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<\/p>\nSession 6<\/p>\n
February 23, 2025<\/p>\n
THE GATHERING FOR WORSHIP<\/p>\n
Hebrews 10:19-25; 13:12-15<\/p>\n
The final lesson in this\u00a0<\/span>Heart of Worship<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>series begins in the classic text of Hebrews 10. The book is a masterpiece of comparisons and contrasts built around the theme that \u201cJesus Christ is better.\u201d In the opening chapters, Jesus is better than the prophets, better than the angels, better than creation, and better than the Old Testament sacrificial system. By chapter 10, the writer (whom I am still traditional enough to name Paul!) has demonstrated the greatness of the Law, but the ineffectiveness of sacrifice: \u201cFor it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins\u201d (v. 4). That which the law could not do, Jesus did! And He did it one time for all (v. 12). It is because of this great feat\u2014salvation through His once-and-for-all atoning sacrifice\u2014that the saved are compelled to worship. In this lesson, we see the motivation for worship and the mission for worship.<\/p>\n Why we come to worship (10:19-25).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>This section is rich in Old Testament sacrifice imagery. And the Lord Jesus permeates it! He is the tabernacle and temple, the sacrifice and the priest. His flesh is the veil, and the brazen altar is the old rugged cross. Because of His atoning sacrifice we have access to His very presence. The holy of holies that was once solely the domain of the high priest, one day per year, bearing the blood of a goat, is now wide open. The veil that kept mere men out has now been torn (vv. 19-20). And as believers, we are all priests (see 1 Pet. 2:9) serving under Christ, who reigns as high priest. Verses 22, 23, and 24 all begin with the exhortation, \u201cLet us…\u201d First, is the exhortation to \u201cdraw near\u201d (v. 22). Proximity to God that was once forbidden (see Ex. 19:23), is now open to all. The worship experience e<\/p>\n nables believers to draw close to Him. Verse 22 also explains how we are to do that: with sincerity, faith, a clean conscience, and bodily purity. These, by the way, are all demonstrated by the priestly ritual on the Day of Atonement (see Lev. 16). The second \u201cLet us\u2026\u201d is to \u201chold on to the confession of our hope without wavering\u201d (v. 23). I think the idea here is one of commitment. By attending worship, we are reminding the household of faith that we are still committed to Christ and His work, while at the same time confessing to those outside the faith that we are still fully committed to our Lord \u201cwithout wavering.\u201d The third \u201cLet us\u2026\u201d is aimed at our commitment to the fellowship of believers. The idea is that church is the place to express our Christian love and exercise our spiritual gifts (Eph. 4:12). I have often commented how hard it is to carry out the \u201cone another\u201d commandments in the Bile when we don\u2019t even want to be with one another! Notice the barb buried in verse 25. It seems that even in the early church, there were those who chose to stay home on Sunday morning! But rather than easing up on our church attendance, we ought to be more and more committed as we see the Lord\u2019s return getting nearer.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>What are some other reasons that believers ought to be faithful in worship? What happens when we are not?<\/em><\/p>\n How we leave from worship (13:12-15).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We must remember that Hebrews was written primarily to Jews who had one foot in the Old Testament temple and one foot in the New Testament church. The writer is preaching encouragement for them to leave the Old Testament trappings once and for all and embrace Christ, the better way. The image of verse 12 is again, Christ\u2019s sacrificial death. Just as the burnt offerings were made outside of the temple, Christ died on a hillside outside of the city. The implications are clear and marked by two additional \u201cLet us\u2026\u201d exhortations. The first is to break out of the exclusionary mindset of Judaism (v. 13). Christ fulfilled the Old Testament sacrificial promises and moved beyond them, taking the gospel to the world. So we too, are to join Him \u201coutside.\u201d Second, \u201clet us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise\u201d (v. 15). Worship, therefore, should prepare us and motivate us to carry the gospel to those on the outside who have never heard it. And all this should be done with lips filled with praise (v. 15).\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>How does an attitude of praise affect our efforts to win the world to Christ? