Worship and its Connection to Teaching

Introduction:

John 6:1-14 – Jesus feeds 5000 people. Large crowds followand people intrigued by His preaching and are drawn to Him by the miracles He worked. Jesus confronted them for their motive in seeking Him. His listeners needed to be concerned about the spiritual than physical. They needed to believe on Him. He was the Son of God. The Messiah. The Savior. John 6:37-40 contains a summary of the mission of Jesus in coming to earth. Everyone who believes in Jesus will have eternal life. 

I. In worship, we have an opportunity to teach the wonderful message of God.

A.       To communicate His message, God has chosen preaching.  See Romans 10:15-17

B.       The drawing power is contained in what we teach/preach.  The message, the gospel, Christ crucified.

1.        There is power in preaching on the awesome love of God.

                                                                    a.       1 John 4:9-10 – demonstrated in giving us Jesus.

                                                                    b.       Romans 5:6-10 – demonstrated in coming up with the plan.

2.        There is power in focusing on Jesus and His work in saving us through the cross. Philippians 2:6-9; Hebrews 12:2

3.        There is power in relating to others the incredible story of grace, mercy, and forgiveness of God.

C.       Must never get away from this message. It is why we are here today.

II. Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 4 gives us some objectives as we teach and worship.

A.       Worship/preaching/teaching should be a time to allow the life of Jesus to impact us.

1.        Should be a time of encouragement. Uplifting.

2.        Worship is not a time to get a “beat down.”

B.       Eph. 4:11-13 – goals of evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

1.        Goal: the unity of the faith.

2.        Goal: grow in the knowledge of the Son of God.

3.        Goal: spiritual maturity.

                                                                      a.       4:14-16

C.       This is what worship is about: magnifying Jesus.

D.       When we go back to the message, and get the message out, good things happen.

III. John 6:44 – in worship, God has an opportunity to draw us to Him.

A.       There are two sides to salvation. God’s and ours.  Passage teaches that God does play a role in our salvation. How?

1.        Through teaching. The message of the gospel.

2.        Through His providence.

B.       Are there things going on in your life where God is trying to tell you to wake up?

C.       God can work to help the soil of your heart become fit for the word of God.

D.       Our God is not aloof. He is not distant. He is not out of touch, nor is He disconnected.

1.        Just come to Him today.

E.       I N V I T A T I O N