{"id":2059,"date":"2018-12-09T13:43:17","date_gmt":"2018-12-09T18:43:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/?p=2059"},"modified":"2018-12-09T13:43:17","modified_gmt":"2018-12-09T18:43:17","slug":"the-awe-in-worship-december-9th-2018","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/?p=2059","title":{"rendered":"The Awe In Worship – December 9th, 2018"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"aa.10.26.worship\"<\/a><\/h3>\n

Central Thought: True worship leads to righteous living and righteous living enriches congregational worship.<\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hymn: \u201cOh Worship the King\u201d<\/p>\n

Text: Isaiah 6:1-5; John 4:19-34; 2 Chronicles 5:1-14<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

God Almighty, the Creator of the universe and everything therein and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind from death, destruction, deserve our praise, thanks, honor, adoration and worship. We can do nothing without Him because He is our source.<\/p>\n

After creating the heavens and the earth, God created man in His image and likeness to live in comfort and enjoy His creation and reciprocate by serving and worshiping Him all the days of his life. When man sinned and became separated from God, He sent His only begotten Son to redeem him from death and destruction, so that he (man) can continue to live in comfort and enjoyment.\u00a0 For these reasons every living soul ought to serve and worship the Almighty God for His goodness, loving kindness and mercy.\u00a0 True worship arises from a heart that is fully or totally yielded unto God, which begins with the acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior and is reflected in total obedience to the will of the Almighty.<\/p>\n

As believers we must acknowledge that we are privileged to be partakers of God\u2019s divine grace, as made available in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In response to His divine grace, we must approach Him reverently, in faith and humility, yielding our Spirit, Soul and body unto Him without any reservation.\u00a0 The believer must also live in constant consciousness of the constant presence of the Almighty.\u00a0 This will enable him or her to faithfully live for Him and not soil his or her life with sin.<\/p>\n

Conclusively, it is not enough to worship but there is also need for the believer to stand in awe of Him, recognizing that in spite of His glory and majesty, He condescended to fellowship with His creatures.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lesson Objectives:<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. To explain the meaning of worship.<\/li>\n
  2. To identify who to worship.<\/li>\n
  3. To know how to worship.<\/li>\n
  4. To understand what is meant by making a joyful noise unto the Lord.<\/li>\n
  5. To know the hindrances to worship.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

     <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n
      What is worship?<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      In Great Illustrated Dictionary, \u2018worship\u2019 is defined as the reverent love and allegiance accorded a deity; ardent devotion; adoration.<\/p>\n

      The Christians worship the Almighty God who made the heavens and earth, and everything therein. Through God we live, move and have our being.\u00a0 By God, our redemption was made possible through Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son who told us not to fear since He holds the keys of hell and death.\u00a0 Hence with gladness we solicit for God\u2019s divine presence through worship as He is our comforter, defender, provider, healer, etc.\u00a0 Also, God promised that He would be with us always even till the end of the world.<\/p>\n

      In worship, we make a joyful noise unto the Lord with singing, praises and thanksgiving, proclaiming His good and mighty works. As revealed in the \u201cLord prayer\u201d in Matthew 6:9-10, we hallow God\u2019s name through worship as done in heaven.\u00a0 The angels and the twenty four elders do not rest day and night in heaven, glorifying, honoring and thanking God, Revelation 4:9-11.\u00a0 Worship is total surrender to God of our all, appreciating and giving Him credit for everything we have or have achieved since we can do nothing without Him, 2 Chronicles 5:11-14; Psalm 100:1-5<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

        \n
      1. \n
        Who should we worship? Exodus 20:1-5; Luke 4:6-8<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        As the Creator of the universe and everything therein, God Almighty tells us in the Holy Bible that we should have no other gods before Him, we should not make any graven image in the likeness of anything in heaven above or on earth beneath or that is in the water under the earth. \u201cThou shall not bow down thyself to them nor serve them for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God\u2026\u201d Exodus 20:5, God emphasized.<\/p>\n

        While trying to make a mess of the earthly mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, the devil took Him up unto a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. The devil told Him \u201cAll these things will I give thee, if thou will fall down and worship me\u201d, Matthew 4:9.\u00a0 The Lord Jesus Christ answered and said unto him, \u201cGe thee hence, Satan for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve\u201d, Matthew 4:10.<\/p>\n

        As offspring\u2019s of God, it behooves the whole world to worship the Creator rather than the creatures. For He alone is worthy of our thanks, praise and worship.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. \n
          How are we to come before God in worship? Psalm 100:4; Ecclesiastes 5:1-2<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The Almighty God, the Creator of everything deserves and is worthy of our reverential worship, adoration and honor for who He is. We need not approach Him as unto a man but reverently, in faith and humility, yielding our totality unto Him.\u00a0 We should enter His presence with thanksgiving and praise for what He has done and what He is yet to do.\u00a0 This should be done with a cheerful disposition and gratefully.\u00a0 For the Bible says in Psalm 100:4, \u201cEnter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name.\u201d\u00a0 This should be the attitude of the believer both in personal worship and congregational worship.<\/p>\n

          It is very important that believers should exercise absolute faith in God\u2019s ability as the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful and ever present God as they come before Him in worship. For the Bible says, \u201cbut with faith it is impossible to please Him:\u00a0 fro he that cometh to God must believer that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them the diligently seek Him\u201d, Hebrews 11:6.\u00a0 It is also very important to approach God humbly in worship because not only is the proud worshipper resisted; such will not be blessed by God.<\/p>\n

