1. Imagine Yourself at Scenes Described in the Following: Exodus 19:16-22; 20:1--, 18-20 Ezekiel 1:4-9, 24-28 Matthew 17:1-6 Revelation 1:9-17

2. “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead.” Revelation 1:7 This reaction was almost universal when human beings received a revelation of divine glory.

3. This Reaction fits the Bible Definitions of Worship In Old Testament: Shahah (Used 94 times) depress, bow down, prostrate In New Testament: Proskuneo: (from pros, towards, and kuneo, to kiss) to make obeisance, do reverence to.

4. Identifying True Worship Prostration or falling on the face in itself is not worship. Singing, prayer, communion are not worship in themselves. Worship is the inward emotion that produces such actions.

5. Benefits of True Worship God is pleased (John 4:23)God is pleased (John 4:23) We are made better (2 Cor. 3:18)We are made better (2 Cor. 3:18) Others are provoked to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25)Others are provoked to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25)

6. But worship may also be vain. (worthless, without value) “And in vain they worship Me” Matthew 15:9 What Makes Worship Vain?

7. 1. Not being from the heart” ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matt 15:8 Worship is vain if God is not in the heart.

8. Scripture Requires Heart Involvement in Every Act of Worship it Authorizes Singing – Ephesians 5:19 Prayer – I Corinthians 14:15 The Lord’s Supper – I Cor. 11:29 Giving – II Corinthians 9:7 Teaching – I Peter 4:11 Hearing – I Thessalonians 2:13

9. Why sing, pray, etc. if not for God? We may preach, sing, pray to be seen & heard of men (Matt. 6:1-6).We may preach, sing, pray to be seen & heard of men (Matt. 6:1-6). We may enjoy the social aspect of it.We may enjoy the social aspect of it. Acts of worship may be pleasurable.Acts of worship may be pleasurable. -- Zechariah 7:4-6 -- Isaiah 58:3

10. 2. If it is not authorized by God. And in vain they worship Me, And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Matt 15:9 An example: “And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men. (Is. 29:13) Requirement of hand washing (Mt. 15:1-4)

11. God is concerned about what is done in Worship! Numerous O. T. examples: Cain and Abel “ offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. (Leviticus 10:1)Nadab and Abihu “ offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. (Leviticus 10:1) ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’” (Leviticus 10:3)‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.’” (Leviticus 10:3) Colossians 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:8-9Colossians 3:16-17; Isaiah 55:8-9

12. What Makes Worship Vain? Worship is vain if God is not in the heart.Worship is vain if God is not in the heart. Worship is vain if action is not from GodWorship is vain if action is not from God So far, we have seen that:

13. 3. If worshipers are hypocrites. 7 Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, 8‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (Matt. 15:7-9)

14. Matthew 15:4-6 “God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”—6 then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Worship is vain if one is disobeying God.

15. God’s 1 st Requirement is Purity Isaiah 1:10-17 Micah 3:4 Proverbs 28:9 1 Timothy 2:8

16. Summarizing Worship is vain if God is not in the heart.Worship is vain if God is not in the heart. Worship is vain if action is not from GodWorship is vain if action is not from God Worship is vain if one is disobeying God.Worship is vain if one is disobeying God. Worship is all about God!

17. How Can We Improve Our Worship? Increasing our faith Worship in Private Proper Preparation (See Exodus 19:10-14) Remembering that God is Present Hebrews 12:18-24; 13:15-16