C] DEVOTION— WORSHIP 3
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C] DEVOTION— WORSHIP
C] DEVOTION— WORSHIP
_Affection_
_Affection_
1Ch 29:3; Ro 1:31; 2Co 7:15; Col 3:2,5; 2Ti 3:3
1Ch 29:3; Ro 1:31; 2Co 7:15; Col 3:2,5; 2Ti 3:3
1 Chronicles 29:3 (KJV 1900)
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
Colossians 3:2 (KJV 1900)
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
What Is the Difference between Affections and Emotions?
As Gerald McDermott explains, Jonathan Edwards saw affections as “strong inclinations of the soul that are manifested in thinking, feeling and acting” (Seeing God: Jonathan Edwards and Spiritual Discernment, p. 31).
What Is the Difference between Affections and Emotions?
As Gerald McDermott explains, Jonathan Edwards saw affections as “strong inclinations of the soul that are manifested in thinking, feeling and acting” (Seeing God: Jonathan Edwards and Spiritual Discernment, p. 31).
A common confusion is to equate “affections” with “emotions.”
A common confusion is to equate “affections” with “emotions.”
But there are several differences, as summarized in this chart from McDermott (p. 40):
But there are several differences, as summarized in this chart from McDermott (p. 40):
_Affections_
_Affections_
Long-lasting
Long-lasting
Deep
Deep
Consistent with beliefs
Consistent with beliefs
Always result in action
Always result in action
Involve mind, will, feelings
Involve mind, will, feelings
_Emotions_
_Emotions_
Fleeting
Fleeting
Sometimes overpowering
Sometimes overpowering
Often Fail to produce action
Often Fail to produce action
Feelings (often) disconnected from the mind and will
Feelings (often) disconnected from the mind and will
He explains why affections are different than emotions:
He explains why affections are different than emotions:
Emotions (feelings) are often involved in affections, but the affections are not defined by emotional feeling.
Emotions (feelings) are often involved in affections, but the affections are not defined by emotional feeling.
Some emotions are disconnected from our strongest inclinations.
Some emotions are disconnected from our strongest inclinations.
For instance, a student who goes off to college for the first time may feel doubtful and fearful.
For instance, a student who goes off to college for the first time may feel doubtful and fearful.
She will probably miss her friends and family at home.
She will probably miss her friends and family at home.
A part of her may even try to convince her to go back home.
A part of her may even try to convince her to go back home.
But she will discount these fleeting emotions as simply that—feelings that are not produced by her basic conviction that now it is time to start a new chapter in life.
But she will discount these fleeting emotions as simply that—feelings that are not produced by her basic conviction that now it is time to start a new chapter in life.
The affections are something like that girl’s basic conviction that she should go to college, despite fleeting emotions that would keep her at home.
The affections are something like that girl’s basic conviction that she should go to college, despite fleeting emotions that would keep her at home.
They are strong inclination that may at times conflict with more fleeting and superficial emotions. (pp. 32-33)
They are strong inclination that may at times conflict with more fleeting and superficial emotions. (pp. 32-33)
Here is how Sam Storms explains the difference in Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’ “Religious Affections:
Here is how Sam Storms explains the difference in Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards’ “Religious Affections:
Certainly there is what may rightly be called an emotional dimension to affections.
Certainly there is what may rightly be called an emotional dimension to affections.
Affections, after all, are sensible and intense longings or aversions of the will.
Affections, after all, are sensible and intense longings or aversions of the will.
Perhaps it would be best to say that whereas affections are not less than emotions, they are surely more.
Perhaps it would be best to say that whereas affections are not less than emotions, they are surely more.
Emotions can often be no more than physiologically heightened states of either euphoria or fear that are unrelated to what the mind perceives as true.
Emotions can often be no more than physiologically heightened states of either euphoria or fear that are unrelated to what the mind perceives as true.
Affections, on the other hand, are always the fruit or effect of what the mind understands and knows.
Affections, on the other hand, are always the fruit or effect of what the mind understands and knows.
The will or inclination is moved either toward or away from something that is perceived by the mind.
The will or inclination is moved either toward or away from something that is perceived by the mind.
An emotion or mere feeling, on the other hand, can rise or fall independently of and unrelated to anything in the mind.
An emotion or mere feeling, on the other hand, can rise or fall independently of and unrelated to anything in the mind.
