Spirit-Led Worship

Spirit-Led Worship 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 November 22, 2020 The Big Idea: Every human being is a worshiper. We either worship the Creator or created things (Romans 1:25). Even within the Church, as we worship Christ, we will either be led by the Holy Spirit or we will be apathetic toward the Spirit. Paul declares that Spirit-led worship has four distinctives. 1 Thessalonians 5 (ESV) Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. • Simply because someone says, “The Lord told me” doesn’t not mean they are to be believed! See 1 Corinthians 14:29. • There are 2 major positions concerning prophecy today: o Cessation: the belief that prophecy was a necessary part of how God spoke to people until the Bible was complete. o Continuation: the belief that one can still be moved by the Holy Spirit to speak a clear and powerful word from the Lord. This belief connects “prophecies” with the spiritual gift of prophecy and would be an expression of preaching or teaching. “despise” – to act as if it means nothing or is worthless 19 IN A SPIRIT-LED CHURCH, WORSHIP … ü Welcomes and follows the leading of the Holy Spirit (v. 19) What Does the Holy Spirit Do in the Lives of Christians & the Church? • He works in our lives as He reveals truth, convicts us of sin, and convinces us of who Jesus is (Luke 24:32) • He convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John16:8) • The Spirit guides us into truth (John 16:13) • He energizes His followers to boldly proclaim the Gospel with passion and power (Acts 4:31) • He leads us into righteousness, peace, & joy (Romans 14:17) ü Values a clear declaration of God’s Word (v. 20) “prophecies” – declarations that are presented as words from God Himself. • In the Old Testament … • In the New Testament … • Not every word that an Apostle spoke was inspired (note the correction of Peter’s teachings at the Jerusalem Council). ü Carefully examines teaching to assure if it is from God’s Word (v. 21) “test” à word used for assessing whether a coin was genuine or a counterfeit. The Scripture Test: Acts 17:11 – Does the prophecy align with Scripture (God’s Word)? The Jesus Test: 1 John 4:1-3 – Does the prophecy affirm the divinity of Christ -- His being coequal with the Father & Spirit? Does it point people to Jesus? The Encouragement Test: 1 Corinthians 14:3 – Does the prophecy build up and encourage believers and the Church? ü Leads people to love good and stay away from evil If we receive counsel that is good and is in line with Scripture, we should “hold fast” to it. If the counsel is harmful and not in line with Scripture, we should reject it. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25 (ESV)