True Worship (3)

When We Assemble to Worship

John 4:24 – we must have proper attitudes and truthThere are 5 acts of public worship Even this is questioned by some – some add and some take away

• A privilege• It is how we talk to God• Prayers in the assembly –

Acts 2:42, 1 Cor. 14:14-15Acts 12:5, 4:23-31

Prayer

• Praising God – Acts 2:47, Matt. 6:9

• Thanksgiving – Col. 4:2, 1 Tim. 2:1-2

• For one another - James 5:16

• Requests – Matt. 6:11-13

Prayer Involves:

• In Jesus name – 1 Timothy 2:51 John 2:1-2Colossians 3:17Ephesians 5:20

Prayer Involves:

• With reverence • Appropriate for the

occasion – 1 Corinthians 14:16

• Not “vain repetition” Matthew 6:7

Prayer Should be:

• An act in which we praise God and encourage one another with our voices

• First century worship – 1 Corinthians 14:15Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16Hebrews 13:15

Singing

• Without instrumental accompaniment

• All examples, plus early history show they did NOT use instrumental music!

• Introduced several centuries later. Earliest possible evidence – 600s Most say between 1000-1300 AD

Singing

• Praising God – Heb. 13:15• Teaching and Admonishing –

Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16• “One another” (ibid) – reciprocal

singing• (ibid) Psalms – praise to God

(inspired)Hymns – praise and thanksgivingSpiritual songs – exhortation, admonitions, etc. (Varied)

Singing in Worship

• In your hearts – making melody, with grace – Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16

• To the Lord – it is worship! God is glorified, even as we admonish one another.

• NOTE: What the song teaches must be truth! The message is most important

Singing in Worship

• 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

• On the first day of the week – Acts 20:7

• When assembled – Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 11:22ff, 33-34

The Lord’s Supper

• NOT a full meal – 1 Cor. 11:22, 34

• Instituted by Jesus “after supper” Luke 22:19-20, cf. Matt. 26:26-27, Mk. 13:22-23 “As they were eating” Luke specifies the timing, using elements from the Passover meal (unleavened bread and fruit of the vine)

• Giving thanks – Matt. 26:26-27

The Lord’s Supper

• Is a memorial of His death, not a festive occasion.

• 1 Cor. 11:27-31It must be taken “in a worthy manner” “discerning the Lord’s body”

• While not mandated, typically we sing a song and sometimes we read scripture to prepare

The Lord’s Supper

• Considering God’s gift to us and our stewardship, we return unto Him a portion of our blessings by command

• 2 Cor. 8:7-8• 1 Cor. 16:2 – “On the first day of the

week”• Generously, cheerfully and with

purpose – 2 Cor. 9:5-7• Giving is the ONLY authorized means

of raising funds for needs

Giving

• How God speaks to us today• Acts 2:42, 20:7,

cf. 2 Tim. 4:2 1 Corinthians 14

• 1 Tim. 3:15, the church is “the pillar and ground of truth”

• John 4:24 – “in truth”

Preaching/Studying

• Speaker has responsibilities Acts 20:27, 2 Tim. 4:2

• Listener has responsibilities – verify, apply it Acts 17:11, Matt. 28:20

Preaching/Studying

When we assemble, let us strive to worship God AS He

tells us to do