Who Are You?

 

Ephesians 1:1-14

 Introduction: Have you ever wondered about who you are? Where do you really belong? I have wondered about the same things on more than a few occasions. You're in good company. We perceive that so much of our future depends on having a solid mental grip on our past, but it is important to remember that we are not controlled or limited by our past. In fact, it is our new identity "in Christ" that sparks great interest for me.

This is not an attempt to emphasize human ingenuity over solid theology, mere self-actualization over Christ-centered reality, or personal aggrandizement over godly appreciation. Our real purpose, potential, meaning, significance and uniqueness grows out of this key realization—our new character with God. We are "in Christ" as saved individuals. Our affiliations, ethnicity, acceptance, and values are traced to their proper placement when we understand our identity in Christ first. Also, our need for human or cultural validation disappears as we recognize God himself has already validated each of His children. Notice the following thoughts about us....

Message:

I.               The Significance of Being “In Christ”. Eph. 1:1

“The faithful in Christ Jesus”…defines the “saints” and could be rendered “that is, the believers in Christ Jesus.” These saints were in Christ Jesus, not in Adam or the goddess Artemis of Ephesus. While believers have geographical locations (e.g., “Ephesus”), spiritually they are positioned “in Christ” (cf. “in Christ at Colosse” in Col. 1:2). Paul used “in Christ Jesus,” “in Christ,” or “in Him” quite frequently. In Ephesians 1:1–14 the phrase occurs nine times! Christians have their very life in Christ.^[1]

That is correct...we are viewed by God as being "in Christ Jesus" now...altogether differently than before we were saved. Our validation comes from Him, thereby eliminating the need for affirmations, worthiness, or acceptance that come to us from mere people. If you have felt dismissed or even regarded as unacceptable by others, there is something our heavenly Father wants you to know as one of His children. God is also interested in who you are...not just what you did or didn’t do. He spells out our identity (our beliefs, attitudes, and our external behavior) in several places in the Scriptures, but especially here in Ephesians chapter 1. Beloved, you will never need to wonder if you belong or if you are wanted by God ever again.

There is a healthy type of freedom that comes with this realization. Jesus Christ made all the difference concerning our present situation and our future. Our future is not determined by our past—we are freed from our awful history. We have and can enjoy these blessings because we are properly identified with God through faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Without Christ we are nothing, we have nothing, and we have no position or future! Great should be our love and appreciation of God because of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

II.            The Specifics of Our New Identity. Eph. 1:2-14

I encourage you to recognize, confess, admit, declare, or acknowledge these realities to God daily for a month. Watch God’s truth transform your life.

      1.     I have a gracious heavenly Father-God, and I am his precious Child (Eph. 1:2)

      2.     I presently have all spiritual blessings (my union with Christ and seat with Him) as a part of God’s eternal plan (Eph. 1:3)

      3.     I am selected by God my gracious Father; He wants and treasures even someone like me (Eph. 1:3-4a)

      4.     I am part of God my Father’s wise historical plans; I have an incredible role of holiness and blamelessness assigned to me directly by Him (Ep. 1:4-5)

      5.     I am intentionally adopted by my spiritual Father into His amazing family; I have a place where I belong and a holy inheritance as an adult child (Eph. 1:5)

      6.     I am graciously accepted by God my Father and it is Christ Jesus who affords me this amazing status of acceptance (Eph. 1:6)

      7.     I am redeemed by God and overjoyed with gratitude because it’s through the staggering blood of Christ Jesus my Lord I am so privilege (Eph. 1:7)

      8.     I am astronomically forgiven by God through my stunning Lord Jesus Christ which evidenced God’s indescribable grace (Eph. 1:7)

      9.     I am included in God’s grand purpose; God is not ashamed of me...He did not renounce or disassociate Himself from me (Eph. 1:8-10)

      10.  I have a continuous inheritance and intentional purpose prescribed by God my Father as part of His design and intentions for all His people including me (Eph. 1:11)

      11.   I am sealed (preserved and delivered) by the Holy Spirit because I heard and believed the glorious gospel salvation message (Eph. 1:12-13)        

      12.   I am guaranteed and currently awaiting final and full redemption of my person, and this motivates me to live for the praise of God’s glory (Eph. 1:14)

Beloved, these statements described how God views each of us who are His children! You are wanted, you are desired, you belong, you matter, you count, you have purpose, meaning, significance, a role, and a future "in Christ." It would be great if some celebrated human being said these things about you, but the God of the universe said these instead about you by His grace and because you are "in Christ." Just allow that to sink in... give that truth permission to penetrate your mind and heart. How transformative this is...how freeing these realities are! 