One can experience an emotion or feeling without it properly being an affection, but one can rarely if ever experience an affection without it being emotional and involving intense feelings that awaken and move and stir the body. (p. 45)
One can experience an emotion or feeling without it properly being an affection, but one can rarely if ever experience an affection without it being emotional and involving intense feelings that awaken and move and stir the body. (p. 45)
Set your _affections_
Set your _affections_
Strong's Greek Dictionary
5426. φρονέω _phroneo_ (phronéō)
Search for G5426 in KJVSL; in KJV; load in ESI.
Strong's Greek Dictionary
5426. φρονέω _phroneo_ (phronéō)
Search for G5426 in KJVSL; in KJV; load in ESI.
φρονέω phronéō, fron-eh'-o
φρονέω phronéō, fron-eh'-o
from G5424; to _exercise the mind_, i.e.
from G5424; to _exercise the mind_, i.e.
entertain or have a sentiment or opinion;
entertain or have a sentiment or opinion;
by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction);
by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction);
intensively, _to interest oneself in_ (with concern or obedience)
intensively, _to interest oneself in_ (with concern or obedience)
:—set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.
:—set the affection on, (be) care(-ful), (be like-, + be of one, + be of the same, + let this) mind(-ed), regard, savour, think.
There are _Affections_ that face the Christian. According to this verse In Col 3:2
There are _Affections_ that face the Christian. According to this verse In Col 3:2
Colossians 3:2 (KJV 1900)
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
1; THINGS _ABOVE_.
1; THINGS _ABOVE_.
2; THINGS _ON EARTH_.
2; THINGS _ON EARTH_.
_Heavenly things_ the true object of Christian contemplation.
_Heavenly things_ the true object of Christian contemplation.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
We must not only seek things above, but think them.
We must not only seek things above, but think them.
I THE _OBJECT_ OF CHRISTIAN Affection CONTEMPLATION.
I THE _OBJECT_ OF CHRISTIAN Affection CONTEMPLATION.
1. Not_things upon the earth_, because
1. Not_things upon the earth_, because
1. they are _below_ us; [Php 3:8,19]
1. they are _below_ us; [Php 3:8,19]
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)
2. _unsatisfying_ [Lu 8:18; Pr 23:5; Ho 13:13; Ps 78:39]
2. _unsatisfying_ [Lu 8:18; Pr 23:5; Ho 13:13; Ps 78:39]
18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
13 The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: He is an unwise son; For he should not stay long in the place of the breaking forth of children.
39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
3. full of _anxieties_ [Mt 13:22; Job 38:22]
3. full of _anxieties_ [Mt 13:22; Job 38:22]
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
22 Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? Or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail,
4. _unnecessary_ to our happiness; [Job 28:14]
4. _unnecessary_ to our happiness; [Job 28:14]
14 The depth saith, It is not in me: And the sea saith, It is not with me.
5. transient and _uncertain_ [Pr 23:5; Lu 12:19-20]
5. transient and _uncertain_ [Pr 23:5; Lu 12:19-20]
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
2. "Things there are _above_." (See hints on previous verse.) We ought to set our mind upon them, because
2. "Things there are _above_." (See hints on previous verse.) We ought to set our mind upon them, because
1. they are _satisfying_;
1. they are _satisfying_;
2. _suitable_;
2. _suitable_;
3. because our _treasure_ is there—
3. because our _treasure_ is there—
of _riches_, [Mt 6:19-21]
of _riches_, [Mt 6:19-21]
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
of _honours_, [1Sa 2:30]
of _honours_, [1Sa 2:30]
30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
of _pleasures_. [Ps 16:11]
of _pleasures_. [Ps 16:11]
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
II THE _DUTY OF SETTING_ THE MIND UPON RIGHT OBJECTS OF THOUGHT AND AFFECTION.
II THE _DUTY OF SETTING_ THE MIND UPON RIGHT OBJECTS OF THOUGHT AND AFFECTION.
This is the secret of heavenly mindedness.
This is the secret of heavenly mindedness.
"Tell me what a man thinks, and I will tell you what he is."
"Tell me what a man thinks, and I will tell you what he is."
A. It is _our duty not_ to set our mind on things on the earth, because
A. It is _our duty not_ to set our mind on things on the earth, because
1. God may give them to you as your _entire portion_; [Ps 17:14]
1. God may give them to you as your _entire portion_; [Ps 17:14]
14 From men which are thy hand, O Lord, From men of the world, which have their portion in this life, And whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: They are full of children, And leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
2. you may_provoke_ him to take them away; [Ps 78:5-7]
2. you may_provoke_ him to take them away; [Ps 78:5-7]
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which he commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; Who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep his commandments:
3. they will _turn away_ your thoughts from heaven; [Ps 10:3-4]
3. they will _turn away_ your thoughts from heaven; [Ps 10:3-4]
3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart’s desire, And blesseth the covetous, whom the Lord abhorreth.
