1. Last week we began a series of lessons on "worship." 2. Our lessons are designed to help us be the "true worshippers" that Jesus talked about in John 4:23. 3. The Bible reveals numerous guidelines that relate to true worship. 4. For example, in Psalm 29:2 David gave 2 important guidelines: a. "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name." b. "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." 5. Since worship is such an important activity, in our lesson we are considering several "guidelines for Christian worship."
Discussion:
I. IN JOHN 4:23-24 JESUS GAVE 3 GUIDELINES FOR WORSHIP
A. First, worship is to be directed to the Father. 1. Jesus also emphasized this guideline in Matthew 4:10. 2. Worship is not to be directed to the objects in the sky, nature, idols and images, people, angels, and Satan. B. Second, the Father is to be worshipped "in spirit" [with the proper attitude and disposition]. C. Third, the Father is to be worshipped "in truth" [according to the Lord's instructions in the New Testament]. D. This third point made by Christ leads us to our next guideline.
II. GOD IS NO LONGER TO BE WORSHIPPED ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN IN THE LAW OF MOSES
A. The Law of Moses has been taken out of the way (Colossians 2:14). B. The holy days of the Law of Moses are no longer in effect (Colossians 2:16-17). C. Those who follow the Law of Moses have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4). D. At one time, Moses was God's spokesman; however, Jesus now occupies that position (Hebrews 1:1-2). E. To please God, we must listen to Christ (Matthew 17:5; Colossians 3:16-17). 1. Christ's Word is the New Testament (Hebrews 9:15). 2. Those who follow the Lord's law will be blessed (James 1:25). 3. The Lord's law is not to be altered (Revelation 22:18-19). F. Another guideline relates to the time of worship.
III. THE NEW TESTAMENT RECOGNIZES THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK AS "THE LORD'S DAY"
A. Some special events pertaining to Christianity occurred on the first day of the week. 1. Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week (Luke 24:1-3). 2. The church was established on the first day of the week (Acts 2). B. Early Christians ate the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). C. Christians are to give on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). D. John mentioned "the Lord's day" in Revelation 1:10. E. Although God's people are to assemble for worship on the Lord's day, we may also assemble "daily" for instruction and devotion (Acts 2:42, 46a).
Conclusion:
1. Worshipping God is a special blessing for His children, but it is also a serious responsibility. 2. As we seek to follow the guidelines for Christian worship, let us apply David's instructions: a. "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name." b. "Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."