III.         The Spiritual Location of Blessings. Eph. 1:3

Notice, too, that these are “all spiritual blessings” [Eph.1:3]. The simplest way to explain this is to contrast them with the blessings of Israel under the law. In the OT, a faithful, obedient Jew was rewarded with long life, a large family, abundant crops, and protection from his enemies (Deut. 28:2–8). The blessings of Christianity, in contrast, are spiritual, that is, they deal with treasures that are nonmaterial, invisible, and imperishable. It is true that the OT saints also enjoyed some spiritual blessings, but as we shall see, the Christian today enjoys blessings that were unknown in previous times.

Our blessings are in the heavenly places, literally “in the heavenlies.” Instead of being material blessings in earthly places, they are spiritual blessings in the heavenly places.^[2]

Conclusion:

1.     First, with these insights believe God and not your ever-changing emotions. Believe God and not the mere opinions of other people. Just because someone label you or misidentify you does not mean their descriptions are accurate! Don't be afraid to abandon old ideas, perceptions, values, and strategies! Place your confidence in what God said in the Word and reject your feelings as misinformed or incomplete. Reject those inaccurate portrayals by your enemies and others who commonly mischaracterize who you really are. You are free to dismiss, disregard, refuse, and reject such false accusations...even if they come from your culture! If any accusation is true, we must confess our sin to God, ask for their forgiveness, and from that day forward live according to God's expectations. 

2.     Secondly, live for the glory of God and seek to evidence His grace each day (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). Expect to be misunderstood, get used to being characterized as crazy or delusional, and expect family and friends to talk you out of pursuing God's will. Many will discredit your godly claims. Allow yourself to be consumed with executing the plan and will of God as revealed in the Word and by your personal walk in the power of the Spirit. Surrender to God and His will and don't look back; He really has your eternal good in mind. God reserved a place and role just for you. Do it!

3.     Thirdly, since salvation is all of God’s grace, Christians certainly ought to praise Him for it! And that is why they were chosen: to give Him praise (cf. “Praise be to … God,” v. 3).^[3] There is no greater purpose or reason for existence than His glory and nothing motivates us like the grace of God. Make this your focus and pursuit in all things, and when you stand before Christ at the judgment seat for rewards, He will honor you because you lived to honor Him.

4.     Lastly, I am asking you to accept these statements and promises with every fiber of your being. Take them personally and intimately to recognize, confess, admit, declare, or acknowledge them as living truthful realities to God your heavenly Father daily for at least a month. Personally witness God’s truth setting you free from rejection, insecurity, fear, and inadequacy as you interact with others! There is no need to hide behind a false identity or behave in ways unbecoming of a child of God! You are free now "in Christ" with a new identity and purpose. God is a God of the living and not the dead; transformation is what He desires for you and me. Choose life; choose your new identity in Christ.

^[1] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 615.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1906.

^[3] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 617.

Honoring God’s Name

 

Honoring God’s Name

Mal 1:6-7

SUBJECT: NEGLECT OF WORSHIP

THEME: As We Serve God with Respect and Sincerity, Our Ministries Will Honor Him. This Must Be our Number One Priority in a Life of Worship.

RELEVANCE:  Have we succumbed to problems of neglect, expediency-convenience, and outright disobedience? Do we have a proper perspective of God, or do we doubt His faithfulness to His promises?  

Such opinions lead to widespread unfaithfulness, and it affects the worship of others. We need to renew our perspective, reestablish our hope, and promote a proper faithfulness to God.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  Wherever there are privileges there are also perils (Mal. 1:6; 2:1, 7)! What sins were the priests committing as they carried on their duties in the restored temple?

2.  Not surprisingly, the exiles who had returned to Judah and Jerusalem and lost a sense of God's love for them were unable to muster much love for Him in return. This showed in the way they kept up superficial religious behavior which actually insulted God.

