Scripture Reading: Revelation 4:8-11
Do Not Let Worship Become Commonplace
Intro.
1. God seeks and only accepts true worship, Jno. 4:23-24.
a. We must offer Him the worship He commands.
b. We must offer Him worship from hearts of faith.
2. Devil distorts worship in both these ways:
a. By corrupting how people worship (additions, deletions), Mal. 1:6-11; cf. Lev. 10:1-2.
b. By corrupting the heart that brings worship to God, Mal. 1:12-14; cf. Isa. 29:13-14; Matt. 15:7-9.
3. Worship must never become commonplace (ordinary, mindless routine); Recognizing the holiness of God, Lev. 10:3.
4. How we can avoid worship becoming commonplace.
I. AN EXEMPLARY WORSHIP GATHERING, Neh. 8:1-12.
A. Holy Day to the Lord, Neh. 8:1-2, 9. (first day of 7th mo.)
1. Feast of Trumpets, Lev. 23:23-25. Summoned by God to remember, to cease work, and make an offering to God.
2. Worship is a holy gathering: Set apart for special activity, Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 20:7.
3. Turning assembly into common and casual gathering invites corruption (vain) of worship. (Conduct, dress, etc.)
B. United Purpose, Neh. 8:1.
1. Gladness of heart to worship God, Psa. 122:1.
2. United in common faith, focus, and favor, cf. 1 Cor. 11:17-18.
3. Division pollutes worship, Matt. 5:23-24.
C. Attentiveness, Neh. 8:3-4.
1. Quiet so they could hear God’s word and understand it (cf. Mary, Lk. 10:39).
2. Without confusion and distractions, 1 Cor. 14:33, 40.
D. Reverence, Neh. 8:5. (They showed respect for God’s word.)
1. David worshiped in fear of God, Psa. 5:7; 89:7; Heb. 2:11-12.
2. Many worship like God is a buddy; casually, social gathering.
E. Participated with Humility, Neh. 8:6.
1. Empty before God; humble deference to God.
2. cf. Our prayers and singing, cf. 1 Cor. 14:15-16.
F. Spiritual Goals, Neh. 8:7-9.
1. To teach and learn God’s word with understanding (2).
2. They left with joy, understanding God’s will, Neh. 8:12.
3. Not a show, not a self-validation session, not about us – worship is about God, Jno. 4:23; cf. Jas. 2:1-4.
4. Goals of our worship: Honor and praise God in spirit and truth.
a. Pray: Petition, thank, and adore God.
b. Sing: Teach and admonish one another, praising God.
c. Lord’s Supper: Remember Christ’s death for our sins.
d. Give: Give thankfully of our possessions.
e. Preach word: Teach and learn for conviction, dedication…
G. Reactions to Worship.
1. Conviction (9), correction (14-17), joy (12, 17), and continuance (18).
2. Tears of penitence turned to joy of renewal, cf. 2 Cor. 7:9-11.
3. Accept the strengthening, correcting, and purifying effects of worship by applying God’s word to our lives. (Jas. 1:21-22)
Conclusion
1. Worship becomes commonplace (corrupted) when hearts degrade the holiness of God and worshipers.
2. Worship becomes commonplace (corrupted) when truth is cast aside for humanly-devised acts of worship.
3. As we regularly assemble to worship let it not be defiled by attitudes and actions that say it is commonplace to us.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted December 3, 2020