1 Peter 2:1-10

Acceptable Sacrifices We are priests –No separate priesthood (1 Peter 2:5) –Privileged to serve (John 3:5; 4:24)

Unacceptable Worshipers Cain (Genesis 4) –Proper object: God –Wrong sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4)

Unacceptable Worshipers Saul –Proper object: God –Wrong person (1 Samuel 13:11, 12) –Need to obey (1 Samuel 15:22, 23)

Vain Worship Human traditions –Matthew 15:8, 9 –Acts 17:22, 23 –Colossians 2:8, 23

Sacrifice Time, energy, talents, money –Attend, if convenient –Listen, but not for long –Help, if there is time –Give, if any is left over

David’s Example His offering (2 Samuel 24) –Offered a place free (vv. 18, 22) –David insisted on paying (v. 24) –Why? It would cost him nothing –David knew about...

Sacrifice or Convenience? Hunger and thirst after righteousness? (Matthew 5:6) Labor for imperishable meat? (John 6:27)

Preparation Under the Law of Moses –Advance preparation –Still required proper attitude, obedience, etc. (Micah 6:6-8)

Preparation Today –Worship God (Matthew 4:10) –Serious occasion (Psalm 89:7) –Arrayed in holiness (Psalm 96:8, 9)

Preparation Ready to serve? –Looked at the schedule –Arrive on time? –Left problems at home?

Reverence Proper attitude –In spirit and truth (John 4:24) –Not form only (Isaiah 1:10-15) –Guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23)

Distractions Arriving late: Priorities? –Deuteronomy 31:10-13 –Joshua 8:34, 35 Excessive moving about Sleeping, passing notes, talking, etc.

Appearance Modesty –Appropriate (1 Timothy 2:9) –Joseph’s example (Genesis 41:14) –Would you have to “dress up” in order to go to work? –Consider the GE Dress Code (Co-op students 2003)

Ground Rules Everyone –No jeans, tennis shoes, t-shirts –Clothing should be ironed and clean –If in doubt, ask before you wear it –Don't make your clothing be the one thing people remember about you (because that almost always means you've made a bad impression)

Ground Rules Women –Your clothing should not be revealing. When you raise your arms, does your shirt come out or ride up and expose your tummy or back? If so, you need a different shirt. Does your skirt come down to the top of your knees? If not, you need a longer skirt.

Ground Rules Women –Spaghetti straps are a no-no. If you want to wear something sleeveless, make sure you are not revealing more than you should. Check to make sure the armholes are fitted (and it’s a good idea to have a sweater with you just in case)

Ground Rules Women –Is your shirt or blouse low cut? If you can't comfortably bend over and pick up your pen, without fear of someone "catching a glimpse", change your shirt. –Just make sure that you are not wearing clothing more suited to a day at the beach or a weekend.

Ground Rules Men –Make sure your clothing is pressed and ironed. Don’t look like you just rolled out of bed (even if you did!) Remember, coming to work isn’t like going to your 8:00 am class in sweats and a hat! –Accessories are important- always wear socks and a belt.

Appearance Modesty –Appropriate (1 Timothy 2:9) –Joseph’s example (Genesis 41:14) –Would you have to “dress up” in order to go to work? –Consider the GE Dress Code –Reveals our attitude toward the importance of the occasion

Conclusion Need for periodic examination Are you worshiping acceptably?