AM Sermon 9/29/2013: Personalizing Worship & Getting More Out of It
AM Scripture Reading: John 4.19-26
This Morning’s Sermon:
Brent T. Willey
PERSONALIZING WORSHIP & GETTING MORE OUT OF IT
Introduction:
- Some background regarding the Samaritans is necessary in order to understand the discourse between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. (John 4.5-26; cf., 2 Kings 17; Ezra 4.1-3)
- In verse 22, Jesus accurately concluded of the Samaritans at large, “You worship what you do not know…”
- God desires that we personalize worship and make it a more meaningful experience, but this requires an investment on our part – physically, spiritually and emotionally!
PERSONALIZING WORSHIP
- This does not mean making worship about “me.”
- “Worship” [proskuneō], “prostrating oneself in homage” to another; “to reverence, adore” (Strong).
- Worship is God-directed, not self-directed! (Matt. 4.10)
- God-centered worship: “in spirit and truth” (vs. 23-24).
- What does this mean, to “worship in spirit and truth”?
- “Spirit” – “the disposition or influence which fills or governs the soul of anyone” (Thayer; e.g., 1 Cor. 14.15).
- “Truth” – “what is true in pertaining to God & the duties of man, moral & religious truth” (ibid. e.g., John 17.17).
GETTING MORE OUT OF WORSHIP
- We must prepare ourselves for worship.
- The example of the Levitical priesthood. (Num. 8.21)
- The example of Jesus & His disciples. (Luke 22.8-9)
- Even though the worship assembly is a collective action, acceptable worship involves personal attention.
- Singing – Sing out! (1 Cor. 14.15; Col. 3.16-17)
- Prayer – Listen to say “Amen!” (1 Cor. 14.16)
- Lord’s Supper – Looks in 4 directions! (1 Cor. 11.23-30)
- Contribution – Is planned! (1 Cor. 16.1-2; 2 Cor. 9.6-7)
- Preaching – Check God’s Word! (Acts 17.11)
Conclusion: What one “gets out of worship” very much depends on what one decides to invest in it. Invest wisely.
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