Ridiculous Joy

Ridiculous Joy

1 Peter 1:8, 9

Trials are that part of life we feel we can live without. However, God can use them to strengthen and mold us with our cooperation.

1 Peter 1:8 says: “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory”. Peter speaks of the immense love and inexpressible thrill we feel for our Lord Jesus Christ. He first loved us and we love and believe in Him even though we have not physically seen Him. We correctly anticipate the magnificent deliverance of our souls.

Such sentiments are nothing short of profound and inexpressibly filled with godly joy marking our deep, triumphant happiness because of our Lord’s grace and presence.  

How Does This Truth Enable Us to Conquer Trials? (1 Peter 1:8, 9)

The trails of life, though real and often painful, are not to defeat or discourage us. On the contrary, we are to regard them as steppingstones to becoming stronger in the Lord. But how do we do this? How can we conquer trails when they are so painful, devastating, destructive, disorienting, powerful, damaging, and threatening? Fortunately, our feelings don’t tell the entire story!

                A.  Conquer them by Our Love for Christ, Vs 8 “Whom having not seen ye love….” Because we love Christ, we obey him, we keep his commandments, turn away from temptations, and we walk with him through trails. True love does everything possible to show love and avoid hurting our beloved; in fact, when we love someone, we do our best to please them. I read something that said, ‘love is still the strongest force on earth.’ If this is true, then the most formidable power to overthrow our trails is ours.

In times of trails, reflect on how Christ saved you and forgave you and how greatly He suffered for our sin. He freely demonstrated His great love for us! Permit your natural appreciation for Him to empower you to stand for God in trails and temptations. Love is not primarily an emotion, it is action.

Recall the example of Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicademus. They loved the Lord and openly identified with Him at a very trying time for any followers of Christ. Matt 27:57-58, When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: [58] He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.

                B.  Conquer them by Our Faith in Christ   Vs 8

We must continue to believe or trust Christ, and we must continue to be faithful to His teachings.  Stand firm upon His council and rely completely on His power and presence to conquer and carry us through all trails.

The Three Hebrew Boys understood what it meant to stand for God in Faith and be true to God centered convictions during trials! They were literally in the fires of their trial, but they enjoyed wonderful fellowship of the Son of God during that experience. Through their trial they bore testimony for Christ before a watching world! They knew what it meant to rely on God’s Power and Presence during trails!

Eph 6:13-16, Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

I Jn 5:4-5, For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5, Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

                C.   Conquer them by Our Rejoicing in Christ   Vs 8

Our Joy is not based on circumstances but upon the finished work of Christ. There are times though when this joy is to be filled up with “glory”. Our present joy and rejoicing are to be based on things to come; again, this will enable us to stand during trials. Sometimes you must rejoice on credit and there is strength from God during such periods!

Isa 61:10, I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Neh 8:10, Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

                 D.  Conquer them by Focusing on our Salvation Christ Provided   Vs 9

1 Pet 1:9, Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

The goal of our salvation is living in the very presence of God to execute His great will continually free of opposition or difficulty! Stay focused on this goal!

                                      TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS

O soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Savior and Life more abundant and free!

His word shall not fail you He promised; Believe Him and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face; and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Glory and Grace.

Consider Christ (Keep the Faith, Part 2)

 

Lesson Four

Consider Christ

Hebrews 3:1-6

 

Theme: Christ Jesus, the Son of God, is our Model of fidelity and is infinitely Superior to Moses. Therefore, hold firmly to your faith in Christ, God’s faithful Apostle and High Priest.

 

Bible Reading

Read carefully and thoughtfully Hebrews 3:1–19.

3. Why is Jesus worthy of greater honor than Moses? (Heb. 3:1-5)

Next to Abraham, Moses was undoubtedly the man most greatly revered by the Jewish people. To go back to the Law meant to go back to Moses, and the recipients of this Letter to the Hebrews were sorely tempted to do just that. It was important that the writer convince his readers that Jesus Christ is greater than Moses, for the entire system of Jewish religion came through Moses. In this section, we learn that Jesus Christ is superior to Moses …–W. W. Wiersbe

Jesus’ superiority to Moses (Heb. 3:1–6). Moses stands as an example of faithfulness to God in the Old Testament and in history. Not only was the written Word of the Pentateuch given through Moses, but God commended this faithful man. Yet Jesus surpasses Moses, for Jesus is the Builder of the house in which Moses was a servant! We, who are the “house” that Jesus is now building, are to fix our eyes on Jesus, not on Moses, and to give Jesus honor. –Richards, Larry

 

I.                 The Superiority of His Person Makes Jesus Worthy of Greater Honor (3:3-6).

a.      Jesus is Superior as the Son (3:4, 6).

