Opening illustration: Lowell Ogden tells the story of a little boy who lived out in the country around the turn of the century. He had never seen a traveling circus, and one was coming to his town on Saturday. When he asked his father for permission to go, his dad said he could provide his chores were done early. Saturday morning came. Chores finished, the little boy asked his father for some money to go to the circus. His dad reached down in his overalls and pulled out a dollar bill, the most money the boy had ever seen at one time. Off the little wide-eyed fellow went. As he approached the town, he saw people lining the streets. Peering through the line at one point, he got his first glimpse of the parade. There were animals in cages and marching bands. Finally, a clown was seen bringing up the rear of the parade. The little boy was so excited that when the clown passed, he reached in his pocket and handed him the precious dollar bill. Thinking he had seen the circus when he had only seen the parade, the little boy turned around and went home. Isn’t it sad that some people come to church like this little boy who went to the circus? They may come with the intent to worship God, but all they see is the parade – the parade of liturgy, hymn singings, prayers, and preaching. They peer through their pews at all the activity and then turn to go home at 12:00 noon; thinking they have been to God’s house, but yet they missed the main event – a personal encounter with Jesus Christ!
Introduction & Background: The Samaritan woman asks Jesus which worship is better i.e. the Samaritan way or the Jewish way. The Samaritans had a vibrant worship but missed who God was. The Jews knew who God was but had the ritualistic liturgical worship. They both missed what God really wanted.
1. Meaning of Worship: 1 Chronicles 16: 29
It is our response to what God has done for us through Jesus Christ …
Proskunu (proskunei/n) – to kneel, to bow, to fall prostrate flat on the ground (face down, hands raised/stretched) @ another’s feet
True worship involves-
• Reverence = John 4: 24
Spirit – personal nature of worship involves intellect, emotions and will.
Truth – speaks of the content of worship – God is pleased when we worship His true character.
• Public expression = Leviticus 7: 12 [Thanksgiving Offering in OT]
• Service = Deuteronomy 8: 19 – 20 [Obedience to God]
How to worship? It is so shameful that a stadium full of people (possibly 60,000+ people) are shouting, screaming and cheering a team of football players chasing a dead leather ball filled with air. Whereas the churches remain empty and even those who come for worship seem to be least interested in it. There is no exuberance like the one at a game!! At times it is even discouraged.
2. Expression: Hebrews 13: 15; Genesis 24: 52; 1 Timothy 2: 8
Romans 12: 1 – 2 = Ultimate worship
Philippians 3: 3
3. Reason to worship God: John 4: 23
Be satisfied coming to the fellowship or church and having our names written in the church register. Before no one wanted to say “Praise the Lord!” or “Halleluiah” but now everyone wants to articulate it with glee.
* Secret unlocked in John 4: 21 - 24
The Father seeks for no one else other than ‘WORSHIPPERS.’ Revealed only to the Samaritan woman. Can God find you as His worshipper OR as a grumbler / criticizer?
4. Why does the Father seek for worshippers?
Why doesn’t God seek for preachers, evangelists, singers, teachers, pastors etc.?
A prophet will bring a prophecy from God, a preacher will bring a word from God but the worshipper will bring the presence of God Himself. (Psalm)
We must understand that-
• Trinity = (1) God (2) Jesus [Son] (3) Holy Spirit
• Man = (1) Body (2) Soul (3) Spirit
Historical Background of Lucifer & Worship:
Description and background of Lucifer: Ezekiel 28: 11-19 (Genesis 1: 27, 31) imagery paralleled to the king of Tyre.
Fall of Lucifer: Isaiah 14: 12-17; Revelation 12: 4, 7-9
• Father of divine or heavenly worship was Lucifer now known as Satan / Devil. (Ezekiel 28: 13b)
• Farther of earthly music was Jubal. (Genesis 4: 21)
Celestial Heavenly Division: [Isaiah 14: 12 – 13]
Gabriel [1/3] - Michael [1/3] - Lucifer [1/3]
(Messenger Angels) (Warrior Angels) (Worshipper Angels)
God seeks for worshippers because the place of Lucifer and the 1/3 of angels that worshipped God was empty and was replaced by God’s creation of the human race. The same place which Lucifer condemned, God would place man to worship Him. It is a disgrace to Satan and that is why he prowls to deceive and destroy the human race.
5. Impact of worshipping God:
• Everything comes under our control – Joshua 18: 1
Illustrations: (a) A wayward girl [From grumbling street – Thanksgiving street]
(b) Worshippers in South Korea
© Moving Mountains
(d) Miracles, Word of Prophesy, knowledge and other gifts of the HS are manifested
In all this we come under God’s control.
• Takes you into the Glory of God:
As man can stay only in the presence of oxygen, God stays only in His glory. (Psalmist says that God inhabits the praises of His people)
What is God’s glory? His goodness, graciousness and greatness. [2 Chronicles 7: 1 – 3; Exodus 33: 12 & 18 Moses]
6. Entering into the ‘Glory of God:’
To meet the ‘King of Glory’ (needs are met): Philippians 4: 19. Your needs can only be supplied in His Glory, not outside His Glory.
Illustration: (a) Spiritual / Heavenly / Personal experience.
(b) Short / Long durations
© Do privately / publicly
(d) Entering the spiritual realm
(e) What is the freshest hour for you?
Don’t just become a hearer of God’s Word but a doer.
Psalm 100: 4 “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”
A song leader leads the congregation to sing songs by human endeavor not by the Spirit of God. Whereas a Worship leader leads the congregation to worship God in Spirit and in Truth. Pursues to lead us into the Holy of Holies …
But how do we do it?
Illustration: It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, “What will you give me if I release you?” “The half of my wealth,” was his reply. “And if I release your children?” “Everything I possess.” “And if I release your wife?” “Your Majesty, I will give myself.” Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, “Wasn’t Cyrus a handsome man!” With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, “I didn’t notice. I could only keep my eyes on you - the one who was willing to give himself for me.”
Application: That’s how our worship should be like!
Who does the Father seek? He seeks for true worshipers. (not lip service)
Are you willing to be one of them? Because the place in front of throne of God where Lucifer and the deserted angels worshiped is empty. (now called Satan/Devil and demons)
The key to getting into God’s profound presence is ‘WORSHIPPING HIM IN SPIRIT & TRUTH.’
