Topic: A RETURN TO TRUE WORSHIP:
Objective: “Understanding the meaning, function, purpose and responsibility of being a New Testament priest”
KEY SCRIPTURE; 1 PETER 2;1-10
The Ark of God's presence will return to our midst when we return to true worship. This is not worship by ritual or creed, but it is the type that occurred in the tabernacle of David and when the Ark was brought up to Jerusalem. It is a worship of singing, playing on instruments, shouting, dancing...a worship of great joy, gladness, excitement, and enthusiasm.
David's tabernacle will be restored when worship, as in the Ark in David's time, becomes the center of attention rather than our programs, rituals, and traditions.
We are all priests unto God and, as such, we need to fully realize the tremendous ministry we have as a praising priest. In these great days of Holy Spirit renewal the Lord is making real to us the meaning, function, purpose and responsibility of being a New Testament priest that offers up "spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5)
I. God Gave the Plan of the Priesthood to Moses
• The place where the plan of the priesthood was given was upon Mt. Sinai
".. and there Israel camped before the mount . . . and Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called to him out of the mountain . . ." (Exd 19:1-3)
• The conditions; if ye will obey my voice."..and keep my covenant." Vs 5
• The promise :". . . then ye shall be a peculiar (rare) treasure unto me . . . and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation . . ." (Exd 19:5, 6)
II. The Priesthood Was Meant for All the Children of Israel
• ". . .these are the words which thou shalt speak to the children of Israel . . . " (Exodus 19:6)
• "And all the people answered together and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do . . ." (Exodus 19:8)
III. The Children of Israel Broke the Covenant of the Priesthood
• The children of Israel disobeyed God's voice by making a graven image. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me . . . thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image . (Exodus 20:3, 4)
• The children of Israel broke God's covenant by worshipping the golden calf. ".
IV. The Priesthood Became Limited to the Tribe of Levi, Because of the Golden Calf Idolatry
Moses asked, "Who is on the Lord's side?" and the sons of Levi responded. (Exd 32:26)
• "Levi" means "joined"
• the Levites demonstrated their loyalty to the Lord by joining themselves to Moses
V. The Promises of the Priesthood is Now Fulfilled in the Church, the New Covenant Priesthood of Believers
• 1 Pet 2:5:"Ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an Holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices’
• 1 Pet 2:9: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood . . ."
• Rev 1:5, 6: ". . . and hath made us kings and priests unto God . . ."
• Rev 5:9, 10: "And hast made us unto our God kings and priests . . ."
VI. The Function of the Priesthood Was to Offer Sacrifices; its Purpose Was to Minister Unto the Lord by Means of Those Sacrifices
A. Under the Old Covenant, physical sacrifices were offered (animals, birds, meal, etc. ) Exd 28:3:
B. Under the New Covenant spiritual sacrifices were offered (praise and worship).
• 1 Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar (rare) people that should SHOW FORTH (demonstrate) the PRAISES of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.."
• Hebrews 13:15; "By (through) him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
THE HISTORY OF WORSHIP
PRE-CREATION WORSHIP:
See the record in Job 38:4-7.
PRE-FALL WORSHIP:
Adam and Eve worshiped God before they sinned. As soon as they ceased worshiping God they fell into sin. (Genesis 3:1-13)
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;Ish 14;12-16
OLD TESTAMENT WORSHIP:
• Cain and Abel:….. Genesis 4
• The patriarchs:….. Genesis-Deuteronomy
• The nation of Israel in the desert and Promised Land: Exodus through Ruth.
NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP:
Worship in the early church: They met in homes and on the Lord's Day: John
20:19,26; Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2
They actually had churches in homes although they continued to meet in the
synagogue and temple also: Philemon 2; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15
Elements of New Testament worship included:
• Preaching: Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 14:19
• Reading of Word: James 1:22; Colossians 4:16
• Prayer: I Corinthians 14:14-16
• Singing: Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16
• Baptism and the Lord's Supper: Acts 2:41; I Corinthians 11:18-34
• Almsgiving: I Corinthians 16:12
• Moving of gifts of Spirit: I Corinthians 12
WORSHIP IN THE PRESENT:
Your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit of God:
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (I Cor 3:16)
FUTURE WORSHIP:
The future patterns of worship are revealed in book of Revelation in the following passages: Revelation 4:10-11; 5:14; 11:15-17;14:6-7; 15:4; 19:4,10; 22:8-9
A RETURN TO TRUE WORSHIP:
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24)
DEFINITIONS
• Worship means to attribute worth to someone.