                                          i.     Jesus is greater because He is God (3:4). Every house must have a builder. The One who built all things is God. This implies the Son’s role in Creation (Heb. 1:2, 10) and certainly His identification as God (Heb. 1:8). From John 1:3, Colossians 1:16, and Hebrews 1:2, 10, we learn the Lord Jesus was the active Agent in creation. The conclusion is unavoidable—Jesus Christ is fully God.

                                        ii.     Jesus is greater as The Son (3:6). But Christ was faithful over God’s house as a Son, not as a servant, and in His case, sonship means equality with God. God’s house is His own house (3:6).

                                       iii.     Note what is meant by God’s house today. It is composed of faithful believer-priests of the Lord Jesus: we are only a part of this priestly house if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.  (3:6)

1.      First Possible Explanation.

a.      At first this might seem to imply that our salvation is dependent on our holding fast. In that case, salvation would be by our endurance rather than by Christ’s finished work on the cross.

b.      The possible meaning is that we prove we are God’s house if we hold fast. Endurance is a proof of reality. Those who lose confidence in Christ and in His promises and return to rituals and ceremonies show that they were never born again.

2.      Second Possible Explanation.

a.      Paul used “we” and by doing so included himself within the scope of his admonition (3:6).

b.      He is concerned that some of his Christian “brothers” have an unbelieving heart to turn away from the living God (3:12). Should anyone do this, they would forfeit their roles in the Son’s priestly house, which is only maintained by holding firmly to their Christian profession (see also v. 14 and 10:23-25, 35-36).

3.      The author did not mean, of course, that his readers could forfeit their eternal salvation; it is an error to identify the word “house” with the body of Christ…. As the context and the Old Testament background show, the author was thinking in priestly terms. He was also thinking functionally. The exalted Son presides over a priestly apparatus which is an operative reality. As long as the readership held firmly to their Christian commitment, they also functioned within this priestly arrangement. But just as one who was a true Levite by birth could withdraw from participation in the tabernacle of Moses’ day, so too one who is truly a Christian by new birth may withdraw from his priestly role within the functioning household. It was precisely this danger which concerned the writer. —The Bible Knowledge Commentary

b.      Moses was only the Servant (3:5).

                                          i.     Hebrews extended its discussion of the superiority of the revelation of God in Christ to include Moses, the lawgiver, who was revered by Israel as one of the greatest men who ever lived. 

                                        ii.     Moses was the Hebrew prophet who delivered the Israelites from Egyptian slavery and who was their leader and lawgiver during their years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses was a leader so inspired by God that he was able to build a united nation from a race of oppressed and weary slaves. In the covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai, where the Ten Commandments were given, he founded the religious community known as Israel. As the interpreter of these covenant laws, he was the organizer of the community's religious and civil traditions. 

 

II.               The Superiority of His Performance Makes Jesus Worthy of Greater Honor (3:3-5).

a.      Christ built the house (3:3-4).

                                                    i.     The Lord Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses because the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.

                                                  ii.     The Lord Jesus was the Builder of God’s house; Moses was only a part of the house.

1.      We are the new household and Jesus is the One who cares for us.  Just as believers under the Old Testament are called the house of Moses, believers under the New Testament are called the house of Christ. And as Moses was faithful to an earthly household, Jesus is faithful to the heavenly household. –MacArthur, J. F., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary

2.      What exactly is the house? The word “house” is used six times in these verses. It refers to the people of God under the Old and New Covenants, not merely to a material building, though the tabernacle is included. Moses ministered to Israel, the people of God under the Old Covenant. Today, Christ ministers to His followers, the people of God under the New Covenant (“whose house are we,” Heb 3:6). It is also true that the Son has ministered to the “house of God” in all ages. See 2 Sam 7, where house means temple and family.  

b.      Moses served in the house (3:5).

