What God Wants Everyday

What God Wants Everyday

John 4:23-24

Subject: Worship

Theme: God wants genuine heart-felt Christ-centered worship from each believer throughout each day.

John 4:23-24, But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers 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.

Introduction:

We know many things are done in the name of worship in churches and stadiums, but does God accept these sometimes-sincere gestures? What kind of worship is acceptable to Him? Our focus should not be on the congregation whether saved or lost, but on God whom we presume to adore.

Worship basically means to “express by attitude and possibly by position one’s allegiance to and regard for deity—‘to prostrate oneself in worship, to bow down and worship, to worship.’ Mt 2:2.^[1]

Worship can also mean “to bow the knee,” suggesting more than merely the position/posture of our body….

Webster’s Dictionary says worship involves adoring, idolizing, esteeming worthy, reverencing, and giving homage. This indicates our definition of worship must encompass both an attitude and an act.

Sincere adoration extends into the very depths of our souls and far beyond external indicators. God’s Word contains stores of instructions about really worshiping God that clarify and expand our conception of worship. He patiently teaches us how to embrace true worship and progress on our spiritual journey.

Lesson:

Here are some critical facts to reflect on about “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) requirement of our Lord Jesus:

Worship takes various forms involving lifestyle actions of devotion, service, and obedience, treating daily life as a sacrifice to our great God. In John 4:24, Jesus states: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth”. Actual worship is not bound by location nor merely external but is an internal reality—sincere devotion (spirit) rooted in the authenticity of God’s Word and His very incredible nature (truth).        

1.      “God is a Spirit”: We must realize that God is not tied to one location or place for our worship. As “Spirit” He is free of such boundaries and confinements; He can receive our worship from anywhere. Because God is not limited by physical form, worship is not restricted to specific places like temples, mountains, or even church buildings. Meeting with God cannot be relegated to a room, a chair, or a place in our homes.

• God is Spirit asserts that “God is not one Spirit among many. This is a declaration of His invisible nature. He is not confined to one location. Worship of God can be done only through the One (Jesus) who expresses God’s invisible nature (1:18) and by virtue of the Holy Spirit who opens to a believer the new realm of the kingdom (cf. 3:3, 5; 7:38–39).”^[1]

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^[1] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” 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), 286.

1. “In Spirit”: There is an honest recognition of God and a reflective authentic response to Him. The idea “in Spirit” signifies that worship comes from the heart—real genuine, legitimate honest admissions—guided by the Holy Spirit, and is not merely external rituals, formal procedures and ceremonies, mindless liturgies, or ignorant conventions. This implies sincere devotion invading into the extreme farthest reaches of our inner most being transforming us into unrecognizable souls who treasure/value God most. Externally we reveal intense and genuine loyalty to the one true God partly evidenced by changes, corrections, and reprioritizations in daily matters.
• 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.^[3]
2. “In Truth”: Indicates that worship aligns with God’s essential nature, the true declarations of Scripture, Jesus Christ— “The Truth” (Jn. 1:14; 14:6), and the teachings of Christ. We must worship according to the truth of Jesus’ person and work, for He is the truth (Jn. 17:3; 18:37) and, thus, the solitary way we may truly worship God. God is revealed as the “true” God (1 Jn. 5:20) and the Holy Ghost is described by the Lord Jesus as the “Spirit of Truth” (Jn. 16:13). This truth about “the Truth” demands genuineness, authenticity, transparency, and honesty with God, ourselves, and people. While we are not perfect or flawless, we refuse to resort to excuses making real progress living for God.
• True worshipers are those who realize that Jesus is the Truth of God (3:21; 14:6) and the one and only Way to the Father (Acts 4:12). To worship in truth is to worship God through Jesus.^[4]
• In spirit and truth…. This is what matters, not where, but how (in reality, in the spirit of man, the highest part of man, and so in truth). All this is according to the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:5) who is the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Here Jesus has said the final word on worship….^[5]
3. The Father’s Expectations: The Father seeks (like a shepherd pursues a lost sheep, like a farmer expects fruit, or like an investor requires ROI) such genuine adoration. 
• The Father is seeking true worshipers because He wants people to live in reality, not in falsehood. Everybody is a worshiper (Rom. 1:25) but because of sin many are blind and constantly put their trust in worthless objects.^[6]

Christ ideas contrasts with rigid, traditional, or location-based worship, focusing instead on a personal, authentic connection to God. 