• It is an active response to God whereby we declare His worth, celebrate Him, and boast in His name.
• To worship means to do reverence, stand in awe of, show devotion, bow down.
• Worship is the acknowledgment of God, His nature, attributes, ways, and claims, whether by giving praise or doing a deed of acknowledgment by Christian service.
• "To serve" also means "to worship.”
• Worship is not mumbling prayers, or mouthing hymns with little thought and maybe less heart.
• In worship you express in some Scriptural manner what you feel in your heart. Worship is not a mood, it is a response.
• It is not just a feeling, but a declaration. It is not passive, but participative.
Here are some other words related to worship in Scripture:
• Glorify: To give honor to, rank, beauty.
• Honor: To exalt, show preference to.
• Magnify: To ascribe greatness, glorify.
Always remember that nothing can replace worship. You will be frustrated in natural relationships, your personal life, and your church until you become a true worshiper.True satisfaction does not even come through ministry. Remember what Jesus said to Martha who was busy doing things for the Lord. He said Mary had chosen the better ministry of sitting in His presence. It is better to worship than to work, to sit than to serve.
God is to be worshiped as both "Father" and "Spirit.” Spirit is nature. Father is relationship. The issue of worship is not where and when it is done as much as who and how.
Jesus dealt with reality in worship, not form of worship. Worship involves who we are as "true worshipers" and how we "truly worship.” No longer is worship limited to a specific place like a church building, although we should not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as a corporate body to worship (Hebrews 10:25a). If you are a true worshiper, you do not have to go looking for God...He is looking for you. God seeks those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. Read verses 28-42. Worship cannot be based on someone else's experience. The people of Samaria moved into worship because of truth (knowledge) and spirit (experience).
let us discuss in more detail the two requirements for worship: Spirit and truth.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH
In order for worship to be acceptable it must be done "in spirit and in truth.”
SPIRIT:
• Man is a triune being.
• He is composed of a body which is visible and an invisible soul and spirit.
• The soul is the "soulish" nature of man, the mind, will, and emotions.
• The spirit is the spiritual inner man.
Soul and spirit are closely related but are separate, for the Bible tells us the Word of God is sharp and can divide them.
Here are some other facts about your spirit:
• -God is the God of the spirits of all flesh: Numbers 27:16
• -"The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord”: Proverbs 20:27
• - And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:Epehsians 2;1
• -"Worshiping in spirit" means you worship from the inside out. Paul speaks of serving God "with my spirit": Romans 1:9
• -Isaiah speaks of seeking the Lord with "my spirit within me": Isaiah 26:9
• -David blesses the Lord with all that is within him: Psalms 103:1
• -You are to glorify God with your spirit: I Corinthians 6:20
• -When you pray in tongues, your spirit prays: I Corinthians 14:14-15
• worshiping in spirit involves the Holy Spirit also. As you worship, God's Spirit bears witness with your spirit (Romans 8:16).
• -"Spirit" means more than just inward worship. Since man is a triune being, when you worship with spirit you must also worship with the soul and body portions of your triune nature.
TRUTH: Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? John 18;38
The word "truth" means to uncover, open up, and not hide.
In order for something to be true, it must meet three criteria:
• It must be universal: It must apply to everyone. (whoseever)
• It must be uniform: It applies to everyone in the same way. The criteria is same for old, young, rich, poor, black, white, etc.(whoseever)
• It must be unending: This means it is eternally valid.
SPIRIT AND TRUTH TOGETHER:
• To worship in spirit is to allow the Holy Spirit to move upon your redeemed spirit, causing love, adoration, devotion, honor, and respect to ascend to God who is a spirit.
• To worship in truth is to worship according to the Word of God and to properly respond to the truth of God.
• Thus, "worship in spirit and in truth" involves the believer in honoring and adoring God by the quickening of the Holy Spirit according to the Word of God.
• The Holy Spirit and the Word of God are both needed in order for true worship to occur.
• If the Holy Spirit is not present, then worship is dead and lifeless.
• If there is no Word, then worship becomes mere emotionalism or ritual.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT MAKES OUR WORSHIP UNACEPTABLE TO GOD
SIN:
Sin of any kind interferes with worship:
• Psalms 66:18 Isaiah 59:2
GUILT:
Satan generalizes with guilt feelings. The Holy Spirit convicts of sin.
