Acceptable Worship - Part 2

ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP - Part 2

INTRODUCTION

A. We discovered in lesson one that—

1. There are two ideas behind worship: to pay homage and serve.

2. There are three levels of worship: emotional, moral, and ceremonial.

B. There was a woman who did all three (John 4:20).

1. The woman believed that God is and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him,

and she looked for the Messiah (John 4:25).

2. She worshiped God unacceptably (John 4:20, 22)

C. But hear Jesus again (John 4:23-24).

I. WORSHIPPING GOD IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH

A. To worship in spirit and truth means that worship must be:

1. Internally congruent (Matt 15:8; Rom 2:28-29).

2. Covenantally consistent (Matt 15:9).

B. Under the Old Covenant, it was Jerusalem, the temple, the priesthood, and the rituals (Heb 9:1- 12).

C. Under the new covenant, it is Jesus, the living temple, the royal priesthood, spiritual sacrifices (1 Pet 2:4-5).

II. THERE ARE FIVE ITEMS SET FORTH IN THE SCRIPTURES AS BEING SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

A. Proclaiming his praises (1 Pet 2:9-10; Eph 1:3-6; Rev 5:8-10).

B. Offering the fruit of our lips (Eph 5:18-21; Heb 13:15).

C. Offerings of love in support of the gospel and those in need (Heb 13:16; Phil 4:18; 2 Cor 9:12- 15).

D. Offering our bodies in service (Rom 12:1-8; 6:12-14).

E. Commemorating Jesus’ supreme sacrifice (1 Cor 10:16-22).

III. TWO FUNDAMENTAL ERRORS

A. A missapplication of the truth that the essence of true worship is not found in a particular place and precise ritual has lead to two fundamental errors.

A. There are no scriptural patterns of worship, but one is guided by that which is meaningful in ones own culture or experience—this is leading to the eclectic church today.

B. An emotional detachment from other worshipers, which results in a detachment from the assembly, as manifested in two things:

1. Declining attendance (Heb 10:24-25).

2. Disdain for the conscience of other worshipers (1 Cor 9:19-23; 8:4-13).

C. We need to give our worship a twofold test:

1. Does it give preeminence to God through Christ, or to ourselves—our emotions, moods, and our preferences? (1 Cor 14:24-25).

2. Does it give prominence to the body, with Christ as the head, or to individuality (1 Cor 14:26-40; 1 Pet 2:9-10).

D. Christ is the center of worship, but he binds the worshipers together as a hub holds the spokes

(Rom 14:14-23; 1 Cor 14:12-29).

CONCLUSION

A. The church on earth should be a reflection of the church in heaven (Rev 7:9-17).

B. Have you washed your robes in the blood of the Lamb?