Conclusion:

Unfortunately, many people offer God ‘worship’ that satisfies their cultural ideas, and this can be seen in churches and large auditoriums. Churches also have programed the ‘worship services’ to be more people centered omitting the fact that it is God we have gathered to worship. While some of the cultural ideas are acceptable, we must note carefully what God himself stated as a requirement. 

Because God is spirit, we as genuine worshippers must connect with Him sincerely through the Holy Spirit and in accordance with the truth of Jesus’s teachings. Let us freely give God our Father precisely what he is looking for: genuine heart-felt Christ-centered worship from each one of us believers throughout each day He gives us to glorify Him.

As a means of establishing intimate fellowship with God, worship is a necessary element of our faith. Focus your mind and heart on God with clear Bible statements and worship Him accordingly. Jesus stipulates that we worship in “Spirit and in truth” to access the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of Scripture.

Beloved, a serious way to respect and adore God is authentic worship. This is the very essence of our connection with Him. Give God your love and respect, expressing your appreciation for His majesty. Worship Him with sincerity and delight; let worship change your relationship with Him and with others.

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^[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 539.

^[2] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” 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), 286.

^[3] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1485.

^[4] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” 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), 286.

^[5] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jn 4:23.

^[6] Edwin A. Blum, “John,” 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), 286.

Christ Died for Our Sins

 

Christ Died for Our Sins

The phrase ‘Jesus died for my sins’ is a central Christian idea referring to our Lord Jesus, who was sinless, dying on the cross as a substitute to pay the penalty for our sins. This action satisfied God’s justice, resulting in the forgiveness of our sins as repentant believers trusting in Christ. We are thusly reconciled with God…we began a new relationship with Him as his children. Essentially as our ‘Substitute,’ Jesus took the punishment that we deserved because of our sins. Christ did not only die for you and me; He died for our sin. Sin is that serious with our heavenly Father.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

2 Corinthians 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isaiah 53:5, But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

1 John 2:2, And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Let us avoid the modern trends that downplay sin or dismiss our sinfulness altogether. No, we cannot view sin as a trivial or small matter when God makes such a big deal of this. It is not only solid theology, but it is a principle of the gospel. “Christ died for our sin,” yes, this is correct, important to God for us to acknowledge, and the truth about our human nature.

Plagues of Marriage

 

GENESIS 2:18-25

SUBJECT: THE FOUNDATION OF MARRIAGE

THEME: We must Return to the Lord’s Plan and Design for the Help of Our Marriages and the Preservation of Our Culture.  God’s Plan Is over 6, 000 Years Old, but it Still Holds out the Light of Hope and Fulfillment in this Age Darkened by Family Confusion and Social Corrosion. 

RELEVANCE: 

Is There Any Hope for the Institution of "Marriage"?  Some experts are saying that marriage as we now know it is on the way out. As divorce rates continue to climb, or at least stay at incredibly high levels, many people, in and out of the church, are growing doubtful about marriage. Even for seemingly "perfectly matched" couples, marriage has become more of a risk and curse instead of a blessing (H. N. Wright).

INTRODUCTION:

What is Marriage? Marriage is an exclusive relationship in which a man and a woman commit themselves to each other in covenant for life, and on the basis of this solemn vow become “one flesh” physically (Gen. 2:24; Mal. 2:14; Matt. 19:4-6). Christian Marriage involves two Christians, a Covenant of Commitment to each other, physical consummation of the union, and commitment to God’s plan for marriage. Marriage is a gift from God, and it was not just for convenience, nor was it brought about by any culture. It is wonderfully the Creator’s idea and He gave instructions to His creatures regarding it administration.

Many of the problems couples face in marriage persist because of ignorance, lack of diligence, or a failure to adhere to these basic spiritual principles of marriage. There are five major changes taking place in the institution of marriage today:

         ·       A decline in understanding between marriage partners.