• 1 john 1;9 Hebrews 4;16
FEAR OF:
• opinion of others,
• releasing emotions,
• Ridicule, nick names etc.
PRIDE:……by comparison
• Proverbs 6;16-17…a proud look
• James 4;6…God resists the proud
A WRONG CONCEPT OF GOD:
Some people think God is fierce, cruel, and ready to strike them dead.
A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS:
In order to praise God, you must be willing to relinquish the spirit of heaviness. This includes
• attitudes of self-pity
• depression
• misery
• Negative thinking.
TRADITION:….(it’s not like this in our church)
• No guitars
• Hymn book only
INTERFERENCE BY THE SATANIC KINGDOM:
• Distractions,
• Unnecessary movements,
• Unnecessary conversations and interruptions
IDOLATRY:
Anything that has more of your time, attention, and affection than God does is an idol. Job speaks of materialism as an idol of "gold and silver" (Job 31:24-28).
CARES OF THE WORLD:
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. Mark 4;19
HUMAN WISDOM;…EDUCATION:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 1 cor 2;1
WHEN THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED:
You already studied about the glory of God and how it departed from Israel when the Ark was taken. When the glory of God was taken, God no longer participated in Israel's worship services. Read Isaiah 1:11-15. No one even missed God in their services.
WHEN TO WORSHIP
You should worship:
DAILY:
• Israel "praised the Lord day by day" (II Chronicles 30:21).
• The early church went from house to house praising God (Acts 2:46-47).
CONTINUALLY:
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalms 34:1)
By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name. (Hebrews 13:15)
IN TIMES OF TRIAL AND WARFARE:
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped job 1;20
IN TIMES OF DELAYED HARVEST
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. Habakuk 3;17-19
WHEN SOCIETY AND YOUR FAMILY HAS WRITED YOU OFF
But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, Mark 5;6
AFTER A CRISIS:
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. Math 14;33
AFTER A SPECIAL MANIFESTATION OF THE LORD:
• When God appeared to Abraham in Genesis 12.
• When God to Moses in Exodus 34.
ON RECEIPT OF THE PROMISES OF GOD:
When Abraham received a special promise from God in Genesis 13:14-18, he responded by worshiping.
UPON ANSWERED PRAYER:
When Eleazer had his prayers answered, he worshiped (Genesis 24).
WHEN GRANTED FAVOR BY MAN:
When Eleazer was granted favor by man in Genesis 24:52, he also worshiped God (Genesis 24:52).
IN EVERYTHING YOU DO:
You are to worship God constantly in everything you do. You do this when you do all forthe glory of God.
FOREVER:
I will praise thee forever. (Psalms 52:9)
WHERE TO WORSHIP
IN THE CONGREGATION (CHURCH):
I will give thee thanks in the great congregation; I will praise thee among much people. (Psalms 35:18)
Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. (Psa 149:1)
IN YOUR HOME:
Let the saints be joyful in the glory and beauty (which God confers upon them); let them sing for joy upon their beds. (Psalms 149:5 The Amplified Version)
BEFORE UNBELIEVERS:
And He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. (Psalms 40:3)
BEFORE THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD:
I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people; I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. (Psalms 108:3)
HOW SHOULD WE WORSHIP
Here are some Biblical ways to worship the Lord:
SERVING :…( the stewardship of talents)
• Praise and worship…main assignment
• Gifts and talents
Cursed be he that doeth the work of the LORD deceitfully..jer 48;10
GIVING :….( the stewardship of resources)
giving of material resources is an act of worship.
• David said he would not offer to God something which cost him nothing (I Samuel24:24).
• And they shall not appear before the Lord Empty Deut 16;16
• Giving is establishing an alter
WHAT ARE ALTARS?
an altar is a place and time set aside for the purposes of communing with God in worship, intercession and fellowship. It can be anywhere and at any time and as often as is allowed.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF AN ALTER
1. Altars are places of worship:
2. An alter is a place where humanity meets divinity
3. An alter is a place of exchange
4. Altars are places of mercy. In 1 Kings 1, there is a son of David called Adonijah. He declared himself king.
5. Altars open heaven. Jacob In Genesis 28
6. Altars are places of provision. Abraham in Genesis 22 with isack
7. Altars are place where we can offer our best to God. Abraham offered his best.
8. Altars can stay God’s judgement: One of the things that can stay God’s judgement over an area is setting up altars of unceasing prayer and intercession. David had offended God and God told him to choose three things.
