done out of tradition or dutyb. But something that cannot be held back because you MUST worshipc. It is like when you fall in love – you can’t stop thinking about someone, and dreaming about them, and wanting to be with themd. This is all foreign to materialists – people who only know how to worship THINGS and people!e. The source of all our troubles in life is our heartf. The place that God wants to fill is our heartg. A Bible believer checks his Heart – whether it has just made room for Jesus, or is completely conquered by Jesus V. Conclusion A. Next Week, Worshipping God is Concuming!B. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!C. But most people miss the target when it comes to worshipping God D. Who do you passionately worship? Who matters most to you? The Lord earned that place in your heart… will you give it to Him, and Him alone?
If you think only God is interested in worship, then you do not struggle against the pull to worship the god of this world, and therefore probably have never really worshipped the God of the universe!
4. How soft are you in your stubbornness towards authority? The worship of God changes a rebel into a servant of all! If you fight God, it makes it hard to worship Him at the same time!
5. Do you find it easy to obey God and do His will for your life? If not, then you need to learn what it means to truly worship God!!!
6. Is worship to you just a “church” thing?
IV. Message – Worshipping God in Spirit
A. Worshipping God in Spirit is An Inner Worship ()
1. A Spiritual Worship – a worship by your spirit of a Spirit
a. A worship using your spirit – not your body, your hands, your money
b. You are a tri-part being with a soul, a body, and a spirit
1) The soul is the real you
2) The body is what we relate to – what you walk with, eat with
3) The spirit is what God relates to – what you pray with, worship Him with
c. A worship of a Spirit – not of a star or planet, or person or thing
2. Kind of hard to worship with your spirit if it is dead ()
a. Kind of hard to talk with your mobile battery being dead
b. Kind of hard to start your car if your battery is dead
c. Kind of hard to walk if your legs are gone
d. Everyone of us are born with something missing in us – an ability to talk to God, to worship God
3. Must be born again () – regenerated is the Bible word – not baptized, or prayed over, or pumped up with enthusiasm, but handed over to Jesus Christ asking Him to give you life!!!
4. All worship of God must be from the inside – it must come from within you – it is not faked, or worked up, but real and alive
5. Contrast this truth - the flesh has nothing to do with worship at all (Philp 3:3; ,)
a. Speaking of the acts of a person while attempting to worship – go through motions
1) Like kneeling, bowing, kissing, mumbling
2) That has nothing to do with true worship
b. There goes the fancy new hair-style
c. There goes the money and the cars
d. There goes the new clothes
e. All our best efforts are nothing to God – Cain learned that
f. There goes the traditions of religion – holy days, holy water, holy vestments, holy candles, holy eucharist, holy orders, holy doors, holy cup, holy saints, holy week, … holy cow!
g. There goes the modern worship-style too! A lot of churches emphasize their style of worship, instead of the One they are worshipping!
1) Contemporary Christian Music has taken over
2) Drums now beat out an atmosphere like a rock concert instead of a time for preaching
3) Dancing attracts people to the gyrations of women instead of the holiness of God
4) Women preaching and screaming usurp authority that God meant to be vested in men
h. Oh that we worshipped God in the beauty of a right spirit - holiness (; )
6. A Bible believer checks his spirit, whether it is engaged in worship, or just his hands and his body
B. Worshipping God in Spirit is An Attitude – the way you approach God is paramount
1. That’s why the Bible speaks just as much about attitudes as it does actions
a. Of course murder is wrong, but hating someone is just as wrong
b. Of course adultery is wrong, but lusting after girls is JUST as wrong
c. Of course stealing is wrong, but thinking that stealing is ok is just as wrong
d. Rebellion against God, against parents, against authorities is wicked, yet no one really questions their attitudes, and so the actions of this world just grow from worse to worser!
2. With bad attitudes, there can be no spiritual worship at all!
3. That’s what David was warning is – that God does not respect any of your worship while sin rules in your heart instead of Him!
4. Must worship in holiness – not worldliness
5. The attitude of worship
a. Awe () – in wonder and amazement - stunned
b. Fear – terror ()
c. Excited – passionate (; )
d. Careful – caring about the little things you do and say to God ()
e. Stopped, Resting, Not Hurried () – having no where else to go (as with Job, and Peter)
6. A Bible believer checks his Attitude - whether it is driven by the world, the flesh and the devil, or by submission to Christ
7. Worship comes straight from the Heart, not just the head – it is like love (; ,)
a. Not something that is just done out of tradition or duty
b. But something that cannot be held back because you MUST worship
c. It is like when you fall in love – you can’t stop thinking about someone, and dreaming about them, and wanting to be with them
d. This is all foreign to materialists – people who only know how to worship THINGS and people!
e. The source of all our troubles in life is our heart
f. The place that God wants to fill is our heart
g. A Bible believer checks his Heart – whether it has just made room for Jesus, or is completely conquered by Jesus
V. Conclusion
A. Next Week, Worshipping God is Concuming
!B. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!
C. But most people miss the target when it comes to worshipping God
D. Who do you passionately worship? Who matters most to you? The Lord earned that place in your heart… will you give it to Him, and Him alone?
How to Worship in Spirit – Part 2
Study on Worshipping God
I. Introduction ()
A. What is worship? True worship, real devotion does not consist in the performance of certain religious duties at set times, but in the spirit in which the Ordinary duties of common life are performed. William Law
B. This is a series looking at True Worship, and True Worshippers
C. So Far, we have looked at the Wrong Ways to Worship, and began to explore the Right Ways to Worship God
D. Later on, we will look at HOW God’s people worshipped God – it’s awesome
II. Principles of Worship
A. Everyone worships some-thing or some-one!
B. But most people miss the target when it comes to worshipping God - People assume they know what worship should be like.