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Session 5<\/p>\n February 16, 2025<\/p>\n THE LIFESTYLE OF WORSHIP<\/p>\n Colossians 3:1-5.12-17<\/p>\n We know that the Apostle Paul told the church to \u201cPray without ceasing\u201d (1 Thess 5:17). But what about worship? Are we ever told to \u201cworship\u201d without ceasing? While that exhortation is never specifically stated, the entire Bible loudly proclaims that worship is our #1 priority. The most renown statement of the Westminster Shorter Catechism of 1647 comes as the answer to its first question, \u201cMan\u2019s chief end is to\u00a0<\/span>glorify God<\/em>, and to\u00a0<\/span>enjoy Him forever<\/em>.\u201d And that sounds like \u201cWorship without ceasing\u201d to me! This week\u2019s lesson focuses on making our lifestyles examples of glorifying God in our regular routines and enjoying Him in the here-and-now. Paul\u2019s exhortation comes in three themes.<\/p>\n Worship is displayed in our thoughts (vv. 1-5).<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>We would like to think that our thoughts always precede our actions. Unfortunately, we too often act before we think, and that kind of impulsive behavior gets us into trouble. Here, we are reminded to intentionally train ourselves to focus our thoughts on the Lord. The apostle gives three reasons to do this. First, our focus should be on things\u00a0<\/span>above<\/em>, because Christ is above (v. 1). To glorify Him we must seek Him in His glory, seated at the right hand of the Father (See Mark 16:19, Heb. 1:3, et al). Second, we are to \u201cset our minds\u201d on Him (v. 2). The word is stronger than seeking and means to\u00a0<\/span>observe; consider<\/em>; or\u00a0<\/span>study<\/em>. But the most important aspect of this is at the end of the verse, where Paul distinguishes between \u201cabove,\u201d where Christ is, and on earth, where we are. Simply put, we should refocus our affections from here to there. Third, we ought to focus our thoughts away from this world, because we have \u201cdied\u201d to it (v. 3). For the believer, old things have passed away, and all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17); and that includes our thoughts. Finally, Paul tells how to do all this: by \u201cputting to death\u201d those things associated with our \u201cworldly nature.\u201d (v. 4. See also Gal. 2:19-20).\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>If worship is an action, how can it be affected by our thought life? What part of worship (if any) nurtures this kind of \u201cabove\u201d thinking?\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Worship is displayed in our attitudes (vv. 12-15).<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>To be fit for worship, some things must be put to \u201cdeath\u201d and some things must be \u201cput away\u201d (v. 8). But it\u2019s not enough to strip away the old. Now it\u2019s time to \u201cput on\u201d the new. The list of positive attributes in these verses contains attitudes and affections. Notice that these attitudes begin in us but are expressed outwardly toward others; and we are to wear them like clothes. Notice as well that while each item is distinct and separate, they are bound together by the \u201cbelt\u201d of love. Hence, when it all comes together, the different pieces form one stunning outfit! (see also Eph. 4:3). Verse 15 is a reminder that these expressed, outward, and godly attitudes must still be controlled by a heart filled with godly peace.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>Read Phil. 4:7. What does this verse add to our discussion? And how does all this apply to our worship? \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Worship is displayed in our fellowship (vv. 16-17).<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>In previous lessons, we mentioned the necessity of corporate worship as well as private. Here, the emphasis is definitely on corporate worship. Notice the variety of worship activities mentioned in verse 16: teaching, admonishing (or \u201cwarning\u201d), singing\u00a0<\/span>psalms<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>(which are Scripture songs),\u00a0<\/span>hymns<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>(sacred songs directed to God) and\u00a0<\/span>spiritual songs<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>(simple songs like choruses). Notice as well, this atmosphere of praise is founded on the word of God and expressed with gratitude toward God. For this reason, all of it should be done in His name and for His glory.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>As you think about your own worship experience, how is God\u2019s word incorporated? What might make your worship service more Bible-based, and gratitude focused?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Session 4<\/p>\n February 9, 2025<\/p>\n THE BENEFITS OF WORSHIP<\/p>\n Psalm 63:1-11<\/p>\n There\u2019s a joke I remember from long ago. It seems a man woke up on Sunday morning and said to his wife, \u201cI don\u2019t feel like going to church today. Some of the people there are downright mean. Nobody seems particularly interested in being there. It seems like everybody is complaining about something. Can you give me just one good reason why I should get up and go?