4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
4. they will _distract_ you in Your duty; [Eze 33:31]
4. they will _distract_ you in Your duty; [Eze 33:31]
31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
5. they _involve_ the guilt of idolatry (ver. 5).
5. they _involve_ the guilt of idolatry (ver. 5).
B. It is our duty to set our mind on _things above_, because
B. It is our duty to set our mind on _things above_, because
(1) there is _nothing else_ worth our serious thought; [1Jo 2:15]
(1) there is _nothing else_ worth our serious thought; [1Jo 2:15]
1 John 2:15 (KJV 1900)
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
(2) they will _keep you_ from over anxiety about the affairs of this life; [Php 4:11-12]
(2) they will _keep you_ from over anxiety about the affairs of this life; [Php 4:11-12]
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
(3) the thought of them will _increase your fitness_ for duty; [Ac 20:24]
(3) the thought of them will _increase your fitness_ for duty; [Ac 20:24]
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
(4) they will make the thought of death _more pleasant_ in anticipation. [Php 1:23]
(4) they will make the thought of death _more pleasant_ in anticipation. [Php 1:23]
23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
III THE _REASON_ FOR OUR SELECTING SUCH OBJECTS OF BELIEVING AFFECTION our CONTEMPLATION.
III THE _REASON_ FOR OUR SELECTING SUCH OBJECTS OF BELIEVING AFFECTION our CONTEMPLATION.
"For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
"For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God."
The thought is _twofold—_
The thought is _twofold—_
it refers to a _past act_ and
it refers to a _past act_ and
to a _continuous state._
to a _continuous state._
A. Our _death_ in Christ. This involves
A. Our _death_ in Christ. This involves
1. our death to _sin_ [Ro 6:2] and
1. our death to _sin_ [Ro 6:2] and
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
2. our death to the _world._
2. our death to the _world._
[Ga 6:14] We are, therefore, cut loose from "things on the earth."
[Ga 6:14] We are, therefore, cut loose from "things on the earth."
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
3. Our _hidden life_ in God. "Your life is hid with Christ in God."
3. Our _hidden life_ in God. "Your life is hid with Christ in God."
(1) Christian life is a _hidden_ life,
(1) Christian life is a _hidden_ life,
(a) in its _origin_; [Joh 3:8]
(a) in its _origin_; [Joh 3:8]
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(b) it is _hid_, as an _experience_, from the _world_;
(b) it is _hid_, as an _experience_, from the _world_;
(c) it is hid from the _believer_ himself in times of _spiritual desertion;_
(c) it is hid from the _believer_ himself in times of _spiritual desertion;_
(d) the _full glory_ of this life is hidden even from the believer. [1Jo 3:1]
(d) the _full glory_ of this life is hidden even from the believer. [1Jo 3:1]
1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
(2) Christian life has its hidden source and abiding strength "with _Christ in God_."
(2) Christian life has its hidden source and abiding strength "with _Christ in God_."
Christ is now _hid_ in heaven and our life is _hid_ with him.
Christ is now _hid_ in heaven and our life is _hid_ with him.
(a) It is hid with him as our _Representative_; this marks its _security_; this is the _sheet anchor_ of our spiritual existence.
(a) It is hid with him as our _Representative_; this marks its _security_; this is the _sheet anchor_ of our spiritual existence.
(b) It is hid with him as its _constant source_; "For he is our Life," in whom we realize a growth in all the graces of the Spirit; [Ga 5:22] "Because I live, ye shall live also; I am come that ye may have life.., more abundantly."
(b) It is hid with him as its _constant source_; "For he is our Life," in whom we realize a growth in all the graces of the Spirit; [Ga 5:22] "Because I live, ye shall live also; I am come that ye may have life.., more abundantly."
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(3) God is himself the "_sphere or element_ in which our life is hid. It is "with Christ in God."
(3) God is himself the "_sphere or element_ in which our life is hid. It is "with Christ in God."
The Son is "in the bosom of the Father," and thus we have fellowship with both the Father and the Son.
