Worship: What is Worship?
In this sermon, Stephen explores the profound nature of worship through biblical examples and teachings. He begins by highlighting Genesis 22:5, where Abraham declares his intention to go yonder and worship, illustrating that worship is an act of giving God our best, exemplified by Abraham's willingness to offer his son Isaac. Stephen emphasizes that worship is rooted in recognizing God's worthiness, not merely in words or rituals, but in actions that demonstrate our devotion. He discusses various Old Testament figures—Job, Jacob, Hannah, David, and others—who worshipped God in different circumstances, often through sacrifice, faith, and acceptance of discipline, showing that true worship depends on seeing God as sovereign and worthy, regardless of life's trials. Moving into the New Testament, Stephen notes that worship is based on revelation of Christ, exemplified by the Magi offering gifts and Mary magnifying the Lord. He stresses that worship involves offering something valuable back to God, not just words, but sacrifices of praise and life. Stephen concludes that worship is a spiritual attitude, a continuous life response to God's worth, and that the Father seeks true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth, living a life of gratitude, love, and devotion to Him.
Outline of Main Points
- Worship is an act of worth-ship, demonstrated through sacrifice and devotion.
- Examples of Old Testament worshipers—Abraham, Job, Jacob, Hannah, David—show worship in various circumstances, emphasizing faith, sacrifice, and acceptance of discipline.
- Worship is based on revelation of Christ, as seen in the gifts of the Magi and Mary's praise.
- True worship involves offering something valuable to God, not just words or rituals.
- Worship is spiritual, continuous, and rooted in recognizing God's sovereignty and worthiness.
- The Lord seeks true worshipers who worship in spirit and truth, living lives of gratitude and love.
6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. 7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. 8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. 11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; 12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. 13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. 14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.