                                                    i.     God’s house in which Moses was faithful was a kind of miniature representation of “everything,” that is, of the greater house over which the Son presides at God’s right hand in heaven (cf. 1:3 with 4:14). The “holy of holies” in His earthly house was but a shadow of heaven itself where Christ has now gone “to appear for us in God’s presence” (9:24). Moses’ fidelity consisted in erecting that shadow house, the tabernacle, so that it could properly prefigure the future order of priestly activity which now has the universe itself as its proper sphere. This is the sphere where the exalted Christ sits faithful in all His current ministrations as well as past ones, functioning as a Son over God’s house (3:6a).—John Walvoord

                                                  ii.     Moses was a faithful servant in all God’s house (Num. 12:7), pointing men forward to the coming Messiah. He testified of those things which were to be spoken afterward, that is, the good news of salvation in Christ. That is why Jesus said on one occasion, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believe Me: for he wrote of Me” (John 5:46). In His discourse with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Jesus began at Moses and all the prophets, and “expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27).

4.  How can people demonstrate that they belong in God’s house? (Heb. 3:6)

“We are God’s house if we do not play the traitor and desert.” –Robertson, A.T.: Word Pictures in the New Testament

The “if” clause (Heb. 3:6) needs to be understood in the light of the total context, which is Moses leading Israel out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. The writer is not suggesting that we, as Christians, must keep ourselves saved. This would contradict the major theme of the book, which is the finished work of Christ and His heavenly ministry guaranteeing our eternal salvation (Heb. 7:14ff). Rather, the writer is affirming that those who hold fast their confidence and hope are proving that they are truly born again.—W. W. Wiersbe

“If we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Paul had a way of using “ifs,” not as a condition but as a method of argument and of logic. We would understand him better if he had said, “Since we hold fast the confidence.” In other words, if we are sons of God and if we are partakers of the heavenly calling, we will be faithful and we will hold fast. This is the proof that we are of God’s house. –McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary

 

I.                By Living Confidently in Christ (3:6).

a.      In the word “confidence,” the dominant idea is the boldness exhibited in freedom of speech, the unreserved, unfettered flow of language which is opposed to fear, ambiguity, and reserve. This boldness would characterize the Jewish believers’ behavior.

                                                    i.     Likewise we are to be bold in our profession of Christ as God’s faithful Apostle and our High Priest (3:1).

                                                  ii.     Such open and unreserved behavior, would soon disappear in the case of those merely claiming to be Christian, but have never really trusted Christ.

b.      The word “confidence” literally means “freedom of speech, openness.” When you are free to speak, then there is no fear and you have confidence.

                                                    i.     A believer can come with boldness (same word as “confidence”) to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16) with openness and freedom and not be afraid.

                                                  ii.     We have this boldness because of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:19).

                                                 iii.     Therefore, we should not cast away our confidence (Heb. 10:35), no matter what the circumstances might be. We should not have confidence in ourselves, because we are too prone to fail; but we should have confidence in Jesus Christ who never fails.

 

II.              By Living Joyfully in Hope (3:6).

a.      Because of this confidence in Christ and this confession of Christ, we can experience joy and hope (Heb. 3:6). It is important to note that a spirit of rejoicing must accompany this spirit of confidence, stamping it as genuine, for a simulated confidence does not give rise to any real rejoicing.

b.      The writer exhorted these suffering saints to enjoy their spiritual experience and not simply endure it. Jesus Christ is the beloved Son over His house, and He will care for each member of the family. He is the faithful High Priest who provides all the grace we need for each demand of life. As the Great Shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:19–20), Jesus Christ is using the experiences in His people’s lives to equip them for service that will glorify His name.

c.      In other words, those who have trusted Christ prove this confession by their steadfastness, confidence, and joyful hope. They are not burdened by the past or threatened by the present, but are “living in the future tense” as they await the “blessed hope” of their Lord’s return. It is this “heavenly calling” that motivates the believers to keep on living for the Savior even when the going is tough.

 

III.            By Living Faithfully to God (See 3:14b, 16).

a.      The wandering of Israel in the wilderness is a major topic in this section. Two men in that nation—Caleb and Joshua—illustrate the attitude described in Hebrews 3:6. Everybody else in Israel over the age of twenty was to die in the wilderness and never enter the Promised Land (see Num. 14:26–38).

b.      But Caleb and Joshua believed God and God honored their faith. For forty years, Caleb and Joshua watched their friends and relatives die; but those two men of faith had confidence in God’s Word that they would one day enter Canaan. While others were experiencing sorrow and death, Caleb and Joshua rejoiced in confident hope. As believers, we know that God is taking us to heaven, and we should reveal the same kind of joyful confidence and hope.

c.      The proof that you are a child of God is that you hold to the faith. That doesn’t make you a child of God, but it does prove that you are a child of God. If you are a believer, you will hold on, not because you are able but because He is able to make you stand. (See 1 John 2:19)

Response

 

Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.

