Sacrifice of Praise: Leading the People of God in Worship

The formal priesthood goes with the formal worship of an organized nation of considerable size. On Mount Sinai God gave Moses instructions to build the tabernacle. On the mount God told Moses to appoint Aaron and his four sons to serve as priests, that is, to serve at the altar and in the sanctuary (Exod. 28:1, 41). Their holy garments are prescribed in detail, and their consecration ritual is given in chapters 28–29. As to the work of these priests, most of Leviticus and some of Numbers and Deuteronomy give details. Aaron and his descendants of the tribe of Levi served in the tabernacle and temple as priests.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible OT

Through this threefold order, the priesthood of the nation was exercised. By it the people offered worship to God, made intercessions and petitions, and learned of God’s will. Thus what occurred in the worship of every pious home as the head of the house guided his family occurred in a larger and ceremonial way in the temple.

Priests ministered on behalf of the people - ; ;

The priests served as representatives of the entire nation and congregation of Israel.

They performed the sacrifices for all the people -

While everyone worshiped, the priests directed the sacrifices and worship -

The Church As the Temple and Priesthood

Today, we are under a different covenant than the Israelites and their priests. The old covenant has been done away with.

We don’t have the pageantry, sacrifices, instruments of music, etc.

We don’t have to worship at a specific location—the festivals and instruments were limited to the temple worship in Jerusalem. Now, we worship in spirit and in truth, wherever we are able.

But we still offer worship and praise to God.

Peter wrote to Christians about being living stones in the house/temple of God -

Just as Israel worshiped at the tabernacle/temple, the church is to embody the spirit of worship and sacrifice to God.

The church universal/collectively is a royal priesthood and kingdom - ; ; ;

Praise and thanksgiving through songs and prayer are the spiritual sacrifices we offer up to God -

Administering and Leading the Worship of the Church

In the New Testament, the church universal is a priesthood to God.

There is no division between clergy and laity—we are all priests.

We all have the opportunity to worship God directly—men and women. We don’t have to have someone represent us before God.

So, we all get to worship God, but how is worship administered? Does someone lead, direct, and administer the worship?

One of the spiritual gifts of the church is the gift of administration -

This word is used in a few other passages in the New Testament which are translated as captains of a ship. Modern sense of an airline pilot.

Worship is to be decent and orderly -

Leadership directs the worship; it is not chaotic, but ordered through a few who lead us, one at a time -

Men are charged to lead spiritual activities, such as prayer and teaching - ,

Song leading, serving at the Lord’s table, etc.—men have the charge to administer and direct the worship of the congregation.

Like the priests under the first covenant, men are charged to teach the church - cf.

Above all, men must be faithful -

Being a male Christian is not all that qualifies someone to lead in worship.

Faithfulness and responsibility must be taken into consideration—will this man actually do this job? Will he prepare? Will he take it seriously? Will he be faithful to the Scriptures and do what God has said?

Men must take the worship seriously -

We don’t get to approach God however we think would be good. He must be approached with a sense of reverence and awe, submitting to His authority.

Men should prepare to administer their tasks in worship - cf. ,

Prior to the priests making the actual sacrifices, they had to prepare the sacrifice.

Song leaders, do you put together your lists of songs when you walk in the door? Just because you can get away with that, doesn’t mean you’ve done your best work.

Those who lead in prayer, do you give thought to what you might say?

There is nothing wrong with writing down your prayer. Nerves may get the best of us sometimes. Secret: I have my notes up here for Bible class and sermons. Why can’t you have notes to lead in prayer?

What would we think of the Bible class teacher or the preacher if they did not study and prepare their thoughts?

Why would we think any other aspect of our worship can be treated with less focus and energy in preparation beforehand?

Generally speaking, we have about a month’s notice of when we may have a particular task.

Of course, you may be asked to lead singing without advance notice and you may have to pick out songs just prior to worship.

But generally, we know when we have a responsibility for the worship.

Be prepared!

What if someone does not want to lead in worship services?

Some people may feel inadequate or embarrassed to take on a public role. Some people are shy.

Perhaps it is not a “requirement” to lead in worship, but it should be encouraged.

Paul told Timothy to find faithful men. Timothy needed to encourage other men to step into roles of teaching and worship.

Faithful servants of the Lord are to always be searching for more people to serve the Lord -

If you’re asked to lead in worship services, understand that you’ve been given a compliment: people believe you are qualified and able to do the job!

We need to have an attitude of “here am I, send me!” -

Many men are afraid to take on a public role due to fear of inadequacy.

“The preacher can do a much better job than I can!”

Were you born with the knowledge of how to drive? Shoot a gun? Throw a baseball?

Of course not!

You had to learn to do those things.

How will you develop into a mature Christian from a “babe in Christ?” Through learning and practice.

Illustration: young children always want to know “why.” They are not afraid to try new things, even if they get it wrong. Parents don’t criticize their children for making mistakes. They encourage them as they get better and try more often.

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