THE WORSHIP OF THE WISE
Matthew 2:1-12
Introduction: During the Christmas Season, we naturally shift our focus toward the birth of Jesus. Today we will discuss the 3 Wise Men. There are many important points that can be made about their visit, but I want to discuss one of the most important: WORSHIP
Story of woman shelling peas in church. Do you know why you’re here? Do you worry with others behavior? Dress? Presence? Today we’ll seek to answer why you’re here. Clear your mind. Focus only on God and let His Holy Spirit speak to your heart. You are here to worship God. No other reason.
I. Begin by seeking God:
A. Truly seek Him:
1. You can do this right where you’re sitting.
1. Recognize His call. (Star)
a. Not always Earth shattering – often it’s just a faint whisper.
2. Be willing to work to find Him (long journey)
a. This is not just superficial – this is real work
b. ILLUSTRATION: Pharisees worship best when someone is watching. ILLUS 704 - Story of King Tut – 4 caskets, gold leaf, gold mask, but dead on the inside.
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II. Have a LIFESTYLE of worship
A. Worship is the core reason we are here. ILLUS 1506 – Henry Ward Beecher’s brother Thomas at the church.
1. Man needs worship. Whether you realize it or not.
B. We should gain from worship.
1. Worship is a blessing not a burden.
2. Worship fills our tanks.
C. Disciples have a life style of worship. ILLUS 485 – Do you apply the same standards of faithfulness to your Christian activities that you expect from the other areas of your life? If your car starts once every 3 times is it reliable? If your paperboy skips delivery every Monday and Thursday is he trustworthy? If you don’t go to work once or twice a month, are you a loyal employee? If your refrigerator stops working for a day or two every now and then, is that all right with you? If you water heater provides an icy cold shower every now and then is it dependable? If you miss a couple of loan payments every year does your bank look the other way? If you fail to worship God one or two Sundays per month would you expect to be called a faithful Christian? We expect faithfulness and reliability from things and other people. God expects the same from us.
III. God deserves our worship. – ILLUS 574 Pope Gregory the Great once said: “Almost everything said of God is unworthy, for the very reason it is capable of being said.”
A. Jesus deserves our worship because he is God. (John 1:1,2,14 - In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
B. Through our worship God works in our lives 24/7. (Lifestyle of worship)
