1. Worship (2) The Seriousness of Worship?

2. What is worship? Προσκυνέω (proskuneo) “to make obeisance, do reverence toward” (Vine’s) Σέβω (sebo), To express in gestures, rites and ceremonies one’s allegiance ε ὐ σέβεια, (eusebia)- To demonstrate awesome respect toward God, piety, godliness Λατρεύω (latreuo) primarily, a word that means to serve. Often associated with worship

3. Worship is: Sacred - a holy act. A way to draw near to God A way to give back to God Deliberate

4. Worship in Spirit and In Truth John 4:23-24 A text where Jesus explains what is involved in TRUE worship

5. Worship in Spirit and In Truth John 4:23-24 True worship includes a Subject to be worshipped GOD is to be that subject Idolatry is foolishness Exodus 20:2-4 Luke 4:8

6. Worship in Spirit and In Truth John 4:23-24 True worship includes a worshipper While nature declares His glory ( Psa. 19:1-4 ), true worship involves one who deliberately prostrates before Him John 4:23

7. Worship in Spirit and In Truth John 4:23-24 True worship is in spirit Involving a proper attitude We must have a proper attitude! Matt. 15:8-9 1 Cor. 11:26-29 2 Cor. 9:7 Col. 3:16 1 Cor. 14:15

8. Worship in Spirit and In Truth John 4:23-24 True worship is in truth Action that follows what He wants. Man today seeks to follow God with conditions or to please himself. True worship respects God’s instructions John 4:19-24

9. Worship in Spirit and In Truth John 4:23-24 True worship is in truth Many examples of rejected religion in OT Cain rejected – Gen. 4:3-5 Nadab and Abihu rejected – Lev. 10:1-2 Jeroboam rejected – 1 Kings 12:25-33 Israel at Mt. Sinai rejected – Exodus 32 Uzziah rejected ( 2 Chron. 26:16-23) God wants what He prescribes!

10. Seriousness of Worship We are worshipping the ONE True God Exodus 20:2-3, Deut. 6:13-15, Joel 2:27 He is our Creator Gen. 1:1 Acts 17:24 2 Pet. 3:5-7

11. Seriousness of Worship He demands reverence To show respect to a person on the basis of his high status. (L&N) Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as for a holy being or place (Webster)

12. Seriousness of Worship He demands reverence The fear of God 2 Types of fear - Being afraid and being respectful Luke 1:50 Acts 13:16 Our goal is to serve Him out of reverence, NOT because we are afraid of Him

13. Seriousness of Worship He demands reverence Psalm 89:7 “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.” Psalm 111:9, “He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.”

14. Seriousness of Worship He demands reverence Hebrews 12:28, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” Revelation 5:9-14

15. Seriousness of Worship Reverence demonstrated Gen. 17:3, Abraham feel on his face Ex. 3:5-6, Moses told to take off his shoes – Holy ground Lev. 10:3, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.”

16. Seriousness of Worship Reverence demonstrated Many bowed before Jesus realizing who He was Matt. 21:13, Jesus cast out money changers twice Acts 5:11

17. Seriousness of Worship When we assemble to worship Him! It is NOT a time to play, socialize, be entertained. IT is a serious occasion! It is NOT a casual occasion! Many positions of reverence in scripture – Luke 18:13, Neh. 8:4-6, 1 Tim. 2:8, Luke 9:16, etc.

18. Is your worship in Spirit and in Truth?