Why do we worship God?

Why do we Worship God?

Scripture Reading Revelation 4: 1-11

Introduction
There is a great lesson to be learned from the dictionary.
• When things start going bad, we often fear they will only get worse.
• It seems that "worse" will take us to the "worst".
• Our nation (Sri Lanka) seems to be moving from “worse” to “worst” – at least that is what many of us are saying regarding the war situation and the economy
• To prevent the "worse" from turning in to the "worst" look at the unique set up God has provided in the English language.
• Any standard dictionary will separate the words "worse" (and it’s derivatives) and "worst" with one special word – "worship."
• When circumstances seem to be slipping in the wrong direction, remember that worship is the buffer between "worse" and "worst".


1. Why do we worship God?

• Did you ask that question when you came to this mornings worship service?
• “Worship” derives from the Anglo Saxon word “WERCSCIPE”
• It means “to appreciate the worth of someone”
• Is your worship to God an appreciation of Him?

2 Appreciate the Majestic transcendence of God

Rev 4:2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.
Rev 4:3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne.

o The throne symbolizes God’s majesty and power.
o Yet his majestic transcendence is fully safeguarded—
o John does not even make any attempt to describe the "someone sitting on" the throne
o The minerals "jasper" and "carnelian" describe the supernatural splendor of God
o The "rainbow, resembling an emerald," describes God’s encircling brilliance
o At worship we must realize that our God who reigns in all majesty can never be fully described with our words – appreciate it






3. Appreciate the Holiness of God

Rev 4:8 Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

“Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,
who was, and is, and is to come.”

o The four living creatures ceaselessly proclaim the holiness of God in a hymn: "Holy, holy, holy" (GK G41; cf. Isa 6:3).
o In Hebrew, the double repetition of a word adds emphasis,
o The threefold repetition calls attention to the infinite holiness of God--the quality of God felt by creatures in his presence as awesomeness or fearfulness (Ps 111:9).
o Such holiness cannot tolerate the presence of evil (21:27).
o Our nation is experiencing the most horrifying things in the history of our nation. Abductions, Abuse of power, Corruption, Economic hardship, Spilling of innocent blood – these highlight the evil & sin that seems to be leading our nation from “worse” to “Worst” things
o But never forget that the God who is holy is also eternal – for “he was, and is, and is to come”
o Appreciate this great truth and worship him



Conclusion
Rev 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being.”

o God is worthy to be praised & adored because he is the Lord God Almighty
o Don’t get use to the Habit of worship without asking your self “Why do I worship ?”
o Illustration
Two young newlyweds