Sundays Are Meant For Worship Series

4 NEW ATTITUDES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE – Sundays Are Meant For Worship

1 Corinthians 11:17-30 (p. 799) January 11, 2015

Introduction:

I’ve noticed something about people...or at least some people...They do not have a filter that tells them, “Don’t say this now.”

Listen, I understand the urgency of getting things done...the importance of not forgetting stuff. And I am not a procrastinator. I’d be somewhat the opposite. If it’s on my plate, I want to deal with it quickly.

But there are times we need to focus on what is really important. There are times when we need to “wait” to communicate information...because it will change the hearts and minds of the speaker and the listeners of those words.

And one of the most important focuses of the child of God is genuine worship of their father.

It’s where we declare His worth...Literally from the words Worth-ship “worship” to ascribe worth!!!

“You are worthy our Lord and God to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things and by your will they were created and have their being.” (Rev. 4:11) p. 863)

In heaven, the 24 Elders lay their crowns before God and worship Him with these words.

Worship keeps God in the proper place of worth in the life of the worshippers. Where is that place?

On the throne. Where He has always been and where He will always be. Worship helps us remember it...and prioritize it.

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty who was, and is, and is to come.” (Rev. 4:8)

Those who worship God in heaven know God is Holy and Mighty. He always has been, He is right now. And he will be forever.

If you want an attitude that will readjust your stagnant spirituality, and put God back on the throne of your life and your family’s life...choose this one.

I. SUNDAYS ARE MEANT FOR WORSHIP

Corinth was a messy place to worship.

The body of Christ had been divided by cliques and favoritism. Paul even began his first letter with this appeal:

1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-17 (p. 793)

If you want to empty the cross of its power in the church...just start quarrelling about who God likes more. Start worshipping people more than the gospel. Ascribe more worth to Peter, than Paul. And make baptism more important than real repentance, or confessing Christ as Lord. Or make it about who baptized you instead of a death, burial, and resurrection. That’s how you can empty the cross of its worth.

And the Corinthians did it over and over again. Many times we do as well.

We get so caught up in our own agendas and priorities. You know, the people and things that are important to us. And sometimes those things and those people become more important than our mission, the gospel. Don’t believe me?

Try stopping a ministry or mission that isn’t effective, but has people involved in the ownership of it...especially if it’s “certain” people.

In Corinth I want you to notice what was happening in the church on Sundays. On the day that worth, and focus should have been directed at God...look at where it was directed.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:17-19 (p. 799)

Notice the Corinthians weren’t focused on the cross on Sundays, even during the Lord’s Supper, their focus was on their differences...“the haves and the have nots.”

Those who could have their “private suppers” (closed door meetings) and those who had nothing, weren’t invited.

Sundays become meetings that did more harm than good...because each time they got together the body became more and more divided.

Any “private” supper meeting that takes place in the church does more harm than good...whether it’s a Sunday feast or a small clique.

How can you identify such a supper club....in the same way Paul did at Corinth.

It’s to connect certain people...not the body of Christ. Ask the people who have never been invited...they know exactly what this means.

Smaller, house to house groups are essential if we want to grow in Christ, but when they stop producing disciple makers and start becoming “US” focused, then they do more harm than good...and as Paul said, “shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!” (v. 22)

One of the greatest lies of Satan to followers of Christ is: “You’ve grown to the point you don’t need to worship anymore.”

“Do something really important on Sundays...teach, sing, play an instrument, count the money, welcome people...but don’t unite yourself with believers who will come around the throne and around the table to focus on God’s worth!”

Do this long enough and arrogance and isolation replace humility and worship.

Honestly...I don’t want anyone teaching my children or grandchildren who do not understand the holiness and worth of God...and do not teach them with their example what it means to worship, the God they know intimately in Spirit and in truth...Jesus said, “These are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.” (John 4:23)