3.  Beloved, have we “despised” God by offering unacceptable worship in direct violation of the word. Are we treating God in a way that we would not dare treat our human or spiritual leaders, family members, or fellow church members (1:8). Perhaps it’s time for us to repent also (1:9)!  By our “polluted” worship, and meaningless church exercises we demonstrated our disrespect for God (1:12-14). Aren’t we making the same mistakes?

MESSAGE:

I.  Give God the Honor Worthy of His Name.   (Mal. 1:6-7)

God focuses on the priests, who should have been the spiritual leaders of the land. The priests were not giving honor to God’s name; they were taking the best for themselves.

A.  THE ALLEGATION (Mal. 1:6)

This is the point made in v. 6. A person who is subordinate shows respect for his superior.

   1.  The Standard Expectation.  “A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master”

      — It is Normal for Fathers and Masters to Receive Respect.

      — Honor is high respect, as that shown for special merit; esteem. Glory or recognition; distinction.  The dignity accorded to position.

     A.  Affection— Fatherhood is a Matter of Relationship.   (Mal. 1:6) “If then I be a father”

           1.  Family Love and Responsibilities Reveal our obligations to God.

           2.  The Lord Jesus, Taught on the Fatherhood of God.

Matthew 7:11, If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

           3.  The Apostle Paul Taught on the Fatherhood of God.

Hebrews 12:9, Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

           4.   The Obligations of Love and Respect are to Always Mark our relationship With God.

While it is true that many know nothing about showing respect and honor for parents, God expects his children to love and honor Him.   Exodus 20:12, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

     B.  Assignment— Mastery is a Matter of Responsibility.  (Mal. 1:6) “If I be a master”

           1.  This refers to a Master & Servant Relationship and Service is the main emphasis. 

           2.  The Priest Were Special Servants of God.

                 — Like the rest of God’s people, they came under the claims of children and the responsibilities;                                                     

                 — But, as priests, they were children honored with special trusts. They were favored children, and were obligated to be models to the rest of the children.

           3.  But they offered God crippled and lame animals as sacrifices. Such actions by priests and people revealed contempt for God, whom they should have honored as “the great King” He is (v. 14).

           4.  The obligation of the servant to the master is similar to that of the son to the father, but in the case of the child there is the help of personal affection. 

           5.  It is our duty to honor the Lord.

1 Tim. 6:1-2, Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. [2] And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

APPLICATION: If God is first in our hearts our choices will reflect love for Him, and our every action will honor Him. Those in authority are worthy of respect (1 Sam 24:5-6). David had great respect for Saul, in spite of the fact that Saul was trying to kill him. Although Saul was sinning and rebelling against God, David still respected the position he held as God’s anointed king. David knew he would one day be king, and he also knew it was not right to strike down the man God had placed on the throne. If he assassinated Saul, he would be setting a precedent for his own opponents to remove him some day.

Rom 13:1-7 teaches that God has placed the government and its leaders in power. We may not know why, but, like David, we are to respect the positions and roles of those to whom God has given authority. There is one exception, however. Because God is our highest authority, we should not allow a leader to pressure us to violate God’s word.

Titus 2:9-10, Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; [10] Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

1 Peter 2:17-19, Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. [18] Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. [19] For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

   2.  The Indictment Clarified.    (Mal. 1:6) “Where is mine honor?” “. . . where is my fear?”

God’s complaint against Judah is that, though He has called this people into a relationship with Himself, the people have refused to honor Him.

     A.  Where is God’s Honor as Your Father?

            1.  God was the Father of Israel by creation, election, preservation, watchful guardianship (Deut 32:6; 64:8).   Exodus 4:22, And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

Isaiah 63:16, Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.

            2.  Out of Personal Affection for Him We Should Honor Him. 

                   — The word “honor” also means “glory.”

                   — The glory of God is spoken of frequently throughout the Scriptures (He is even called “the King of glory,” Ps. 24:7-10).

                   — The fact that glory and honor are due to the LORD is far beyond dispute.

