Even Work Can be Worship!

Bible Introduction (2m)

Worship is important

The world can be saved by one thing and that is worship. For to worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God. (William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury)

Worship Creator. Give him praise he’s due. No surprise J has something to say. But shocking!

Introduction (5m)

Do you sense a special atmosphere in this building?

Some people. Hednesford P&Ts. Cathedral. Church - esp. on holiday. Sense God is here. Atmosphere of worship.

But what about at work? In the gym? At school? In the supermarket? At home?

John 4:19–20 NLT

“Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet. So tell me, why is it that you Jews insist that Jerusalem is the only place of worship, while we Samaritans claim it is here at Mount Gerizim, where our ancestors worshiped?”

Can G only be worshipped in one place? Which is right place?

Samaritans had adjusted history to suit themselves. Taught Mount Gerizim was where Abraham sacrificed Isaac; Melchizedek had appeared to Abraham; Moses first erected altar and made sacrifice to G when entering Promised Land. Tampered with text/history to glorify Mount Gerizim over Jerusalem.

Jesus’ answer makes perfect sense to us

John 4:21 NLT

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.

Of course! That’s what we believe. But do we live it out?

God is present at our workplace, school, supermarket, home just as much as in this building. He can be worshipped in those places too. That’s why worship continued when our buildings closed for COVID.

Explanation (5m)

It’s important to get our thinking about worship right - and that includes our thoughts on where it should take place

Philippians 3:3 NLT

For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort,

Paul - one of three distinctives of true Christian belief

Rely on what JC has done for us, put no confidence in human effort and worship by the Spirit of God.

Pastor R. Kent Hughes - only three “musts” in John’s gospel

John 3:7 NLT

So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’

John 3:14 NLT

And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,

John 4:24 NLT

For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

Worship is the most important thing a human can do

Christian worship is the most momentous, most urgent, most glorious action that can take place in human life” (Karl Barth, theologian)

That’s why J cuts through all the irrelevant stuff woman introduces to conversation and answers her question

John 4:21 NLT

Jesus replied, “Believe me, dear woman, the time is coming when it will no longer matter whether you worship the Father on this mountain or in Jerusalem.

Jesus explains God is Spirit - so he pursues/connects with us anywhere

John 4:23–24 NLT

But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

If God is spirit then he is not confined to one location, or to be found in things like a building. Cannot confine G to Jerusalem or Mount Gerizim or anywhere else.

Worship begins with the Father

And he pursues us. God is spirit and he is looking everywhere for worshippers. Does not wait around hoping we’ll notice/show interest in him. We worship God only with assistance of HS.

His Spirit connects with our spirit and vice versa

We worship not just with our mouths by in the human spirit - in the very depths of our being. Authentic worship happens anywhere when the very core of our being is engaged in worshipping God.

Application (5m)

But sometimes we undertake activities without worshipping

Sometimes sing, pray, give but do not worship. We have not worshipped God from core of our very being. Sometimes work, play, rest, socialise, entertain ourselves but do not worship. We have not connected with G at deepest level during that activity.

But our everyday activities can be worship

Whatever our job - teacher, manager, consultant, engineer, nurse, driver - can be a sacred job where we worship the Lord - don’t all have to be officers!

Can worship God by treating coworkers with respect; baking a cake for someone need cheering up; listening to someone’s troubles; smiling; holding the door open; sending an encouraging/supportive message, etc.

At the end of our series, we realise again that if worship can be done anywhere and in many different ways then God’s rhythm of work, rest and worship is possible

Whatever we are doing this week, let’s do it with a grateful heart, focused on God, adoring and glorifying him, worshipping him in all we do and wherever we are.

Next Steps

SB 571 - As the deer pants for the water

As the deer pants for the water So my soul longs after you. You alone are my heart?s desire And I long to worship you. You alone are my strength, my shield, To you alone may my spirit yield. You alone are my heart?s desire And I long to worship you. 2 I want you more than gold or silver, Only you can satisfy. You alone are the real joy-giver And the apple of my eye. 3 You?re my friend and you are my brother, Even though you are a king. I love you more than any other, So much more than anything. Martin Nystrom © Copyright 1983 Restoration Music Ltd. Used by permission ? [e-mail]  Used By Permission. CCL Licence No. 30158 Copied from The Song Book of The Salvation Army Song Number 571