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April 1, 2007
"Developing a Heart of Worship"
The World's Most Important Book—Part 10
1 Kings 8:1-9:9
True worship involves meeting God!
Definition: worship—the primary word used in the Old Testament means to bow down; the primary word used in the New Testament means to kiss.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.
—Romans 12:1
1. True worship requires careful preparation. (1 Kings 8:1-9)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
—Romans 12:2
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
—John 4:24
...let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire."
—Hebrews 12:28-29
IT IS NOT ABOUT YOU!
2. True worship includes:
- Prayer (1 Kings 8:22-53)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
—Psalm 19:14
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
—Colossians 4:2
- Praise (1 Kings 8:56)
Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.
—1 Kings 8:56
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
—Hebrews 13:15-16
- Preaching (1 Kings 8:57-61)
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
—2 Timothy 4:2-3
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
—Ephesians 4:11-13
- Offering (1 Kings 8:63)
"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."
—Psalm 50:23
Note: Giving is all about trust. The question we must ask ourselves is, "Can I trust God to meet my needs?" Jehovah Jireh—the Lord sees and provides for the necessities of His servants.
3. True worship's aim is meeting with God.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
—Psalm 42:1-2
The heart of true worship is not about what we do. It is about who we meet! And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
—2 Corinthians 3:18
Lifework
Questions to consider:
- When you come to church do you come expecting to meet God?
- How do you prepare yourself to meet with God?
- What part do the elements of worship play in bringing you into God's presence?
- What most quickly distracts you from meeting with God?