The Son is "in the bosom of the Father," and thus we have fellowship with both the Father and the Son.
[1Jo 1:3] Thus the believer is _doubly secure_. He is not only hidden in God's _home_; he is hidden in God's _heart_.
[1Jo 1:3] Thus the believer is _doubly secure_. He is not only hidden in God's _home_; he is hidden in God's _heart_.
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Therefore we can understand the importance of the phrase, "And ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's".—T.C. [1Co 3:23]
Therefore we can understand the importance of the phrase, "And ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's".—T.C. [1Co 3:23]
23 And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.
OUR AFFECTION Will _Reveal_ our _condition_ of Worship
OUR AFFECTION Will _Reveal_ our _condition_ of Worship
So Lets look at
So Lets look at
_7 Aspects_ of a Biblical Worship Experience
_7 Aspects_ of a Biblical Worship Experience
What _comes to your mind_ when you hear the word, “worship?”
What _comes to your mind_ when you hear the word, “worship?”
Is it worship leaders and _praise bands?_
Is it worship leaders and _praise bands?_
_Concerts_?
_Concerts_?
_Voices joined together_ in song on a Sunday morning?
_Voices joined together_ in song on a Sunday morning?
The _lifting_ of hands?
The _lifting_ of hands?
Maybe in the time of COVID-19, it's joining together over a YouTube livestream?
Maybe in the time of COVID-19, it's joining together over a YouTube livestream?
Or, virtual small group prayer meetings?
Or, virtual small group prayer meetings?
Perhaps, instead, your _first thought was one of many believers gathered, or of yourself sitting quietly_ alone with your Bible.
Perhaps, instead, your _first thought was one of many believers gathered, or of yourself sitting quietly_ alone with your Bible.
It seems the _word worship_ is _one of_ those words.
It seems the _word worship_ is _one of_ those words.
You know—the words we throw around in church circles as if we know exactly what they mean, but when asked to define them, we find ourselves at a loss for words.
You know—the words we throw around in church circles as if we know exactly what they mean, but when asked to define them, we find ourselves at a loss for words.
Let’s go straight to the _Bible_ to discover more about the meaning of our word.
Let’s go straight to the _Bible_ to discover more about the meaning of our word.
Consider the following _seven aspects_ of a biblical worship experience:
1. Worship Is _Directed to God_
Ultimately, biblical worship is for God.
Consider the following _seven aspects_ of a biblical worship experience:
1. Worship Is _Directed to God_
Ultimately, biblical worship is for God.
When alone in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, Jesus responded, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him _only_’” (Luke 4:8).
When alone in the wilderness being tempted by the devil, Jesus responded, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him _only_’” (Luke 4:8).
8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Additionally, in Revelation chapter four, we read that God alone is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power.”
Additionally, in Revelation chapter four, we read that God alone is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power.”
Our worship, whatever form it takes, is to be directed to the throne of God.
We would do well to regularly evaluate our expressions of worship in light of this by asking if our acts of worship “ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name” (Ps 96:8).
Our worship, whatever form it takes, is to be directed to the throne of God.
We would do well to regularly evaluate our expressions of worship in light of this by asking if our acts of worship “ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name” (Ps 96:8).
8 Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come into his courts.
2. Worship Is _Focused on God_
2. Worship Is _Focused on God_
Worship that is biblical is focused on truly knowing God (John17:3 ).
Worship that is biblical is focused on truly knowing God (John17:3 ).
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Keep in mind that knowing information about God is not the same as knowing him through that information (John 5:39-40).
Keep in mind that knowing information about God is not the same as knowing him through that information (John 5:39-40).
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
Our worship, in other words, must be directed toward him because of who he is and not just because of what he does for us.
Our worship, in other words, must be directed toward him because of who he is and not just because of what he does for us.
The focus is his worthiness, not his wealthiness.
The focus is his worthiness, not his wealthiness.
Some of the best ways to know God and his worthiness are to spend time studying his names, his attributes, and his deeds.
Some of the best ways to know God and his worthiness are to spend time studying his names, his attributes, and his deeds.
Each name, each attribute, each deed reveals his character and his worth.
Each name, each attribute, each deed reveals his character and his worth.
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Ps 105:1
3. Worship Is _Focused on the Gospel_
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. – Ps 105:1
3. Worship Is _Focused on the Gospel_
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: Make known his deeds among the people.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance ( 1 Corinthians 15:3 ).
The gospel of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance ( 1 Corinthians 15:3 ).
