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Scripture Reading:  Psalm 100

Preparing for True Worship

Intro.

1.  Worship is the expression of honor, adoration & praise unto God, not an end in itself. Avoid vain worship by preparing ourselves to benefit from worship (spiritual reform & growth, Heb. 10:24-25).

2.  To achieve true worship (Jno. 4:24), must prepare ourselves to experience its joy & benefits (Psa. 100).

3.  Fact that worship becomes less than joyful seen in chronic absenteeism / tardiness, lack of zeal, not personally involved, etc.

4.  Some things to be & to do as a “prelude to praise.”

I. MUST APPROACH WORSHIP WITH A CORRECT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IT IS, THEN DO IT.

  A.  “The Act of Paying Reverence, Adoration, or Homage to God.”

     -proskuneo: “To kiss the hand towards;” make obeisance, do reverence, act of homage (Jno. 4:24)

     -sebomai: Revere, feeling of awe (Matt. 15:9)

     -latreuo: Render religious service (Phil. 3:3)

     -eusebeo: To act piously towards (Acts 17:23).  External act motivated by & expressive of an internal sentiment.

    1.  Worship is NOT spectator sport (merely present while others do things; each one a participant, Jno. 4:24.)

    2.  Worship is NOT competition with others (out do others present).

    3.  True worship involves TRUTH (Jno. 4:24):

      a.  Truth: More than emotion of heart is important -- (WHAT), Matt. 15:7-9; Rom. 10:1-3.

      b.  Must do scriptural things in scriptural ways.

II. MUST APPROACH WORSHIP WITH A PROPER “MIND SET” (Proper Hearts), Psa. 111:1.

  A.  True Worship is in SPIRIT (Jno. 4:24).

    1.  Inner man participates in homage given.

    2.  Bodily presence alone not all that is important, cf. 1 Cor. 11:17, 27-29.

  B.  Preparing our Hearts to Worship:

    1.  Plan ahead, Psa. 122:1.  Prepare heart long before arriving: e.g., rest, good relationships (Matt. 5:23), planning.

    2.  Mind preparation VITAL to true worship.

III.  MUST HELP CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS CONDUCIVE TO TRUE WORSHIP.

  A.  A Setting that Promotes Reverence, Heb. 12:28; Psa. 89:7.

    1.  Begins with the heart, Hab. 2:20 (Zeph. 1:7; Psa. 46:10). 

    2.  Minimize distractions that hinder reverent worship, 1 Cor. 11:20-22.

    3.  Things which hinder proper hearts & proper actions in our worship.

  B.  Setting that is Decent & Orderly, 1 Cor. 14:40 (14:23-25, “mad confusion”).

    1.  Some distractions unavoidable & unpredictable: Medical emergencies, small children, weather, etc.

      a.  Don’t hesitate to bring babies -- & don’t hesitate to train them.

      b. Older ones need to help by being understanding & supportive.

    2.  Many distractions are preventable: Habitual tardiness, talking, passing notes, even sleeping/snoring (clipping nails); rest rooms.

  C.  Avoid Merely Appearing to be Reverent, Mal. 1:6-8, 13.

    1.  Reverence for God (godly fear) will produce submissive hearts & obedient behavior when we worship.

    2.  Avoid confusing reverence with external surroundings (Matt. 15:8-9; 23:5-7).

IV.  NEVER LET YOUR WORSHIP BECOME COMMONPLACE.

    -Like any relationship, when our worship of God is taken for granted, we display a lack of love (cf. marriage), cf. Psa. 122:1.

  A.  Avoid Ritualism by being involved in Private Devotion, Meditation, Prayer, Study, etc.

      -One who fails to do this in private will have trouble doing so in the assembly!

Conclusion

      Experience the joys & benefits of worship by preparing for it with a correct understanding (“mind set”), orderliness & devotion.