Worship Our Response to God

What is worship? “Worship is the work of acknowledging the greatness of our covenant Lord.”

What is worship? “Worship is the reply of the creature to the Creator…an experience of deliberate focusing on God for the purpose of encounter with him.”

What is worship? “A meeting between God and His people in which God becomes present to His people, who respond with praise and thanksgiving.”

What is worship? “In worship human beings acknowledge consciously and joyfully, in rituals and symbols the truth that God is God…Worship is taking delight in being a creature of God.”

What is worship? English – to ascribe worth Greek – to fall down to show reverence

Two Aspects of Worship Direct – In a formal worship “service,” or devotional. Indirect – Informal manner – Life – Rom. 12:1 – we should offer ourselves as “living sacrifices.” There is a distinction between the two – God deserves both

Why should we worship? God is worthy – Isaiah 6:1-8 How did Isaiah feel in God’s presence? What happened in this worship experience?

Why should we worship? God is worthy – 1 Chronicles 16:8-13 What does this passage tell us about worship?

Why should we worship? God is worthy – Revelation 4:1-11 What is worship according to this passage and why does God deserve it?

Why should we worship? What are some of the values or benefits that come to one who worships God? – Reminds us of who we are and who God is. – Protects us from idolatry, from worshiping rivals of God. – Invites us to live in hope; to entrust my future to God! Knowing He is always there.

Suggestions for worship Highfield: – Focus on God. How might we focus on something other than God? Songs, Sermon, Prayers, etc. –

Suggestions for worship Highfield: – Focus on God. – Expect that God will be present and will reveal himself to us.

Suggestions for worship What about the role of emotion? – Is it good or bad? – What is the danger of focusing too much on emotion? – What is the danger of focusing too little on emotion?

Suggestions for worship When we emphasize the “experience”—how it makes us feel—we make ourselves the focus of worship. Often no change takes place as a result of worship. So what was that experience we had?

Suggestions for worship Highfield: – Focus on God. – Expect that God will be present and will reveal himself to us. – Prayer should play a central role.