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
His life, death, and resurrection—for us.
His life, death, and resurrection—for us.
Biblical worship has the gospel at its center.
Biblical worship has the gospel at its center.
It is a response to Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice on the cross and celebrates Him as our Redeemer.
– 1 Peter 2:24-25
It is a response to Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice on the cross and celebrates Him as our Redeemer.
– 1 Peter 2:24-25
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
4. We Are to _Worship in Spirit and in Truth_
Biblical worship is done in spirit and in truth, but what does that mean?
4. We Are to _Worship in Spirit and in Truth_
Biblical worship is done in spirit and in truth, but what does that mean?
First, worshiping in truth _requires that we engage our mind and intellect._
First, worshiping in truth _requires that we engage our mind and intellect._
God calls us to not only love him but to love the truth about him (2 Thess 2:10 ), and this requires the use of our mind and intellect.
God calls us to not only love him but to love the truth about him (2 Thess 2:10 ), and this requires the use of our mind and intellect.
10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
This aspect of our worship goes hand in hand with Bible study, and helps us have a correct mental grasp of God’s truth (Col 3:16 ).
This aspect of our worship goes hand in hand with Bible study, and helps us have a correct mental grasp of God’s truth (Col 3:16 ).
Worshiping in truth helps us avoid that which is unbiblical.
Worshiping in truth helps us avoid that which is unbiblical.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Secondly, worshiping in the spirit requires that we engage our affections and emotions.
Secondly, worshiping in the spirit requires that we engage our affections and emotions.
Scripture says we are to pour out our souls to God (Ps 42:4).
Scripture says we are to pour out our souls to God (Ps 42:4).
4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: For I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, With the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
This aspect of our worship involves our heart and depends on a correct heart grasp of God’s value (Matt 15:8-9 ).
This aspect of our worship involves our heart and depends on a correct heart grasp of God’s value (Matt 15:8-9 ).
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
It’s part of focusing our worship on God and his worthiness.
It’s part of focusing our worship on God and his worthiness.
To worship in spirit and in truth is a matter of the heart and the mind.
To worship in spirit and in truth is a matter of the heart and the mind.
It is worship based on a right understanding of who God is and a right valuing of his worth.
It is worship based on a right understanding of who God is and a right valuing of his worth.
–John4:23-24
5. Worship Is A _Response to God’s Worth_
–John4:23-24
5. Worship Is A _Response to God’s Worth_
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.
We have already seen that biblical worship must be focused on knowing God.
We have already seen that biblical worship must be focused on knowing God.
As well, it must be a heart response to that knowledge (Matthew 15:8).
As well, it must be a heart response to that knowledge (Matthew 15:8).
8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Worship that is biblical flows from a posture of response—a response to our right understanding of who God is and our right valuing of his worth.
Worship that is biblical flows from a posture of response—a response to our right understanding of who God is and our right valuing of his worth.
Our inner responses of treasuring, delighting in, reverencing, and being satisfied with God ultimately reflect his infinite worth and are a crucial aspect of biblical worship.
Our inner responses of treasuring, delighting in, reverencing, and being satisfied with God ultimately reflect his infinite worth and are a crucial aspect of biblical worship.
There is no one like God (Isaiah 46:9 ).
There is no one like God (Isaiah 46:9 ).
9 Remember the former things of old: For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
His worth is beyond compare.
His worth is beyond compare.
6. Worship Is a Response _Involving Our Entire Being_
6. Worship Is a Response _Involving Our Entire Being_
The Word of God tells us that we are integrated beings—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and it exhorts us to worship him as such.
The Word of God tells us that we are integrated beings—heart, soul, mind, and strength—and it exhorts us to worship him as such.
. – Mark 12:30
! – Psalm 146:1
. – Mark 12:30
! – Psalm 146:1
30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul.
– Psalm108:1
– Psalm108:1
1 O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, Even with my glory.
Created as integrated beings with a desire to worship woven into all of that being, we were designed to engage in worship with all that we are.
Created as integrated beings with a desire to worship woven into all of that being, we were designed to engage in worship with all that we are.
Biblical worship engages us in many dimensions. It is our heart, our soul, our mind, and our body—united in the process of offering up worship to God.
Biblical worship engages us in many dimensions. It is our heart, our soul, our mind, and our body—united in the process of offering up worship to God.
Yes, worship is the singing of a song to the Lord with our mouth.
Yes, worship is the singing of a song to the Lord with our mouth.