            3.  Israel’s actions go beyond disrespect; they have “despised” God’s name (v. 6).

                A.  To regard with contempt or scorn or hold as insignificant.

                        1.  To feel contempt or look down on someone or something because it is thought to be bad, worthless, or distasteful.

                        2.  To regard as unworthy of one’s notice, consideration or interest. It may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

                        3.  Contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, or feeble.

                B.  The opposite of highly esteeming.

            4.  As the prophet pointed out, a son honors his father—and God had been a Father to Judah.

                   — The fifth of the Ten Commandments states that children are to honor their parents (Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16).

                   — Disobedient children who rebelled against discipline were to be stoned (Deut. 21:18-21).                                 

                   — Therefore should the nation which considered itself a “son“ of the Lord be less obedient?

     B.  Where is God’s Fear as Your Master?

            1.  A Master's Claim Only Illustrate God’s Claims of Honor from Us.

                  — Israelites might consider the Lord the Master of Israel. Scripture presents Israel as the Lord’s servant.  Isaiah 44:1-2,  Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: [2] Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen.

                  — How could the nation that was the Lord’s servant be disrespectful to Him?  

            2. “Fear” of God does not mean being terrified of Him;

                  — It means a proper respect and reverence for Him,

                  — A reverence that leads to worship and obedience.(Deut. 6:5 with Deut. 6:13).

                  — Where is the fear, respect, reverence the Lord deserves. “If I be a Master, where is my fear? saith the Lord. of host.”

            3.  A servant shows respect to his master;

                   — God is rightly called “Lord” and “Master” by His people.

                   — Why then was God treated in Judah as unimportant?

Luke 6:46, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

             4.  There is no necessary affection in this relationship, there is simply obligation and duty. A servant is bound to serve.

                   — Apply to the priests, who were precisely the servants of Jehovah's house, or temple.

                   — He had a right to claim service that would honor him, that would show reverence and fear, and would make others think highly of him. But that kind of service the priests were failing to render.

     C.  Where is God’s Honor as Your LORD?  “You O priests, that despise my name.”

          1.  Despise Means:

                A.  To regard with contempt or scorn.

                B.  To dislike intensely; loathe.

                C.  To regard as unworthy of one's interest or concern.

                        — A failure to look at attentively; observe closely.
                        — A failure to take into account; consider.

                D.  The opposite of highly esteeming.

          2.  God’s Name Means:

                A.  The Name of God is God himself and all that has to do with him.

                B.  In ancient Israel, a name was a symbol of a person’s character, works, and reputation. Therefore, this charge was most serious.

                C.  They were dishonoring God by defiling his name (Mal.1:6). How?  By not giving their best on the altar.

   3.  The Denial Offered.

        A.  The people of Judah react to this charge with another caustic reply. You can almost hear the tone of outraged innocence. “Wherein have we despised thy name?”

        B.  The priests have grown so callous and have so obscured true worship by their Pharisaical externalism, that they claimed to be utterly unaware of how they have shown contempt of God.

CONCLUSION:

The priests had “despised” God by offering offensive sacrifices in direct violation of the law (1:6-8; see Deut 15:21). They were mistreating God even disrespecting His name (1:8). Malachi was right to call them to repentance (1:9)! Are we making the same mistakes with our worship?

 

Royal Scrutiny

 

Royal Scrutiny

Psalm 50:8-15

Theme: The revival of our churches begins with a renewal in our worship of God. God’s priority is to restore His people and then return them to heartfelt (spirit) and genuine (truth) worship.

Relevance: the God of astonishing glory demands worship that work. The Christian lives in this tension between rituals and reality! Too often our churches are accused of hypocrisy: “They don’t practice what they preach.” We gather to merely go through the motions of “worship.”  

Introduction:

In Psalm 50 formalism in worship and hypocrisy in living are addressed by God. He is never happy with mere customary habits, religious formalities, ‘spiritual’ observances, ‘Christian’ religious ceremonial practices, or procedures rooted in rites, routines, and stereotypes.

Additionally, we cannot afford to merely “go through the motions.” Away with worship that is formally correct but empty of a heart that is eager to love and praise God. In these verses of Psalm 50, God examines the activities of his people and finds them observing routines while ignoring him.

Message:

    I.          The Royal Judge’s Examination (Ps. 50:8-15).

God’s scrutiny reveals worship, though correct in many regards, it is still formal and ritualistic.