         ·       Acceptance of the new morality, which is replacing Judeo-Christian values.

         ·       The spread of secular humanistic philosophy, which rivals Christian truth. 

         ·       The loss of determination to stay married.

         ·       The development of unrealistic marriage expectations.

LESSON:

FIVE CHANGES PLAGUING MARRIAGES.

A.    Decline of Understanding and Lack of Communication Go Together. Many couples today lack the kind of communication skills that produce the understanding necessary for a marriage to grow strong, or even exist.

       1.     Learn to Talk to Achieve Understanding. Understanding in a marriage doesn't mean that there are no differences. It does mean that you and your mate are able to talk about the differences and come to an understanding of each other's views. Mutual submission enables a couple to practice this form of communication (Eph. 5:21; 1Pet. 5:5). You are able to accept the fact that your partner was raised in a different fashion and because of that will react differently than you. Just because something was done in a certain manner in your home when you were growing up does not mean that it has to be done that same way in your new home.

       2.     Learn to Talk To Adjust to Each Other.

a.      Two people who love one another but are unable to understand each other suffer pain—a continual biting pain in their relationship. Understanding may not come easily, but a willingness to share views, to see the "other side of the question," to talk things out can help a husband and wife adjust and adapt to their honest differences of opinion.

b.     ILLUSTRATION:  Someone has likened this adjustment to two porcupines who lived in Alaska. When the deep and heavy snows came they felt the cold and began to draw close together. However, when they drew close they began to stick one another with their quills. When they drew apart they felt the cold once again. In order to keep warm they had to learn how to adjust to one another.

B.     Acceptance of the New Morality, which is Replacing Judeo-Christian Values. 

        1.     Moral refers to ideas of right and wrong behavior along with good and bad motives.  The ‘old morality’ was based on the Bible and the Ten Commandments. However, the new morality rejects this absolute standard for relativism, situation ethics, and whatever makes you happy. Remember, Paul warned Timothy of the perils of deceivers and false doctrines and dangerous philosophies (2Tim. 3:1, 6-9, 13; Col. 2:8).

        2.     I believe the “new morality” is negatively affecting the American family. In fact, this supposed “new morality” has led to a serious breakdown in traditional Judeo-Christian morality.  People are rejecting the Bible-based standards of moral behavior and wholly embracing the culture-based standards.

        3.     Because the culture-based standard of morality relaxes sensual prohibitions and eliminates sexual taboos, society is now suffering the consequences. In fact this ethical shift has resulted in a tremendous increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STD), illegitimate births, and abortions.  No-fault divorces create millions of single-parent families that have inherent difficulties.  Single mothers entered the workforce by the millions and latchkey kids have become a national concern.  Homosexual behavior, palimony, family violence, date rape, pornography, sexual harassment, drugs and alcohol addictions, alternative family lifestyles are some of the additional problems resulting from the disintegration of traditional morality.

C.    The Spread of Secular Humanistic Philosophy, which Rivals Christian Truth. 

         1.     What is secular humanism.  A good working definition of secular humanism can be found in Webster’s Dictionary, “a system of doctrines and practices that reject any form of religious faith and worship.” 

a.      The term secular humanists has been used to identify those who would remove religious influence from the institutions of American society—government, courts, education, economics, and media.

b.     In addition others describe humanists thusly, “In their self-definition God does not exist, and it is a destructive illusion to believe in him.  They promote a way of life that systematically excludes God and all religion in the traditional sense.”

c.      It is “an anti-Christian system of thought that influences every decision and most of a person’s actions.  It is anti-God, anti-moral, anti-self restraint, and anti-American.”—Tim LaHaye

          2.     We must not confuse humanism for humanitarianism.  It is interesting to note that humanist masquerade as humanitarians, but their belief is actually anti-human and they are the number one enemy of the traditional family.

a.      A true humanitarian will promote human welfare and social reform, but secular humanism inspires destructive relativistic value systems.  They firmly reject monogamous marriage as instituted by God. They fervently encourage easy divorces, remarriage, serial polygamy, rejection of biblical authority, situation ethics, hedonism, and extremes forms of women’s liberation, legalizing abortion, and the elimination of marriage.  This is a literal portrayal of life in the last days as Paul described it (2Tim. 3:1-5).  People are lovers of themselves and lovers of pleasure!