 

 

11.  Why should believers distinguish between faith and feelings?

 

 

 

 

Question 7. Be careful to maintain balance here. It's easy to get into a gender-related discussion about emotions. Because a person is emotional doesn't mean his/her faith is not real. Faith can lead to emotion. It just can't be based on emotion.

 

 

 

12.  How can you determine if your faith is real?

 

 

 

 

Question 8. Read James 2:14–17 (read through verse 26 if you don't mind a longer passage). Discuss current examples of faith without works.

 

 

 

13.  What can you do to ensure that your faith will endure?

 

 

 

 

Prayer

 

Father, we ask you to deepen our faith in you. Give us the strength to withstand temptation, overcome doubt, and remain loyal to you. At the end of our lives, may we hear your words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

 

Journaling

 

Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.

 

 

What steps can I take this week to strengthen my faith in God?

Worship God

 

Worship God

Ps. 95:1-3; Matt. 4:10; John 4:20-24; Ps. 100:1-5 

SUBJECT:  THE PURPOSE OF WORSHIP

THEME: Let’s Explore Our God Given Privilege & Responsibility of Public Worship as a NT Church. Be Motivated to Accomplish this Mission when We Come Together.

Relevance: So, if you are not sure what “form” of worship is OK in God’s eyes, and if you wonder why we don’t do certain things as a part of our worship then this study will be highly enlightening and focusing. Because worship is not always easy, it requires a commitment to worship and a willingness to look for the best Independent Baptist Church we can find and try to make it better through our participation.

Introduction:

There are those who come to church, but they have no idea why.  They sing the songs and never worship during a single verse.  They put on their Sunday morning faces, but they never engage their hearts. They think that by going through the motions of religious exercise that God will be pleased with their “worship.”  When in essence God is not interested at all in outward expressions that are divorced from the inward convictions of the heart.

Message:

I.  Who should we worship?

What does Psalm 95:1-3 say,

¹   O come, let us sing unto the Lord:

Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.

²   Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving,

And make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

³   For the Lord is a great God,

And a great King above all gods. 

A. GOD ALONE IS TO BE WORSHIPED

Matt 4:10, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Rev 22:8-9, And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.  9, Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

That automatically excludes preachers and godly teachers of the Bible.  Never place your eyes on men, keep them on God.

“What Made the Difference”

 Many years ago, a tourist attended a service in a Scottish church. She greatly enjoyed the sermon and was spiritually blessed.  Later she asked who the minister was. “He was Ebenezer Erskine,” she was told. “I will surely hear him again next Lord’s Day. He is wonderful!” She did this but she got little out of the sermon.  It seemed to lack power.  She related her experience to Erskine, who said, “Ah Madam, last Sunday you came here to worship the Lord Jesus and hear His voice. Today you came to hear me and exalt me in your heart. That’s why you are going away spiritually empty!”

     B.  GOD DESIRES REAL HEARTFELT WORSHIP

           1) There is a Type of Worship That God Will Reject

Isa 1:13-15, Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. 14, Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them. 15, And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

The rulers and people of Jerusalem (Sodom and Gomorrah) should realize that God despises rituals without reality, sacrifices without obedience, gifts without the givers. As long as people are living in sin, their attendance at the temple services is an insulting trampling of His courts. The mixing of iniquity and solemn assembly is hateful to Him. He will pay no attention to their outstretched hands or many prayers.

W. E. Vine warns believers of the same danger today:

Mere external religion is ever a cloak to cover iniquity. The Lord exposed all that in His strong denunciations in Matt. 23. The guilty combination in Judaism has largely developed in Christendom. The conscience of a believer may become so seared that a person can practise religion while yet living in sin. -William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments

           2) Why Will God Reject Some Forms of Worship? Will God Receive Any Type Worship?

Isa 29:13, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Their hearts were not in their worship nor was it according to God commandments and prescription! God will reject heartless and insincere worship! Until we take this matter seriously, he will not hear us or take us seriously!  We cannot afford for God to close his eyes and stop his ears!  We absolutely need his blessings and help in everyday life!

