We have been shaped by the world we live in, whether we are aware of it or not. One way that many Christians have been conformed is in their expectations and expressions on the subject of worship.
We will look today how Jesus frames the issue around our heart’s desires, and calls us to look heavenward rather than satisfying our cravings for earthly things.
Misconceptions on Worship
- – Worship happens once a week
- – Worship is about singing and music
- – Worship is something only Christians do
- – Worship is optional
- – Worship requires a pastor or priest or professional
- – Worship is either intellectual or emotional
“Worship” comes from two words: “worth,” and “ship”
It literally means the recognition or attribution of something that has value, worth, or being worthy.
Identifying what you worship
- – What affects our attitudes and behaviors
- – What is most important to you?
- – What do you spend your time and money on?
- – What shapes your character?
- – What do you love the most?
Re-Formation on Worship
1 – Worship comes from what you love
Matthew 15:8-9
8 “‘These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.’”
2 – Worship comes at a cost
Luke 14:25-27
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
3 – Worship is both intentional and subconscious
John 21:15-17
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
4 – Worship is exclusive
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
5 – Worship encounters the person and presence of God
Psalm 73:25
“Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
6 – Worship cannot be compartmentalized
Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Recommendations on Worship
– Rummage sale what is in your heart
– Worship is evidenced in your obedience to love God by loving others
John 15:10-12
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
1 John 4:12; 20
12 “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
20 “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
– Who can you show love to today?