1. Famine
2. Plague
3. To run from enemy
David said, “let us fall in the hand of God” and God hit the land with a plague. When he was enquiring of God the prophet Gad told him “go and erect an altar in Araunah’s threshing floor.” When he did, God stayed the plague
9. Altars create an atmosphere for God to work with His people.
WORSHIPING WITH YOUR MOUTH: verbal
Science has proven that, like fingerprints, each human voice has what is called a "print.”
• Your "voice print,” like your fingerprint, is different from all other voices.
• God know YOUR voice and waits to hear it lifted in praise to Him daily
Here are some ways you can use your voice to worship God:
SPEAKING PRAISE/TESTIMONY:
...Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. (Hebrews 13:15)
SPEAKING IN TONGUES:
Your praise is perfected when you worship in your heavenly language. Read I Cor 14:14-18
SHOUTING:
Shouting was used to praise God from the beginning of time:
When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:7)
Creation shouts for joy and sings... (Psalms 65:13)
Sing O Ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it; shout, ye lower parts of the earth; break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein; for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob and glorified himself in Israel. (Isaiah 44:23)
Here are some things the Bible teaches about shouting:
• -God has gone up with a shout: Psalms 47:5
• -for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout: I Thes4:16
• -When there is no joy and gladness, there is no shouting: Jer 48:33.
In the natural world, when you attend a sports event and do not understand the game, you do not know when to shout for your favorite team. The same is true spiritually:
If the non-shouters really understood what was going on in the spiritual realm, they would be shouting.
• Jesus has conquered our enemy.
• We are saved from death and have eternal life.
• He is our healing and provision.
Here are some occasions when shouting was used in the Bible:
1. Shouting because of the presence of God:
When the ark was brought up, all Israel shouted...with the sound of the cornet, with the trumpets, with the cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. (I Chronicles 15:28) see. (I Samuel 4:5-6)
2.Shouting at the revelation of the Lord:
They shouted and fell on their faces... (Leviticus 9:24)
Many people when they read a book, or watch TV or hear a powerful message, don’t shout
3.Shouting in commitment:
And they sware unto the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets. (II Chronicles 15:14)
4.Shouting because of the work of the Lord:
They shouted aloud for joy when the foundation of God's house was laid (Ezra 3:11-13).
5.Shouting in warfare:
• -The walls of Jericho fell down with a shout: Joshua 6
• -"Shout, for the Lord hath given you the city.": Joshua 6:16
• -David came to the battlefield and shouted for the battle: I Samuel 17:20
• -God's army shouted when they pursued the Philistines: I Samuel 17:52
• -When the wicked perish, there is shouting: Proverbs 11:10
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them. (Psalms 5:11)
...The men of Judah gave a shout; and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, that God smote the enemy. (II Chronicles 13:15)
Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings... (Zechariah 4:7)
6.We are commanded to shout:
But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice; let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. (Psalms 5:11)
Let them shout for joy and be glad, that favor my righteous cause; yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified... (Psalms 35:27)
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Psms 47:1)
Let thy saints shout for joy... (Psalms 132:9)
I will also clothe her priests with salvation; and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. (Psalms 132:16)
Cry aloud and shout...for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.(Isaiah 12:6)
...Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, they King cometh unto thee...He is just, and having salvation... (Zechariah 9:9)
...Shout among the chief of the nations; publish ye, praise ye...(Jeremiah 31:7)
LAUGHTER:
Laugher is also a way of expressing verbal praise to God:
When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing; then said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them. The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.(Psalms 126:1-3)
SINGING:
Music in worship services is not a preliminary to the main event of preaching.It is part of the main event which is worship.
Col 3:16 and Eph 5:19 provide instructions on singing in worship. We are to use:
• Psalms: From the hymn book of Israel which is the book of Psalms in the Bible.
• Hymns: Songs about God and His attributes and songs addressed to God.
• Spiritual songs: Songs from the heart, singing "in the spirit and with understanding.”
We are warned about singing "idle songs,” music without meaning (Amos 6:5 RSV).
We should sing songs of deliverance (I Samuel 6:23) and praise (Psalms 68:4).
The ministry of music is important in worship services.