A.   Reflecting on the Worship Israel Offered (Ps. 50:8-13).

1.     God does Not Rebuke them for Continuous Sacrifices and Offerings (v. 8). He affirms their sacrifices: “I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings” (see Ps. 40:6), given in the temple “continually.” Most of them were doing the right things at the correct times consistently. Some people were quite exact about this. 

2.     But God Noticed the Worship Israel Offered was Formal and Ritualistic.

a.      “Formalism refers to a tendency in religious thought and practice to shift focus away from the abstract, the spiritual, the personal, or the ethical principles in a religion and toward the outward forms that embody that religion. Outward forms can refer to: the sacred buildings or shrines in which worship occurs.” -David McCallum

b.     Formal type worship contains structures, set prayers, readings, or rituals. Typically, it is deceptive, prideful, hypocritical, devoid of commitment, it is not heartfelt, or indicative of real spiritual devotion to God.   

c.      The Lord Jesus rebuked the Scribes and Pharisees sharply for their hypocritical worship and pretentious lifestyles in Matt. 23. See Gal. 6:13-15; Lk. 11:37- 54.

3.     God does Not Need Israel’s Sacrifices and Offerings (vs. 9 -11). Truthfully, God does not need the sacrifices, but Israel does.

a.      God refuses to go looking for “a bullock out of thy house” or “goats,” when He owns all the beasts in the “forest” and “the cattle upon a thousand hills” (v. 10). Also, He has a superintending relationship with all “the fowls of the mountains” and “the wild beasts of the field.” Why then if God has vast herds and flocks would He need a single bull or goat?

b.     So, it is ridiculous according to verse 12, that God waits for any sacrifices to be offered to Him for a meal! God does not need Israel to feed Him, a common notion both ancient and modern religions held toward their gods or ancestors. Thus, He mockingly asks: “Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?” (Based on D. Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 13)

c.      But the trouble was that they thought these rituals completely discharged their obligations to Jehovah. They were like girls who treat their mother indifferently throughout the year, then smother her with chocolates on her birthday! Or like sons who never thank their father for all he does for them, then give him a gift tie on Father’s Day!

d.     So Jehovah protests that while they had loaded His altar with sacrificial animals, they had treated Him personally with cold neglect. As to the technical details of the offerings, His people had been punctilious. But when it came to a warm, personal relationship with the Lord Himself, they were seriously lacking. F. B. Meyer writes:

e.      The Psalm is a severe rebuke of the hypocrite who contents himself with giving a mere outward obedience to the ritual of God’s house, but withholds the love and homage of his heart.^[1]

4.     Sacrifices are not to be offered for God’s sake, but for Israel’s, as a sign of the covenant, as an act of surrender, and as a substitute for sin.

5.     We should treasure Christ Jesus even more because of the New Covenant, His willing surrender, and his complete Sacrifice for our sin. 1 Corinthians 1:29-31, That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

a.      Hebrews 9:12, Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

b.     Hebrews 9:26-28, For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

c.      Hebrews 1:9-10, Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

B.   Reflecting on the Worship God Desires (Ps. 50:14-15).

1.     Offer Thanksgiving (v. 14). True worship is defined in verse 14.

a.      It begins with the heart: “Offer unto God thanksgiving [sacrifice].”

b.     True worship also includes the heartfelt obedience of simple gratitude for His person and blessings.

c.      How may we express gratitude to God?

1.     Begin the day with thanksgiving to God.

2.     Thank Him in your daily and public worship.

3.     Speak of all of His benefits to family, friends and work associates.

4.     Thank Him as you read His Word, especially when he speaks to your heart in an obvious way.

5.     Thank Him for the hard things.

d.      Through the eyes of faith we can look beyond our present-day challenges. Being grateful in our circumstances is an act of faith requiring trusting God.

e.      No gift can ever take the place of simple gratitude. Too often we are like the family that took their queenly mother for granted, then after her death attempted to atone for their thanklessness by dressing her body in a two-thousand-dollar Dior original!^[2]

2.     Pay Vows (vs. 14). Thus “vows” must be paid “unto the Most High.”

a.     A “vow” is any kind of promised gift to God. He is the “Most High,” a title used by Melchizedek, king of Salem, who blesses Abraham (Gen. 14:18). It means “God above all other gods.”

b.     Fulfilled vows includes vows of love, worship, service, and devotion.^[3]