           3) There is a Type of Worship That God Will Receive (Spirit and Truth)

John 4:23-24, 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.  24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:23, Next Jesus informed the woman that, with His coming, God no longer had a certain place on earth for worship. Now those who believe on the Lord Jesus can worship God at any time and in any place. True worship means that a believer enters the presence of God by faith and there praises and worships Him. His body may be in a den, prison, or field, but his spirit can draw near to God in the heavenly sanctuary by faith. Jesus announced to the woman that from now on worship of the Father would be in spirit and truth. The Jewish people had reduced worship to outward forms and ceremonies. They thought that by religiously adhering to the letter of the law, and going through certain rituals, they were worshiping the Father. But theirs was not a worship of the spirit. It was outward, not inward. Their bodies might be bowed down on the ground but their hearts were not right before God. Perhaps they were oppressing the poor, or using deceitful business methods.

The Samaritans, on the other hand, had a form of worship, but it was false. It had no scriptural authority. They had started their own religion and were carrying out ordinances of their own invention. Thus, when the Lord said that worship must be in spirit and truth, He was rebuking both Jews and Samaritans. But He was also informing them that, now that He had come, it was possible for men to draw near to God through Him in true and sincere worship. Ponder this! The Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is interested in the adoration of His people. Does He receive this from me?

John 4:24, God is Spirit is a definition of God’s being. He is not a mere man, subject to all the errors and limitations of humanity. Neither is He confined to any one place at any time. He is an invisible Person who is present in all places at one and the same time, who is all-knowing, and who is all-powerful. He is perfect in all His ways. Therefore, those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. There must be no sham or hypocrisy. There must be no pretense to being religious, when inwardly one’s life is corrupt. There must be no idea that in going through a series of rituals, God is thereby pleased. Even if God instituted those rituals Himself, He still insists that man approach Him with a broken and a contrite heart. -William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments

           4) Real Complete Godly Love is what God looks for as we Worship

Luke 10:27, And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

“What is True Worship?” A Missionary asked a class of young native Christians.  A shy fellow stood and said, “I think I know, but I may not be able to say it so others will understand.  Before I knew my Savior, I used to go late to church.  Now I love to go real early, sit quietly, think about Jesus and his great love for me!” Then with tears running down his face, he said, “Oh, I love Him!  Because He loves me, and because I love Him, I want to please Him in all I do and say!”                   

True Worship engages the Heart and Emotions (SPIRIT) and is according to the True Revelation of God (TRUTH).  All that is within me should bow down and love Him and everything I do should honor and ascribe worth to Jesus Christ.                                                                     

II.           How should we worship?

We should worship in a way that is culturally relevant without violating any principle in Scripture.

 A.  WITH EXCITEMENT OR SIMPLICITY

So, one thing the first churches did was to worship God intensely, but with contagious joy. There are several Scriptures that give us additional insight into biblical worship. For example, David made it clear that our worship could be enthusiastic and joyful. Psalm 100 says,

Psalm 100:1-5, A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. [2] Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. [3] Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. [5] For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

   1.  This is Joy and Excitement in Worship!

This is not a picture of somber hymns being groaned out by stone-faced corpses who died long ago but have not had the decency to stop breathing. No, this is a picture of life! This is a picture of joy! This is a picture of uninhibited praise to God for who He is and what He has done!

When we look at Nehemiah, we see another example of a worship service. And what a service it was! The walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed and rebuilt. At the dedication ceremony of the new walls, Nehemiah, a leader of the Jewish people, planned a great time of worship and celebration.

They brought all the Priests, Levites, Princes, and the all Male Choir to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanks-giving and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps. Then Nehemiah brought all the leaders of Judah up on the wall which had been newly rebuilt. It must have been a huge wall, because he also appointed two large choirs which also went up on the wall. One choir walked one direction on the wall, presumably singing as they went, while another choir walked the other direction on the wall. At some point they met and went into the temple. The singers sang loudly, and the orchestra accompanied them. They offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and the children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard afar off by their neighboring nations. (See Nehemiah 12:27–43). What a spectacle and what a picture of life! -Max Anders

2.  This is Simplicity and Quietness in Worship!

Not all worship services were done on such a grand scale, however; some were simple and quiet. On the night before Jesus was betrayed, for example, He met with His disciples in an upper room where they observed the Passover, during which time Jesus converted the observance of the Passover to the observance of the Lord's Supper, or communion (John 13–17). In addition to observing the first communion, they shared thoughts from Scripture, prayed, and sang hymns. There was no orchestra, no choir, no procession, no formal service, but there was worship.

