Worship
2In our most recent Wednesday night meetings we have been discussing worship.
These are a few of my observations. The following comments are not exhaustive.
It is my hope that they will stimulate both questions to me and conversation with me and others who might enter the conversation.
Thoughts:
- We are created for worship.
- From Genesis to Revelation the scriptures are concerned with worship.
- I would add that love, adoration, and giving of honor preexisted creation within the Trinity.
- Our reflection of this Trinitarian blessedness is reflected in our giving God glory and enjoying him forever.
- The Father is seeking those who worship Him, to worship in spirit and truth.
- Before the treasonous rebellion of Genesis 3, mankind (in Adam) was accustomed to Holy communion with his creator.
- Foreknowingly, God in eternity past, possessing all wisdom and power, graciously provided a way to restore this communion.
- This gracious provision is grounded in the person and work of Jesus the Christ.
- The irrevocable promises of God in the Old Testament find their fulfillment in Christ, and point to the time when the redeemed will again worship and enjoy the glory of God face to face.
- This eternal bliss of untainted worship will never diminish.
- To this we can with expectant hearts give thanks and glory to the provider.
- John 4 points to the heart of the Father and John 17 points to the heart of the Son.
- The Holy Spirit that dwells among us and in us points us to these realities.
Other thoughts:
- Worship is commanded.
- Worship is sought. Joh 4
- Everybody worships something or someone.
- The gifts of faith and worship have the same source and the same object.
Questions:
- Q. Who do or should we worship?
- A. We should worship God and God alone.
- Q. How should we worship?
- A. We should worship in spirit and in truth and with fear and trembling.
- Q. Why should we worship with fear and trembling?
- A. “Our God is a consuming fire.”
- What is worship?
- A. Worship like faith is the Spirit effected response to the Spirit’s presentation/proclamation/revelation/illumination of the Triune God. (my definition is a work in progress so help me refine)
- Q. Are there internal expressions of worship?
- A. Adoration, praise, satisfaction, thanksgiving, dependence, and rest (these are Spirit effected responses)
- Q. Are there external expressions of worship?
- A. Yes, in both words and deeds that flow from the internal expressions of worship.
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. ps.34:8
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2 Comments
Bob Veale Jul 8, 2021 @ 8:58 am
Jonathan Pierce Jul 4, 2021 @ 6:56 pm
9And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Much was said this morning in Sunday School that was such a blessing and cause to worship God. Just a few thoughts as I listened. Concerning the knowledge of his will and the knowledge of God.
First, I would suggest that the two are inseparable.
Second, I would suggest that Paul is talking about an intimate knowledge with God and not a general knowledge about God.
Paul prays for the same kind of knowledge for the Ephesians. “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” Eph. 1:17 (see also 4:14-19; “to comprehend”, “to know” “
Paul prays the same thing for himself, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Phil. 3:10
Problem in the OT.
Isaiah 1:3 (ESV)
3The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Solution in the NT
John 17:1–4 (ESV)
1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you,
2since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
3And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
4I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.