Guidelines That Help Us Worship "In Spirit" (Psalm 100)
Introduction:
1. In John 4:23-24 Jesus revealed His requirements for true worship. a. First, true worshippers worship the Father. b. Second, true worshippers worship the Father "in spirit" [with the proper attitude and disposition] and "in truth" [according to God's will revealed in the New Testament]. 2. From Psalm 100 we are pointing out 2 important "guidelines that help us worship 'in spirit.'" Discussion: I. IN VS.1-3 "PRAISE" IS EMPHASIZED
A. Consider 3 statements made in vs.1-2: 1. "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" 2. "serve the Lord with gladness" (see Psalm 122:1) 3. "come before His presence with singing." B. Many of the Psalms begin in a similar way (95:1; 96:1; 98:1). C. Consider 3 statements made in vs.3 that show why God deserves our praise: 1. "the Lord He is God" (see Psalm 95:3-5) 2. "He has made us, and not we ourselves" (see Psalm 95:6) 3. "we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture" (see Psalm 23). a. (vs.1a) David recognized the Lord as his Shepherd. b. He listed 12 blessings associated with knowing the Lord as his Shepherd. 1) Contentment: "I shall not want" 2) Providential care: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" 3) Peace: "He leadeth me beside the still waters" 4) Restoration: "He restoreth [turns back] my soul" 5) Direction: "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" 6) Courage: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil" 7) Companionship: "Thou art with me" 8) Comfort: "Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" 9) Favor: "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil" 10) Abundance: "My cup runneth over" 11) Assurance: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" 12) Immortality: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." D. These principles that relate to praise will help us worship God "in spirit." II. IN VS.4-5 "THANKSGIVING" IS EMPHASIZED
A. Consider 2 statements made in vs.4: 1. "enter into His gates with thanksgiving" 2. "be thankful unto Him." B. Similar appeals are made in other Psalms (105:1; 106:1; 107:1). C. Consider 3 statements made in vs. 5 that show why God deserves our thanks: 1. "the Lord is good" 2. "His mercy is everlasting" (see Psalm 103:8, 11) 3. "His truth endureth to all generations." D. These principles that relate to thanksgiving will help us worship God "in spirit." Conclusion:
1. Praise and thanksgiving have always been important elements in the worship that God desires from His people. a. Psalm 100 shows us that the Israelites were to worship God with praise and thanksgiving. b. For Christian worship, see Ephesians 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:15. 2. On the basis of these principles, let us offer praise and thanksgiving to God as we worship Him "in spirit."