b.     There are four basic convictions that distinguish secular humanism from Christian humanism, “confidence in God and Christ; supernatural world-view; the power of Christ acting through the church; and incarnational humanitarianism.” 

c.      Francis Schaeffer insisted that the conflict is between the Judeo-Christian view of God with absolute values of right and wrong and a humanistic system “with only personal, arbitrary, relative values.”  The current conflict between Christianity and humanism is the age-old struggle between God and Satan, right and wrong, darkness verses light, sin against righteousness.

d.     God is the ultimate Final Reality.  He is the infinite personal God who is truly there.  To the God of the Bible things are not neutral.  There are definitely absolutes; there is right and wrong in the world.  He authored the Ten Commandments!

            3.     Since secular Humanists control the media, it would be helpful to beware of their impact.  Has television viewing had a negative influence on the American family?  How does it contribute to the violence in American culture? The impact of television on the American family is a net negative.  Since television programming is largely influenced by secular humanism, it is a moral descent from filth, smut, and innuendo to depravity.  

a.      It is their aim to destroy the country’s moral fiber and with it the traditional family.  They manipulate this communication tool to control the way people think and over exposure to secular input is “dangerous.” 

b.     Many parents use the television as a babysitting method, but this exposes the children to sex, profanity, and violence.  This is one of the leading causes of aggressive behavior in preschool children according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  In addition the violence viewed on television is being carried out in the homes, schools, and streets of the nation.  Generally, young people are desensitized to violence; this is presently a cultural reality in America.

D.    A Lack of Determination to Stay Married Is Seen Today on Every Hand.

         1.     Quitting Marriage is Alarmingly Common and Pervasive. To have had more than one husband or wife is not considered at all unusual.  As one woman filled out an application for a new job, she came to the question, "Married or Single?" Her answer: "Between marriages."

         2.     Impatience is a Massive Character Flaw Among Modern Couples. Many enter marriage with the attitude that if they do not get along they can break the relationship and try again. Many people are too impatient with their marriages. They do not want to live "happily ever after." They want to live "happily right away" and when this does not happen, they bail out. A grand helping of ‘patience’ would do the average marriage a lot of good and help the couple endure to finally experience fulfillment God’s way (Js. 1:2-7; 5:7-11; Rom. 5:1-5).

E.     Too Many Young Couples Enter Marriage Blinded by Unrealistic Expectations.

         1.     Young Couples Want Romance All the Time. They believe the relationship should be characterized by a high level of continuous romantic love. As one young adult said: "I wanted marriage to fulfill all my desires. I needed security, someone to take care of me, intellectual stimulation, economic security immediately—but it just wasn't like that!"

         2.     Young Couples Want a Cinderella “Magic.” People are looking for something "magical" to happen in marriage.  But magic doesn't make a marriage work: hard work does. When there are positive results in a relationship, it is because of two people working together one step at a time.

         3.     Married Couples Need to Return to God’s Enduring Plan for Marriage. This brings us back to the potential of hope, fulfillment, and happiness.  What then is a Christian marriage?

F.     Why should we be concerned about changes in the family? Every one of us should be concerned about changes in the family because the family does not exist in a vacuum.  It is interrelated with four other basic institutions of society: religious, economic, governmental, and educational institutions.  Changes in the family will dramatically affect the others.

CONCLUSION:

The problem is not the institution of marriage, but our view of Marriage and Family have greatly departed from God’s original plan. Our generation is actually watching the death of marriage from a biblical and traditional perspective.  But, God’s Enduring Plan for Married Life still shines like a beacon of hope to every couple and single alike. The preservation of the institution of Marriage can only be realized in our culture as we submit to God’s enduring plan.  It’s time for Christian marriages and families to demonstrate a way of living that is rewarding, meaningful, and fulfilling. God’s Plan for couples should be evident to the world as it looks at Christian marriages and families.  As we realize God’s plan in our lives we supply hope to the many others who need direction, counsel, and hope.

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.