Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:1-5
"I'm Here"
Intro.
1. Why are you here today?
a. You don’t want to be here, but someone “made” you come.
b. You “have to come” to keep up appearances.
c. You want to be with someone who is here, so you come with them.
d. “The elders will call me if I’m not here.”
2. These are not worthy reasons for assembling with the saints.
I. WHY BE HERE.
A. To Praise God, not to Just “Show Up,” Psa. 35:18; Heb. 10:24-25; Acts 20:7.
1. Do you sing with the spirit and understanding? 1 Cor. 14:15
2. Did you say the “Amen” at the giving of thanks? 1 Cor. 14:16
3. Do you remember Christ’s death?
4. Do you give as you’ve prospered?
5. Do you open your Bible to listen to God?
B. To Edify and to be Edified, 1 Cor. 14:26.
1. Bible teaching, Acts 20:32 (7); 1 Cor. 14:3-4.
2. With understanding, 1 Cor. 14:9, 12, 17.
3. Speaking to one another in song, Ephesians 5:19.
4. Spiritual growth, Acts 2:42.
II. HOW TO BE HERE.
A. Be here Reverently.
1. With godly fear, Mal. 1:6-8; Psa. 89:7.
2. Not play time, entertainment time, or social hour.
3. Decent and orderly, 1 Cor. 14:33, 40.
B. Be here Eagerly.
1. Glad hearts, Psa. 122:1.
2. Do not grow weary with worship: “I know all this already,” Mal. 1:12-14.
C. Be here Consistently, Heb. 10:25.
III. WHAT TO DO HERE.
A. Honor God, Mal. 1:6-8.
1. With clean hands and pure hearts, Mal. 1:9-11.
2. In spirit and truth, Jno. 4:23-24.
3. Worship is directed toward God.
4. Worship is about God – Not you and me.
B. Participate (Eph. 5:19; 1 Cor. 11:33; 14:16; 16:2; Acts 20:7).
1. Every Christian fully engaged, Eph. 4:16.
2. Free from distractions, Matt. 5:23-26.
3. Christ does, Matt. 26:29; 1 Cor. 10:16.
Conclusion
Psalm 103:1-5:
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
From the depth of our souls, let us worship God for who He is, and for what He does for us (Eph. 1:3).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: July 26, 2017