1. But they either don’t know God
2. Or they don’t know how to worship Him
3. Or they don’t care to worship Him – I want to address those people a little later on!
C. Worship means to show someone’s worth! To show someone’s worth-ship! An act of ascribing worth/value to a person. Ascribing great worth to a person
1. To honour – extol, lift-up, praise
2. To please
3. To bless
4. To love with all the heart
5. To glorify – put all the attention on – put the lime-light on
6. To serve gladly and whole-heartedly
7. When a person worship’s God, these things are all active!
III. Review – Last Week we Started Worshipping God in Spirit
A. Worshipping God in Spirit is An Inner Worship () – not a formality, not an external act – it happens only on the inside!
B. Worshipping God in Spirit is An Attitude – the WAY you approach God is just as important as the fact that you are worshipping God
C. Today I want to focus on how much of “me” is involved in my worship
IV. Message – Worshipping God in Spirit – Part 2
A. The Example of Enoch - A great example of worship in the spirit in the Bible is Enoch (; ,)
1. He Walked with God – there was not a moment that Enoch thought God was not worthy of sharing it with! That’s what it means to “walk with God”… enjoy the presence of God as you go through your day
2. He Befriended God – Enoch shared everything he went through with God – started at the birth of his son, and grew deeper from then on
3. He Loved God – couldn’t but help love such a being that had made him, and loved HIM () – we are talking about loving the God who truly loves us (; ; ,)
4. He Pleased God – He blessed God and made Him happy ()
a. Didn’t try to figure what he could get away with, but what could he do that would please Him!
b. That’s the difference in a Christian’s life! We amazingly now seek to bring pleasure to Him – bring a smile to His face!
5. He Thought about God ()
a. THEOLOGY is the queen of sciences – studied GOD!
b. Enoch tried to understand God’s ways, His thoughts, His plans, His Truths!
c. To Enoch, God was not the unknowable, but the challenge ()
6. He Honoured God – Enoch put God first in his life before himself or anyone else – more important that his career, his family, his money, his schedule, his debts, his friends… was HIS God – God was not his “pet”, but His LORD!
7. He Served God – He preached, witnessed, did whatever God needed doing. Worship makes no demands of God, but rather waits to do God’s will
8. In Summary:
a. To Enoch, God was not someone to constantly get forgiveness from (that’s all people use God for today), but rather, someone to love, someone get to know more and more, and walk with, and serve passionately, and live cleanly for!
b. Here’s a secret: Do you know how to get the victory over some sin of the flesh? Change what you worship! says “Walk in the Spirit and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh”
B. Worshipping God in Spirit is Consuming ()
1. God is no trivial deity in this universe – He is Lord of all
2. It is amazing however, just how little worship this Being gets
3. I aim to change that with this series of messages from God’s word
4. The Consuming Nature of Worship
a. You cannot just worship God in part
b. We know what it means to be filled with fury and anger
c. A Christian needs to know HOW to become filled with the Spirit of God so that they worship Him with the whole heart ()
1) It is like driving at night - all your attention must be on the road
2) It is like cutting a diamond – it takes all the attention and focus of a master cutter to cut a diamond right (let your mind drift and the €30,000 diamond stone becomes worthless) – and so it is true with worship – it takes all our attention, focus and being, or else it is waste3) It is like falling in love!
d. True Worship is not an easy thing – it costs
1) When a person begins to consider the cost of worshipping Jesus Christ, they find out it will cost them everything
2) What is so awesome, is that they won’t mind paying it!
e. Listen to these Scriptures
1) “I will bless the Lord at all times…” – that is a hard goal… there are MANY times when we just don’t want to bless or praise the Lord! But we ought to! He is worthy ()
2) “I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
5. God is not asking for us to sell our homes, shave our heads, wear sackcloth and move into a beehive hut or a monastery in order to worship Him, but that we worship God in everything we do, no matter what we do
6. True Worship affects all of our life… not just a few moments on a Sunday. Here is how to tell if you are truly worshipping God, or just giving Him a “token gesture”…
a. It Affects Our Sanity ()
b. It Affects Our Music (,)
c. It Affects Our Families ()
d. It Affects Our Sleep (,)
e. It Affects Our Marriages () – no worship when there is division and bitterness ()
f. It Affects Our Church () – it is so important to be a blessing, and be a delighter in the Lord, instead of a downer (Cf ,)
g. It Affects Our Jobs () – hey! Be a light, be the hardest worker, be a testimony of a great God at work – not a complainer
h. If Affects Our Money () – we start giving our best instead of our left-overs!
7. Oh that someone in this room would LET their worship of God affect their life, their home, their music, their dress, their speech, their job, their wallet and purse, their walk with God, and their relationship with others!!!8. None of the above comes because God simply demands it, but rather because he earned it!!!
V. Conclusion – How did God earn such an Inner Attitude of Consuming Worship?
A. By Seeking Us – not waiting on us to desire Him
B. By Taking Our Place in Death on the cross – innocent for the guilty
C. By Offering us a Way Back to Him – through His efforts, not ours
D. By Just Being a Faithful God – It is His Middle Name!
E. Will someone take Him into their heart and life today, and begin to worship Him with their whole being?