It is also the streaming of tears down our face as the words of the song evoke in our heart the absolute goodness of our God.
It is also the streaming of tears down our face as the words of the song evoke in our heart the absolute goodness of our God.
Worship is also a silent “thank you” whispered in the depths of our soul, as well as the bending of our knees or a dance of joy.
Worship is also a silent “thank you” whispered in the depths of our soul, as well as the bending of our knees or a dance of joy.
Of course, some responses will come much more naturally than others to each of us.
Of course, some responses will come much more naturally than others to each of us.
It may be, for example, that you find most of your worship is a response of the heart.
It may be, for example, that you find most of your worship is a response of the heart.
In that case, you must learn to be intentional about discovering ways to also respond to God’s greatness with your body which can be used to communicate a variety of emotions both exuberant and subdued.
In that case, you must learn to be intentional about discovering ways to also respond to God’s greatness with your body which can be used to communicate a variety of emotions both exuberant and subdued.
Whether our response is of the heart, soul, mind, or body (or any combination), it should always bring him glory and draw our own attention to the reality, greatness, and goodness of God.
7. Worship _Permeates_ All Areas of Life
Whether our response is of the heart, soul, mind, or body (or any combination), it should always bring him glory and draw our own attention to the reality, greatness, and goodness of God.
7. Worship _Permeates_ All Areas of Life
– Rom 12:1
– Rom 12:1
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
According to this verse, our everyday life—when lived in a demonstration of acts of love for others and in reliance upon God—displays his worth and make us worshipers.
According to this verse, our everyday life—when lived in a demonstration of acts of love for others and in reliance upon God—displays his worth and make us worshipers.
In other words, Romans 12:1 calls us all of to a life of worship.
In other words, Romans 12:1 calls us all of to a life of worship.
Absolutely, worship can be offered to God through music as believers lift their voices on a Sunday, or any, morning.
Absolutely, worship can be offered to God through music as believers lift their voices on a Sunday, or any, morning.
But it is essential that we understand that biblical worship is not just about singing nor is it something exclusive to the church building.
But it is essential that we understand that biblical worship is not just about singing nor is it something exclusive to the church building.
Worship is acts of the mouth. Singing, praying, praising, repenting...whether in Sunday morning on-site or streaming worship service, weekly small group (in-person or online), or simply sitting alone in worship.
Worship is acts of the mouth. Singing, praying, praising, repenting...whether in Sunday morning on-site or streaming worship service, weekly small group (in-person or online), or simply sitting alone in worship.
It’s also acts of love involving the hands and feet.
It’s also acts of love involving the hands and feet.
Worship is driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment, taking a meal to a neighbor, or extending grace to a child.
Worship is driving a friend to a doctor’s appointment, taking a meal to a neighbor, or extending grace to a child.
Whatever form it takes, worship is the act of putting his supreme worth on display.
Whatever form it takes, worship is the act of putting his supreme worth on display.
In truth, biblical worship is not an occasional song or act of praise.
In truth, biblical worship is not an occasional song or act of praise.
Neither is it a weekly event we attend on Sunday morning. It is, rather, a lifestyle.
Neither is it a weekly event we attend on Sunday morning. It is, rather, a lifestyle.
Our life is our worship.
As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to offer our entire being, our entire life as worship to God.
Our life is our worship.
As believers in Christ Jesus, we are called to offer our entire being, our entire life as worship to God.
Biblical worship is the praising of God’s greatness, goodness, and beauty.
Biblical worship is the praising of God’s greatness, goodness, and beauty.
It’s adoring, honoring, revering, and loving him extravagantly—anytime, anywhere, and in a multitude of ways—because he alone is worthy.
It’s adoring, honoring, revering, and loving him extravagantly—anytime, anywhere, and in a multitude of ways—because he alone is worthy.
To worship biblically our worship must be directed toward and focused on God, focused on the Gospel, done in spirit and in truth, and offered in response to God’s great worth and with our entire being.
To worship biblically our worship must be directed toward and focused on God, focused on the Gospel, done in spirit and in truth, and offered in response to God’s great worth and with our entire being.
Worship will be the way we live life, day in and day out.
Worship will be the way we live life, day in and day out.
“Worship is the believer’s _response of all that they are mind, emotions, will, body_ – to what God is and says and does.” – Warren Wiersbe
“Worship is the believer’s _response of all that they are mind, emotions, will, body_ – to what God is and says and does.” – Warren Wiersbe