David selected 4,000 Levites for musical service. I Chronicles 25:6-7
When Israel began to praise the Lord with music and singing, God's glory filled the temple (II Chronicles 5:12-14).
Jesus said: I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the Church will I sing praise unto thee. (Hebrews 2:12)
Biblical Qualifications of Appointed Worshipers
God has stiff prerequisites for His Appointed Worshipers
1.Loyalty: "None ought to carry the ark but the Levites..." (1 Chronicles 15:2)
• "Levi" means "joined"
• In Exodus 32:26 the Levites demonstrated their loyalty to the Lord by joining themselves to Moses
• Appointed worshippers should be joined in spirit to the leadership of the local church.
2. Love of God's House: In Numbers 3:15, 23, 29, 35, we see that the Levites lived closer to the tabernacle than any of the other tribes. (1 Chronicles 6:31-32)
Appointed worshipers will demonstrate a special love for God's house through their
• punctuality at,
• proximity to and
• Frequency in the local church facility.
3. A Servant's Heart:
• The Levites were willing and able servants of God and God's people.(Numbers 8:1-19; 1 Chronicles 16:37; Numbers 3:7)
• Appointed worshipers don't only move and minister in the "limelight", but are willing and diligent workers behind the scenes.
4. A Teachable Spirit:
• The Levites were to serve under the high priest; young Levites were to learn their craft by being apprentices to the older retired Levites. (Numbers 8:19, 23-26)
• In 1 Chronicles 25:6-8, we see that the Levites and musicians continued this apprenticeship system.
5. A Sanctified Lifestyle: Before they could begin their public ministry, the Levites had to go through a specific voluntary cleansing ceremony (Numbers 8:5-7) which included:
• Sprinkling (Studying God's Word daily): Ephesians 5:25-27)
• Shaving their flesh (Applying God's Word daily to their behavior): Hebrews 4:12
• Washing their garments (keeping their attitudes untainted by renewing their minds daily): Revelation 3:18
• According to 1 Chronicles 15:12-16, David used only those musicians who took the initiative to go through this sanctification process.
PRAISING GOD WITH INSTRUMENTS:
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Praise Him with the timbrel...praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise Him upon the loud symbols; praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. (Psalms 150:3-5)
There are three types of instruments mentioned in the Bible:
1. Percussion instruments:
Bells on the hem of the priest's garments: Exodus 28:33-35 and Zechariah 14:20.
Cymbals: I Chronicles 15:16,19; 28; II Chronicles 5:13; 29:25; Ezra 3:10; Nehemiah 12:27. Translation of the word "cymbal" in some places is equivalent to modern castanets and shakers.
Tambourine: Also called tabret or timbrel. Psalms 81:2; 149:3; 150:4; Exod15:20.
Gong: I Corinthians 13:1. In Psalms 150 two types of symbols or gongs are mentioned, loud and high sounding.
2. Stringed instruments:
Harp: I Samuel 10:5 Psaltery, viol, and sackbut which was similar to the harp; and the ten stringed,rectangular zither: Psalms 33:2; 144:9; 92:3.
Dulcimer: Similar to a harp: Daniel 3:5,7,10,15.
Lute: A three stringed instrument.
Lyre: A stringed instrument: Genesis 4:21
3. Wind instruments:
Clarinet: Isaiah 5:12; 30:29; Jeremiah 48:36. This is translated some places as pipe.
Pipe and organ: Genesis 4:21; I Samuel 10:5
Flute: Isaiah 30:29
Shofar and trumpet: Shofar is used interchangeably with trumpet. This instrument was used to terrorize the enemy (Judges 7:19-20) and for signaling (Joshua 6:20; Judges 7:16-22; Zechariah 9:14,15). John heard sound of trumpet before his vision in Revelation (Revelation 1:10) and the trumpet is a symbol of judgment (I Corinthians 15:52; I Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 8:3).
The shofar is still used today to call Jewish people to worship.
Here are some verses that encourage us to praise God with instruments:
After applying these special spiritual qualifications, David then began to apply musical qualifications to the prospective appointees.
A. Musical Flexibility: Notice that Asaph's music ministry included singing, percussion, orchestrating, brass, strings, composing, prophesying and teaching - 1 Chronicles 15:19 16:7, 37-42; 25:1; Psalms 73-83
B. Musical Virtuosity:
Excellence in musical technique was a hallmark of the Tabernacle of David.
