Beyond The Sanctuary

Opening

So what are some things that you think of when you think of worship?

Singing on a Sunday morning?

Maybe saying some affirming words to the Lord when times are good or bad

Truthfully all of those answers are correct.

Worship is both more complicated, and simple than we truly make it.

Let’s take a look at our good friend Mr. Google's definition of worship

The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.

So I’m going to be talking about worship beyond the sanctuary.

And what I mean by that is the positional aspects of worship

We are going to look into 2 different schools of thought with worship

The position of our hearts with worship

And our position physically with worship

The Physical Position Of Our Worship

Let’s look at our physical worship through the lens of that definition.

I’ll use a relatable example. Food.

I love the line from Ratitoolie “I dont like food, I Love it”

Tell story about how I eat before I eat

We need to position ourselves for worship.. Physically there are different things we can do.

This is the easy section. This is really just clearing up our misconception of what worship is.

It is so much more than what we think it is.

It is more than just singing songs

It doesn't matter if we are jumping and whooping or if we are simply resting quietly in the presence of the Lord.

Our physical position in worship can look different depending on the season we are in.

Sometimes we are in a season of rejoicing and can't help but dance! Sometimes we are in a season where all we can do is weep.

Luke 19:37–40 NIV

When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!” “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Exodus 14:14 NIV

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Our physical self can look very different in regards to different worship.

So its okay if you aren't jumping around, you are still worshiping and visa versa

Where we worship and why we worship aren't necessarily the same thing.

The position Of Our Heart And Worship

Truly our worship comes from the posture of our heart.

Is it with a sense of self-inflation or God adoration?

Matthew 6:21 NIV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Our heart needs to be directed towards the Lord and not Earthly gratification or gain.

Physically you can be in a position that looks like worship, but if your heart's not in it, then you are putting on a show.

We see time and time again that God doesn't like showboaters.

Mark 12:41–44 NIV

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

1 Kings 18:36–38 NIV

At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

Worship is not for us. It may give us that sense of peace and other fruits of the Spirit that John was talking about, but it is for the Lord

The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.

Let’s put into practice what we have learned and take some time for heart worship.. No words, just worship

End with some Q&A if there is time