Reverencing
God in Worship
Introduction
Who is God? How does finite man grasp the
infinite God? How does mortal man have a full understanding of immortality? While
we have been given a measure of intelligence, it doesn’t compare w/the
knowledge of God. There has only been so much revealed to us & that’s why
we’re left to trust in God more than we can explain about Him. Proverbs 3:5 teaches
us that God wants us to trust and obey.
I. Isa. 55:8-9 – Scripture reveals God is on His level
– we are on
our level.
A.
Everything man knows about God comes through creation or revelation.
1.
Existence & power of God is seen in creation – Psa.
19:1-6.
a)
19:2-4 – it is a silent declaration – but an awesome
declaration.
B.
Think of what has been revealed to us in scripture.
1.
Law has been
revealed by God – it is God’s message to us. Psa. 19:7-9; John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21
C.
When we begin to ponder the power & majesty of God – it
is a most humbling experience. Everything we have & are is due to Him.
Everything.
1.
Man has always had a tendency to forget this.
a)
Deut. 8:6, 10-14; 17-18 Israel did. So do we.
II.
God wants us to live for Him
A.
We struggle with this concept.Psa. 8:1, 3-4a
1.
We have been created for a high purpose – but fall short with sin – Rom.
3:23.
B.
It is the awesome, mighty God who gave His son to die – to
carry the load for us.
1.
We must embrace the one who stood in our place!
Heb. 2:9
C.
Psa. 8:9 – when we come to worship God – the thought
that His favor has
shown down us should move us to profound reverence. See also Psa. 9:1-2
III.
What is worship?
A.
Psa. 34:1-3 – worship is the natural response to God’s
amazing grace.
B.
When we worship, it should be according to what God wants –
not what we want!
C.
We must worship God in a way that brings glory to the Creator rather than the
created!
D.
Our view of God is magnified when we:
1.
Sing; partake of
the Lord’s Supper; pray
IV.
Is your spirit responding to God?
A.
Psa. 113:3; 34:1
B.
God wants your head & your heart! John 4:23-24
1.
The desire of the heart must go along w/a desire for truth!
C.
Mt. 23:23-24 – Pharisees practiced a lifeless religion of
obligation & routine.
D.
Knowledge w/o heart is a clear danger we must avoid!
V. We must respond with reverence and passion!
A.
Our worship must reflect an attitude of awareness & respect
for who He is.
1.
Reverence is seen by the way we approach worship.
2.
Reverence is seen in the way we dress for worship!
a)
Assembling with the people of God in reverence is not a casual occasion!
B.
He wants our passion. Psa. 122:1 – can you say this?
C.
Does worship capture our heart?
Conclusion:
A.
May God help us gain a deeper appreciation for who He is &
what He has done!
B.
Rev. 3:20 – is God knocking on the door of your heart? Open
the door and let Him in!