• Chenaniah "instructed about the song because he was skillful":1 Chronicles 15:22
• The musicians in David's Tabernacle were "instructed in the songs of the Lord" and were "cunning": 1 Chronicles 25:
• We are exhorted to play unto the Lord "Skillfully" with "cunning": Psalm 33:3;Psalm 137:5
• We are to study to show ourselves approved unto God: 2 Timothy 2:1
C. Musical Literacy:
The Levites did more than just play music, they recorded it by writing it down; that is why we have the book of Psalms today. (1 Chronicles 16:4)
In David's day, the Levites were the only Hebrews who could read or write; today appointed worshipers should develop their music reading skills.
After David sanctified and qualified the Levites, he installed them into ongoing public ministry by the laying on of hands.
• The sanctified Levites did not enter into public ministry until both leadership and congregation laid hands upon them: Numbers 8:9-11
• Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun were publicly installed by David, the elders, and the people after they had successfully dispatched the assignment of bringing up the ark:1 Chronicles 16:4,5, 37-43
• Successful fulfillment of an assignment came before appointment: 1 Timothy 3:10
WORSHIPING WITH YOUR BODY: non verbal
• Man was never created to be soul, spirit, or body alone.
• He is a triune being composed of all three.
• You cannot worship only with your spirit and/or soul.
• You must also worship with your body.
STANDING IN HIS PRESENCE:
Standing is a symbol of respect
See II Chronicles 20:19; Ezekiel 44:15; Psalms 135:1-2; 134:1 for examples of people standing to worship God.
LIFTING UP YOUR HANDS:
1. It is a Biblical way of expressing thanks to God:
Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live; I will lift up my hands in thy name. (Psalms 63:3-4)
2. It is a symbolic way of expressing ascending worship:
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalms 141:2)
3. You are lifting up your heart in worship when you lift your hands:
We are lifting up our hearts in our hands... (Lamentations 3 )
4. Lifting your hands is a way of expressing spiritual thirst:
I stretch forth my hands unto thee; my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. (Psalms 143:6)When you lift up your hands, you are opening up to God and saying, "Come and fill me with your presence.”
5. Lifting up of hands is also used in giving a benediction, as a way of blessing others and God. Jesus returned to the Father with hands lifted, interceding for those He loved and blessing them (Luke 24:50-51). It silently confirms God's Word:
My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments. (Psalms 119:48)
6. The Bible encourages it:
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (I Timothy 2:8)
7. The Bible also commands it:
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord. (Psalms 134:2)
CLAPPING:
O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Psalms 47:1)
BOWING AND KNEELING:
1. We are commanded to bow down and worship:
O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our maker. (Psalms 95:6)
2. The Bible says that "every knee shall bow" before the Lord:
I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. (Isaiah 45:23)
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (Romans 14:11)
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the gloryof God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
3. When Paul speaks of our knowledge of the Gospel and our position in the Church and Jesus, he says this is the reason why we should bow down:
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(Eph 3:13-14)
4.Because of the importance of bowing, the Bible warned of the results of bowing to false gods: Exodus 23:24; Leviticus 26:1; Deuteronomy 5:9; Numbers 25:2; Joshua 23:7;Judges 2:12,17,19; I Kings 19:18; Romans 11:4; II Kings 17:35; II Chronicles 25:14.
5."Bowing" can refer to the head or the entire body. Read the following verses for
examples of bowing and kneeling as a form of worship: Genesis 24:48; Exodus 4:31; 12:27; I Chronicles 29:20, 30; II Chronicles 6:13; I Kings 8:54; Nehemiah 8:6; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 17:14; Mark 1:40; 10:17; Luke 22:41; Acts 7:60; 9:40; 20:36; 21:5.
WALKING AND LEAPING:.
• David leaped before the Ark when it was returning to Israel (II Samuel 6:16).
• The lame man who was healed walked and leaped and praised God (Acts 3:8
DANCING:
1. The first record of dancing before the Lord is found in Exodus:
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.(Exodus 15:20)
2. Immediately, Satan polluted the dance:
And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing... (Exodus 32:19)
3. We read in I Samuel 18:6 that they sang and danced about Saul and David, who had
slayed thousands and ten thousands. How much more should we of Him who has
defeated our enemy!