So, we see from the scriptural examples that there is some freedom in how we worship. But we are to worship. (Some churches are shooting churches, some are quiet, while others are just plain dead.  Some are active churches, and others are musical churches.  There is room according to Bible examples for the variations. -Max Anders

B. BY LOVING GOD

Rev. 2:1, Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;   

Rev. 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

Obedience and Sacrifice are the evidences of a worship that is characterized by love. There is a residual freshness and excitement about being saved–our first love is Christ. (Matt. 22:37-40)

C.  BY GLORIFYING GOD

Ephes. 1:5-6, Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephes. 1:11-12, In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Ephes. 1:14, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephes. 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

2 Thes. 1:12, That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Glory means to honor, to praise, to bestow dignity upon; to esteem as splendid or to acknowledge one’s splendor.  A church glorifies God and the Lord Jesus Christ through:

    1.  Praise and Prayer.

John 14:13, And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Hebrews 2:12, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

Hebrews 13:15, 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.

    2.  Fruit-Bearing.

John 15:8, Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

    3.  Giving.

Philip. 4:18, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Hebrews 13:16, But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Mary counted him worthy of her glory when she humbled herself and bowed before him to wipe his feet with her hair. In doing so, she was giving Him her glory!

         a. The Glory of Children are Their Fathers (Prov. 17:6)

         b. The Glory of Young Men is their Strength: (Prov 20:29)

         c. The Source of Glory is God the Father, Who Deserves all Glory (Eph. 1:17)

         d. The Glory of Christ are the Messengers (Ambassadors) of the Churches (2Cor 8:23)

         e. The Glory of God is Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:3; Jn. 1:14)

         f.  The Glory of God is also Man (1Cor. 10:7)  

         g. The Glory of Man is the Woman (1Cor. 11:7)

         h. The Glory of the Woman is Her Hair (1Cor. 11:15)

When Mary wiped the Savior feet with her hair she had humbled herself and acknowledged the Splendor of the Savior!  She was ascribing dignity and honor to him!  She was praising him by giving her own glory to him!  She was counting him as worthy of her worship.  Mary’s act of worship filled the room with the fragrance of her devotion and it is still a testimony today for how we should ASCRIBE WORTH TO CHRIST!

    4.  Preaching and Ministry.

1 Peter 4:11, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

    5.  Love.

Romans 15:5-6, Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: [6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

       6.  Confessing Jesus Christ.

Philip. 2:9-11, Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

    7. Strong Faith.

Romans 4:20, He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

    8.  Suffering.

1 Peter 4:14, If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

1 Peter 4:16, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.  (See also John 21:18-19)

    9.  Witnessing.

2 Thes. 3:1, Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 

D.  BY HONORING GOD

Rev. 4:11, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

E.  BY ASCRIBING POWER TO GOD

Rev. 4:11, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

To have power ascribed to God, or to be regarded as having infinite power. Man can confer no power on God, but he may acknowledge what he has, and adore him for its exertion in his behalf and in the government of the world.

Conclusion: we have explored our God-given privilege & responsibility of public worship as a NT church.  May we now be more driven to accomplish this God assigned mission when we come together each Sunday morning and evening worship service.

Worship is not always easy, it requires a commitment to worship and a willingness to look for the best Independent Baptist Church we can find and try to make it better through our participation.

Are we worshiping God with our hearts, souls, and mind?

Are we worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth?

Is my worship acceptable to God or am I merely going through the motions?

Am I here to ascribe worth to Jesus Christ or to get glory for myself?

Is my worship merely an outward form or ritual that is void of a deep heart-felt conviction?

How much is Christ worth to you and me? Is he worth my time, my talents, my treasures, my testimony, my trust, and my true worship?

Will you commit today to faithfully worship him at the appointed time and with your entire person?

Beloved, explore our God-Given privilege and responsibility of public worship. We need to become motivated to accomplish this God-assigned mission when we come together. Worship is not always easy. Sometimes we do not feel like worshiping. But we are not motivated by feelings! The fact remains that God anticipates our worship, and He definitely deserves it. If we do not understand how to worship, we may go through the motions, but true worship is not happening. The better we understand worship, the more likely we are to be faithful and find it satisfying.