HEAD 1 + Title: Preparing to Worship

Text: Selected

Tracing: Preached January 19, 1992 AM at SDCC.

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HEAD 1 + INTRO

We have discussed how vitally important worship is, and how it involves our

whole lives. Very often the quality of the worship that we offer in our lives

is tied to the quality of our Worship Assemblies, for it is largely in our

Assemblies that we learn to worship with our lives. Some of what we do in our

services is worship in a direct sense -- we praise Him, sing of Him, pray to

Him. But most of what we do when together is worship in an indirect sense -- we

learn how to ascribe glory to Him by the way we live our lives. This includes

our lessons in Sunday School, sermons, some of our songs, Bible Studies,

Scripture readings, Etc. If we stumble at work on a Monday Morning or at play

on a Saturday night, perhaps it is because we have looked too lightly upon our

Preparation on Sunday Morning. (Not to say that that is all the preparation we

should have!)

 

HEAD 1 + BODY

HEAD 2 + Clean the slate

HEAD 3 + Right Known Wrongs

Matt. 5:23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and

there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave

your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your

brother; then come and offer your gift."

HEAD 3 + Appeal for Forgiveness and Blessing

Ps 24:3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy

place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up

his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.

1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the

truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to

forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

 

HEAD 2 + Give Your Best

This is the message in the very first account of worship in scripture.

See Gen. 4:3 "In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the

soil as an offering to the LORD. 4 But Abel brought fat portions from

some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favour on Abel and

his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour."

Therefore -- Give it your best! If possible, be well-rested, composed,

put aside distractions (and don't distract others), and make your time and

effort in preparing yourself into an offering before God! Say to Him, "To

honor You, I will try today to learn how better to serve You."

HEAD 2 + Watch your Attitudes

A Desire to Serve, not to be Served. Come for the glory of God, not for

emotional self-gratification. Come to be prepared for service, not to be

puffed up with useless knowledge (Obesity occurs on a spiritual level as

well! 1Co. 8:1 "Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all

possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2 The man who

thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3 But the

man who loves God is known by God."

 

HEAD 2 + Plan to Learn (not for knowledge's sake, but to be equipped!)

Come to church (every time) with a constant eye toward application --

What does this mean for me? How do I need to change? What else do I need to

know? What else do I need to do?

Do whatever is needed to help you learn: take notes, underline, or

listen intently. Write down questions, try to further prove or disprove what

is said (perhaps sometime we should have a brief "post-sermon" discussion).

Best of all, think, now, of things you should do through the week, based on

what you are hearing here.

HEAD 2 + Plan to Participate

Everyone has something to contribute! Each person has experiences that

are unique to him/her that can benefit others. 1Co. 14:26 "What then shall

we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of

instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must

be done for the strengthening of the church."

HEAD 1 + CONCLUSION

There are some whose worship is wasted:

HEAD 2 +

HEAD 3 + 1) Those who have not been cleansed by the blood of Christ; who have never

died to their sin in repentance, been buried with Him and had their sins

washed away in baptism, and been raised to walk a brand-new life of

commitment to Him. These never really enter His presence!

2) Those who worship outwardly only, failing to honor Him with their

obedience in what they already know. Their offerings are rejected and

their worship spurned!

HEAD 1 + COMMENTS

HEAD 1 +

Prepared by Scott L. Purcell

Minister of Stokelan Drive Christian Church

1501 Stokelan Drive

Malden, MO 63863

(314) 276-2343

Reproduce, modify, and use freely

for the glory of God and the Growth of the Kingdom!

If these outlines are of some benefit to you,

a note, postcard, or phone-call would be most welcome!


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