“Worship the One Who is Worthy” Revelation chapter 4 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Rev 4:11 Palm Sunday ~ The One Who Rules and Reigns Over All~

 John 4:23 “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.”  Worship is not something we just start and stop on a Sunday morning, it’s an expression of our connectedness with God.  Worship is a commandment from God. Mt 4:10  There is a progression from thanksgiving and praise … to worship and adoration. Psalm 95:1,2,6  The first mention of worship is the story of Abraham going to sacrifice his son Isaac. Worship is a response of obedience to God and means putting God first above all else. Gen 22:5

 God uses worship to defeat the power of the enemy.  Mary Slessor, a missionary to Nigeria in the late 1800’s, said: “In the midst of all the demonic activity and all the pressures on my life, I had one little way to function: I sing the doxology and dismiss the devil.” Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Jehoshaphat defeated the enemy with worship song. 2 Chr 20:21 He appointed those who should sing to the Lord, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the Lord, For His mercy endures forever.”

 Obedience 1 Samuel 15:22  Liturgical Ps 136  Bow down and kneel Ps 95:6  Clap and shout Ps 47:1  Sing a new song Ps 96:1  Musical Instruments Ps 150  Lifting of hands Ps 134:1,2  Laying prostrate 1 Ki 18:39, Rev 7:11; 11:16  Dancing Ps 149:3, 2 Sam 6:14  Shouting Ps 98:4  Raising banners Ps 20:5  A procession Ps 68:24  Tithes and offerings Pr 3:9,10  Trumpets, shofars Ps 98:6  Standing Ps 134:1  Reading the Word Neh 8:5,6  Silence Rev 8:1

 True worshippers must be sensitive to the spiritual atmosphere. “There is a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ec 3:1  There is a time for singing  There is a time for shouting  There is a time for dancing  There is a time for weeping  There is a time for quiet reverence  There is a time for silence  Let’s follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in worship …

 You become like that which you worship.  Those who worship Jesus Christ will become like Jesus. If you are regularly turning your heart toward Christ in worship, you will over time be conformed to His character, His love, His values, His wisdom and His power.  “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Cor 3:18 (NKJV)

 Make a decision to spend time in God’s presence, seeking Him, even when you don’t feel anything. Just making this effort will make a difference.  “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8  Begin to build an atmosphere of worship in the place where you usually pray. Why not for 7 consecutive days, of your own free will, approach God with thanksgiving, praise and worship? Then, let this become a regular practice in your life.  “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” Ps 96:9