Learning How to Worship God

Introduction

Two Imperatives

As Christians, we are commanded to worship God. This means that we should: make a joyful noise to him (v. 1), serve him with gladness (v. 2), come into his presence with singing, enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise (v. 4), and give thanks to him and bless his name.

make a joyful noise to him (v. 1), serve him with gladness (v. 2), come into his presence with singing, enter into his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise (v. 4), and give thanks to him and bless his name.

However, sometimes we don’t feel such emotions as these, and yet God is only pleased by worship that is truly felt and meant.

How, then, are we to praise the Lord, perhaps even when we don’t feel like it?

Proposition: Worshipful affections can only be developed by teaching ourselves the reasons why God is worthy of our worship.

Transition: What are those reasons? The psalmist gives us six.

Six Reasons to Praise the Lord

d

He is God (v. 3)

Know

He made us

He owns us

We are his people

We are the sheep of his pasture

He is good (v. 5)

His steadfast love endures forever

His faithfulness endures to all generations

Conclusion

In order to properly worship God the way that he commands us --- that is, to serve him, to rejoice in him, to praise him, and bless his name --- we must remind ourselves continually of these truths about God. Only then can we truly worship God in a way that is legitimate and acceptable to him.

Make a joyful noise (v. 1)

Serve him with gladness (v. 2)

Come into his presence with singing

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise (v. 4)

Give thanks to him; bless his name