          When we come before God either in personal or congregational worship we should exercise self-control not to be rash with our lips or not to be hasty to utter anything; but selectively choose our words and be conscious that we are in His presence, Ecclesiastes 5:2. For God has promised in His word that where two or three are gathered together in His name, He will be in their midst, Matthew 18:20.\u00a0 Looking around, talking to or eyeing of friends, fidgeting, unnecessary side talks should be avoided during worship.\u00a0 We should be conscious of His presence, and reverently express our gratitude, praise and thanks, unto Him.<\/p>\n

          The Bible says, \u201cBut the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth\u201d, John 4:23-24.\u00a0 True worship demands total surrender or yieldedness.\u00a0 We must yield our spirit, soul and body, and be thankful and sincere unto Him if we are to please Him.<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. \n
            What does making a joyful noise to the Lord entail? Psalm 66:1-5, 81:1-5<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Making a joyful noise unto the Lord involves praising Him with songs with joy in the heart and soul. It also entails rejoicing in God our King with humble reverence and holy awe.\u00a0 In making a joyful noise unto Him, we must speak or sing forth His praises out of the abundance of a heart filled with love, joy and thankfulness.\u00a0 We must praise God in concert, in the solemn assemblies and we must come together before his presence, where His people are wont to expect His manifestations.<\/p>\n

            In making a joyful noise unto the Lord, we must consider it a privilege to be admitted into His presence. It is vital to note that the call to praise God or to make a joyful noise unto Him is not to the Jews alone but to all people, all lands and all the earth.\u00a0 God make it the duty of man to praise Him a creation and it is required of every creature or every living soul to worship Him.\u00a0 We must be hearty, open and public, as those that are not ashamed of their Master, in making a joyful noise to glorify Him.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            1. \n
              Are we only to be conscious of God\u2019s presence in the church\/fellowship? Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Some Christians think of the presence of God only in relation to Church\/Fellowship and prayer times. It is true that God Manifests Himself in a special way in the gatherings of His people especially when they deliberately seek the face of their God in prayer.\u00a0 It is comforting to note that God has promised that He will be with us always.\u00a0 We need to be constantly conscious of His constant presence.\u00a0 This consciousness will strengthen and encourage us when we face adverse situations.\u00a0 It will also help us to live in the fear of God.<\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. \n
                How does a constant consciousness of God\u2019s presence aid our living for Him? Psalm 119:11, 139:7-12<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                When we are constantly conscious of God\u2019s presence, we are inspired to live for Him. We are not likely to soil our lives with sin.\u00a0 We will not want to do anything to disappoint the Holy One who loves us so much that He does not leave us for a moment.\u00a0 This consciousness increases our consecration. It also increases our reverential fear of Him.\u00a0 We do not want to talk or act rashly.\u00a0 Such a consciousness also boosts our faith; and we want to talk to Him because we are sure that He will hear and answer us.\u00a0 We cannot be terrified by adverse situations because He is with us.\u00a0 We cherish Him and love Him intimately because He cares to stay with us all the time, as the faithful shepherd.<\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. \n
                  What are the hindrances to awe in worship?<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Sin is a major hindrance to awe in worship. The believer that indulges in sin cannot worship God freely.\u00a0 Even he does, his worship is not acceptable unto God.\u00a0 In fact, his worship is an abomination unto God.\u00a0 For the Bible says, \u201cFor all that do such things, and all that do un-righteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy GOD\u201d, Deuteronomy 25:16.\u00a0 The only thing that can make the worship of such a believer to be acceptable unto God is when he asks for forgiveness and turns away from them.<\/p>\n

                  Knowing fully, well that worship is the believer\u2019s highest occupation, the devil always contends with it by making some to be critical of what is being done during worship and others\u2019 thoughts to wander away during worship. These make some proportion of the congregation to lose concentration in worship.\u00a0 Believers are therefore encouraged not to allow their thoughts to wander during worship or not to be critical of what is being doing.\u00a0 Gross disobedience to the word of God and lack of proper understanding of who God is can constitute hindrances to awe in worship.<\/p>\n

                  Lack of self-control which include looking around, talking to or \u2018eyeing\u2019 of friends, fidgeting, unnecessary side talks, etc., can hinder awe in worship. It is important to note that true and sincere worship demands absolute concentration.\u00a0 Hence, believers are encouraged to concentrate during worship.<\/p>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                  Daily Living Application:<\/h3>\n

                  God made the heavens and the earth and everything therein; and through Him, we live, move and have our being. By God, our redemption was made possible through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who ransomed us with His precious blood.\u00a0 For these reasons, every living soul ought to serve and worship the Almighty God for His goodness, loving kindness and mercy.<\/p>\n

                  However, true worship arises from a heart that is totally yielded unto God, which is reflected in total obedience to the will of God Almighty. Therefore, believers must acknowledge that they are privileged to be partakers of God\u2019s divine grace as made available in the Lord Jesus Christ.\u00a0 In response to His divine grace, we must approach Him reverently, in faith and humility; yielding our spirit, soul and body unto Him and be conscious of His presence.\u00a0 This will enable the believer to faithfully live for him and not soil his or her life with sin, and live in awe of Him.<\/p>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                  Memory Verse:<\/h3>\n

                  Habakkuk 2:20 \u2013 \u201cBut the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Central Thought: True worship leads to righteous living and righteous living enriches congregational worship.   Hymn: \u201cOh Worship the King\u201d Text: Isaiah 6:1-5; John 4:19-34; 2 Chronicles 5:1-14     God Almighty, the Creator of the universe and everything therein and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed mankind from death, destruction, deserve our […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2060,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sundayschool"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/aa.10.26.worship.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2059","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2059"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2059\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4133,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2059\/revisions\/4133"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2060"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2059"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2059"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mzgtiglobal.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2059"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}