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 7^th 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