4. David danced before the Lord:
And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded
with a linen ephod. (II Samuel 6:14)
His wife, Michal, criticized and she was struck barren (II Samuel 6:16-17; I Chronicles various forms of worship described in Scripture?
In the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, the self-righteous older brother criticized the rejoicing and dancing. Yet the Bible says similar joy is going on in Heaven when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10).
5. Dancing is related to joy in the Lord. God wants to turn your mourning into dancing:
Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast put off my
sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. (Psalms 30:11)
Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance...for I will turn their mourning into
joy... (Jeremiah 31:13)
6. The Bible says there is a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4) and even commands us to dance before the Lord:
Let them praise His name in the dance; let them sing praises unto Him with
the timbrel and harp. (Psalms 149:3)
Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed
instruments and organs. (Psalms 150:4)
Note the following eight reasons why most local churches do not develop a scripturally solid music ministry. (Sometimes we develop a positive "Big Picture" from the "negative"!)
1. Failure to make corporate praise preeminent over everything else in church life.
2. Failure to obey Psalm 150 and utilize all the performing arts as acts of praise and prophecy.
3. Failure to design a sanctuary suitable for the sacred use of the performing arts.
4. Failure to set an adequate budget for music and the performing arts.
5. Failure to insist upon spiritual prerequisites as seen in the ministry of the Levites.
6. Failure to insist upon musical qualifications from those who meet the spiritual requirements
7. Failure to ordain as deacons those worshipers who meet both spiritual and natural qualifications for ministry. (In the Old Testament the "priests, as the sons of Aaron, were the equivalent to the "elders" of the church in the New Testament and the"Levites," the helpers of the sons of Aaron, were the equivalent of the deacons of the New Testament church.)
8. Failure to establish an ongoing performing arts training program within the local church.
D. David paid a high price for a place to worship the Lord: 2 Samuel 24:18-25
Are we willing to pay that price today?
TYPES OF WORSHIP
The Bible speaks of several types of worship:
WORSHIP OF REPENTANCE:
Psalms 51 is a wonderful example of the worship of repentance. This is the prayer of David after his sin with Bathsheba.(song; creat in me a clean heart)
WORSHIP OF ACCEPTANCE:
Job had lost his children and his property, yet he worshiped:
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down
upon the ground and worshiped. And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither; the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:20-21) (song I know ma reeder lives)
WORSHIP OF DEVOTION:
Read Genesis 22:1-14. This story of Abraham and Isaac is the greatest example of the worship of devotion. Note that Abraham made worship a priority. He arose "early" to worship, even though he believed it would cost him his son, that which he loved most.
• The worship of devotion requires separation to God. Abraham told his servants, "You wait here." True worship demands deliberate separation from distractions. True worship is individual. You will never truly worship until you do it alone in the worship of devotion.
• The worship of devotion is costly. In Abraham's case, he was asked to give his only son.
• David said he would not offer to God something which cost him nothing (I Samuel24:24).
• The worship of devotion denounces selfish desires.
• The worship of devotion has its focus is on God alone.
• To offer the worship of devotion, Abraham had to die to the desire of a son. But
• Abraham's worship glorified God. Sacrificial worship always brings glory to God.
WORSHIP OF COMMITMENT:
For an example of the worship of commitment, see II Chronicles 15:10-15. It is recorded that Israel made a covenant to serve God as they worshiped.
WORSHIP OF WARFARE:
1. Basically, there are four areas of attack by your enemy. Satan attacks your
• worship of God,
• the Word of God,
• your Christian walk
• Your work for God.
Read Psalms 149:6-9. This is an excellent example of how praise is used as a weapon.Combined with the Word of God it...
1. Executes vengeance upon the heathen: Praise is effective in warfare with those
who do not know God.
2. Executes punishment: Justice and judgment result from praise.
3. Binds their king with chains: We are told to bind demons, then cast them out.
4. Binds the nobles with fetters of iron: Praise binds the lesser powers of Satan, such as leaders in this world's system.
5. Executes upon them the judgment written: As you praise, your enemy is judged upon the basis of God's Word.
There are many other Biblical examples of praise and worship serving as a spiritual
weapon. Here are a few examples:
• -Gideon worshiped before the battle with the Midianites and he and his menshouted before the battle.
• -Paul and Silas worshiped before they were freed from prison.
• -Jonah worshiped before he was delivered from the fish.
• Song; Jehovah is your name…mighty warrior.
Dr. Tg Badia
