The Disciplined Attitude

Introduction:

Today…we’ll talk about the disciplined attitude when it comes to respect for God. Is our respect for God seen in the way we worship Him? Think of someone who you profoundly appreciate & deeply respect. Why do you admire them? If you were to speak of this person to me – could I hear your respect & admiration in your words & voice? Do you ever talk about God the way you talk about this person? How often do we realize the good experiences we have in life come from God?

I. The blessings Christians experience is because they’ve made peace with God.

A.    The sinner is not at peace with God. Isa. 59:1-2 – he is separated from God.

B.    Think – of what God does for you everyday!

1.     What would your life be like for just 24 hours if God did absolutely nothing for you?  God is the reason we are alive!

C.    Gen. 8:15-22 – when Noah stepped off the ark onto dry land – Noah knew what God had done for him.

1.     How fortunate was Noah? Consider Gen. 6:5-6

1.     8:20 – what’s the first thing Noah did when he stepped off the ark?  Sacrifice & worship for God.

2.     Noah offered b/c he was grateful & thankful. God was touched!

D.    When we worship God in truth, with our heart & soul – this is what touches God & deeply pleases Him.

1.     We can do exactly what God commands in the name of obedience – and still insult & deeply offend God!  See Isa. 1:10-17

a)    If worship doesn’t come from the heart – it is an insult.

b)    If it doesn’t come from sincere appreciation – it is an insult.

c)    If worship doesn’t honor God – it is an insult.

II. Let’s evaluate our attitude toward worship.

A.    What is our attitude as we prepare our minds for worship?

1.     As a congregation – we need to focus more prior to worship.

2.     Before worship we need to ask:

a)    Why am I here?

b)    What do I expect now that I am here?

c)    What will I contribute by my being here?

d)    What will I receive as a result of my being here?

e)    How will my being here affect me & my life?

B.    Psa. 95:1-7 we should be filled w/an attitude of gratitude!

1.     Should be seen in the way we arrange our lives around worshipping God!

C.    Our attitude of gratitude as we worship God should also be seen in the way we dress for worship.

1.     Shouldn’t we dress in such a way that reflects our sincere gratitude & reverence for God?

D.    Our attitude is reflected in our actions!

1.     Mt. 12:33; Psa. 122:1 – can we say this along with David?

Conclusion:

A.    Song # 564.  How often do we say/thing words that depicted in this song?

1.     God has done everything for us!

2.     How fortunate we are that saved us from our sin!

B.    We must discipline ourselves. Never take for granted what God has done for you!