\u201d \u201cWell,\u201d she replied, \u201cyou\u00a0<\/span>are<\/em>\u00a0<\/span>the pastor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t feel like going to church today.\u201d That\u2019s a sentiment we have all felt, even in the pastorate! Yet the reality is that fewer and fewer people feel the need to attend church, and fewer and fewer people do. The last time I checked, the major polling data reported that the average \u201cactive\u201d church member attended worship just twice a month. In Psalm 63, David expresses three key aspects of worship. While the context is more personal than corporate, the principles certainly apply to both.<\/p>\n Desperation brings satisfaction (vv. 1-5).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>I must be honest and confess that I can\u2019t remember hungering after God the way that David did. Here, he demonstrates an utterly desperate desire to experience God\u2019s presence (see also Ps. 42). Yet the Bible is replete with encouragements to seek after God, and to do so with utter commitment. In Jeremiah, God said, \u201cYou will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart\u201d (Jer. 29:13). Notice the descriptions David uses: he \u201ceagerly seeks\u201d for God; he \u201cthirsts\u201d for Him; and his body \u201cfaints\u201d as though he was stranded in a desert that was (emphatically) \u201cdry, desolate, and without water.\u201d His remedy for this is not to complain to God in his misery, but rather to \u201cgaze\u201d on Him in awe. The word \u201cgaze\u2019 means more than to see; it means\u00a0<\/span>to see and understand<\/em>. Finally, look at the contrast between David in the desert and God in His glory. David is weak, parched, and exposed in the desert; God is strong, faithful, and loving in His sanctuary. David\u2019s weakness led to lifted hands; his parched lips to praise; and his utter desperation to joyful satisfaction.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>How does David\u2019s desperation for God strike you? Do you think we only hunger for God like that when we are in trouble? Or maybe when we need something?<\/em><\/p>\n Meditation brings protection (vv. 6-8).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>The context here is clearly personal, private devotion. Unfortunately, a lot of people use the concept of personal, private worship as a substitute for attending church. But worship should be a \u201cboth\/and\u201d not an \u201ceither\/or\u201d proposition! In fact, both are necessary (see Heb. 10:25). Verse 6 describes the context of David\u2019s worship. The fact that he is enamored by the \u201cnight watches\u201d is not surprising, for the author is the same shepherd-king who once declared, \u201cThe heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.\u201d Here, the emphasis is not on God\u2019s revelation but rather His protection. God is David\u2019s \u201chelper\u201d (v. 7). Security is found in the \u201cshadow of His wings,\u201d and when he stays close, his God \u201csteadies\u201d him with a strong right hand.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>The distinguishing phrase \u201cright hand\u201d is used 108 times in the Bible. What do you think is the significance of the \u201cright hand?\u201d What about God\u2019s right hand?<\/em><\/p>\n Dedication brings justification (vv. 9-11).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Finally, David turns to public expression. The construction is awkward, as verses 9 and 10 suddenly attack David\u2019s enemies. But the overall theme is not the superiority of David\u2019s position as king; rather it is the superiority of His God over all others. Quite simply, David declares that the pagan armies will end up dead and buried (v. 9) as a result of God\u2019s powerful sword. What\u2019s worse is that their shallow graves will be easy pickings for the wild jackals that notoriously dug them up and devoured their remains (v. 10). Verse 11 concludes the thought and the Psalm. \u201cThe king\u201d is of course David himself. He will rejoice in His God and those who join him will share in his victory.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>Read Rom. 8:33-37. How does this New Testament text related to our Old Testament discussion?\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Session 3<\/p>\n February 2, 2025<\/p>\n THE ATTITUDE IN WORSHIP<\/p>\n Psalm 40:1-11<\/p>\n I have always been a little critical of church experiences that attempt to cram as much as possible into a Sunday morning service. The intention is certainly good: you have a limited amount of time to make as much spiritual impact as possible. Therefore, pack it full so that every minute counts, right? The problem is that the final product often feels rushed. While I certainly agree that worship should leave us breathless, should it leave us out of breath as well? Compare today\u2019s paradigm with that of David. Notice his patient, reverent encounters with God, like that found in Psalm 40. There is a quiet breathlessness demonstrated here that doesn\u2019t require choreographed set changes or high-energy praise bands. His worship encounter can be summarized in four key words.