Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z89G8nawyA
Notes for teaching...on Worship

I love where we ended last week...

Hebrews 11:21
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

I think this verse is perfect for a study on worship.

What is this thing we call 'worship?' We call our bands, 'Worship' bands... we call our gatherings, 'worship services'... and when we sing together we sing 'worship' songs!

but do we even know what worship is!?
Is it singing? dancing? making sacrifices? making music? Praying? Serving?

I think all of these encompass what 'worship' can look like. But actual worship goes deeper. It's about the heart. It's about what's going on inside the worshiper.

'By faith' this verse says about Jacob. Faith this gift of God given to our hearts. Belief in One unseen, unprovable by fleshly means, without which it is impossible to please God.
This faith is the first element needed in worship that comes from the heart.

and the next part of the verse gives us a hint as to where this faith comes from...
'when he was dying.' True worship comes not of ourselves, no, it comes from dying to ourselves and giving ourselves over to the Spirit.
It's getting our eyes, the eyes of our hearts, off ourselves and onto Spirit.

next Jacob blesses others... Worship is about seeking good for others. Once we have the trust and faith in God, once we have died to ourselves and gotten our eyes on and filled with Spirit; we are free to 'bless' others. Ours hearts can lift them up to this amazing One, who is utterly to be trusted and is so worthy of all praise and glory. Oh it's a beautiful thing!

The verse ends with 'and leaned on top of his staff.' True worship throws us into the arms of the One being worshipped. We trust, bless and give ourselves completely to worship of this Beloved, All Lovely One.

Oh I want to worship like that today! Alone or in the assembly, let's keep this verse about Jacob in our hearts as we seek His face!