3.     Offer Prayers (v. 15). When worship is from the heart and exhibited in obedience, God promises that His people may “call upon [Him] in the day of trouble.” He will “deliver” them and they will “glorify” Him.

a.      When they were walking in obedience they can call on the Lord in a time of trouble and God promised to deliver them.

b.     This includes both the glory manifested in the rescue itself and the resulting praise from Israel (v. 15).

c.      This is a wonderful insight into the heart of God. He loves to hear His people pray, and He loves to answer those prayers. He cherishes an intimate, tender relationship between His people and Himself.^[4]

4.     A Great Deal of Stuff we do in the Name of worship is not Listed Here!

a.      Ritualistic singing, simply going through the motions, and mindless ‘participation’ in the services should be eliminated. The songs are a part of worship, not just preparation for preaching. Worship centers on God as the focus and not the Bible as the object. Experiences are validated by the Word.

b.     Allowing familiarity and routine to replace spiritual involvement; allowing whatever distractions to steal our attention and concentration. We must be present in the moment in order to worship God.

c.      ‘Praying’ to instruct people instead of praying to God; being more of a judge and inspector instead of a participant and worshiper. Allowing local traditions to trump truth and biblical standards/requirements.  

d.     Don’t use fire, dancing, secular music/songs, pride, irreverence, jealousy, and cynicism as they greatly hinder worship.

 

II.          The Royal Judge’s Explanation.

The Scriptures are abundantly clear that only God deserves true worship, not angels, mere other human beings, or idols (Exodus 20:3, Matthew 4:10). True worship involves the heart—God wants sincere worshipers, not people who just go through the motions…not just external actions (John 4:24, Psalms 51:16-17).

A.    Worship embraces giving our deepest affections and highest praise to God yielding our heart, soul, mind, and bodies to Him. Worship then is an extreme form of love — it’s a type of whole-hearted devoutness. True worship also involves expressions of obedience, praise, honor, adoration, and gratitude offered by regenerate believers who know and love him personally.

B.    As God’s people, we are sometimes guilty of using a “Christian” ritual while we mentally zone-out during a worship service resulting in a hateful form of hypocrisy. “Jesus’ advice to “worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) provides the proper correctives for these faults.”^[5]

C.    Clearly, we need the Lord Jesus in all facets of our lives if we hope to be fruitful and productive—this includes our worship.

1.     John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

2.     Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Again, we must be honest with God about our need for Christ in all facets of life. Forsake pridefulness, self-sufficiency, egotism, self-reliance, and independence.

D.    Beloved, we must view Worship as something we Need and not what God Needs. We cannot afford to miss this application. Too often we think that God needs us. He needs our money, our time, our service, our insight, our strength, and our worship. After all, what would He and His church do without us? This attitude is checked by the Judge in two respects.

First, it presupposes a weak God. But He is the sovereign Mighty God even the LORD! He owns the “cattle upon a thousand hills.” He needs neither us nor our money (Mal. 3:8-12). Second, it expresses too high a view of ourselves. Pride enters in and the proud cannot stand in the presence of the Holy God. “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance …. All nations before Him are as nothing” (Is. 40:15 & 17). (Based on D. Williams, The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 13)

E.     Our Worship must be a Living Sacrifice of heartfelt devotion, loyalty to truth, and obedience to God. The offering of oneself fully and completely to God is what he is after…this is real worship…and this is for our good!

1.     Deut. 6:4-5, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: and thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

2.     Deuteronomy 10:12, And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

3.     Deuteronomy 10:16, Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

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

5.     Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Conclusion:

Again, this is a personal and heartfelt (from the heart) offering indicated by Psalm 50! We are not dealing with a matter of constraint, compulsion, or reluctance (see 2Cor. 9:7). As our capable Judge, God points to the formalism in our worship and hypocrisy in our lives! And in many cases, we are guilty as charged. We now know that worship flows from a heart of love for God…from people who deeply want to please God; there is no motivation to merely do one’s duty or to check the box. We literally cease to operate purely out of a sense of obligation (Matt. 22:37-40). Beloved, worship needs to be our focus! His people must bring sacrifices of thanksgiving from obedient, trusting hearts.^[6]

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 628–629.

^[5] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.

^[6] Allen P. Ross, “Psalms,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 831.