<\/p>\n He waited (vv. 1-3).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>The Bible balances God\u2019s omnipresence with man\u2019s requirement to still seek Him (see Is. 55:6). Yet here, David is pictured as waiting for God. The Hebrew construction is emphatic; literally, he \u201cwaited waiting.\u201d But the remainder of verse 1 reveals that David had already been seeking God with his cries! Here, he is waiting for God to answer. Anyone who has been confined to God\u2019s \u201cwaiting room\u201d knows both the frustration and the joy such experiences bring. In verses 2 and 3, David\u2019s patience paid off with five great responses: (1) God turned; (2) God heard; (3) God saved; (4) God secured; and (5) God gave a song. As in every good worship encounter, the supplicant is changed through that encounter. Notice how David was changed in verse 3. His deliverance not only put a new song in his heart, but a fresh witness on his lips.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>: If God is everywhere, then why do you think we are still required to seek Him? And how do we know when we have found Him?<\/em><\/p>\n He contemplated (vv. 4-5).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Here, David\u2019s outward joy is matched by his inward reflection. That too, is an expression of worship. Looking back on his experience with God, David is moved by God\u2019s goodness. First, he reflects on how happy he is that he didn\u2019t give in to his own impatience and turn to human wisdom in his time of need (v. 4). Then he reflects on God\u2019s unwavering faithfulness (v. 5). Notice his recognition of both past blessings (\u201cYou have done many things\u201d) and future blessings (\u201cYour plans for us\u201d). In every case, the glory goes to God.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>Christian faith is not blind faith, but faith based on evidence. Why do you think David had such confidence in God?<\/em><\/p>\n He consecrated (vv. 6-8).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Here, David\u2019s contemplation has led him to deeper consecration. Verse 6 echoes Samuel\u2019s confrontation with King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22, \u201cBehold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.\u201d What God really wants through legitimate worship is deeper commitment; and deeper commitment is expressed in obedience. The Lord Jesus demonstrated this in both word and deed. In word, Jesus said, \u201cIf you love Me, keep My commandments\u201d (John 14:15); and by example, He always did \u201cthose things that please\u201d the Father (John 8:29). In fact, He seems to be the subject of verses 7 and 8.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>Can you see a messianic overtone in verses 7 and 8? What other principles can you gather from these verses?<\/em><\/p>\n He proclamated (vv. 9-11).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>I know that \u201cproclamated\u201d is not a word, but it seemed to fit, so I used it! So often in the Psalms (and particularly with David\u2019s), inward contemplation and deeper consecration spill into outward proclamation (see also Ps. 51:13). And that, too, is an expression of genuine worship. Here, David\u2019s proclamation is all about the character of God. He is righteous; He is faithful; He is saving; He is constant in love and truth; and He is compassionate. Again, this proclamation is not an attempt to flatter God, but to honor Him. And that really is the purpose of worship.\u00a0<\/span>For reflection<\/u>:\u00a0<\/span>The commission of each church is to reach its community with the gospel. That means that each church will express itself in a unique way. The important thing is that God is honored for who He is, and what He has done<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Richard Elligson Richard Elligson earned a PhD in Theology from Mid-America Baptist February 23 Session 6 February 23, 2025 THE GATHERING FOR WORSHIP Hebrews 10:19-25; 13:12-15 The final lesson in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":61275,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-64014","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/64014","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64014"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/64014\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66606,"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/64014\/revisions\/66606"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/61275"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flbaptist.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64014"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}February 16<\/h3>\n
February 9<\/h3>\n
February 2<\/h3>\n
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