Nurture
[Session 13]
Worship and Praise “Let everything that has breath
praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6)
[Session 13] Introduction “Worship is not meant to please me; to make me feel good; to meet my criteria, my standards; my tastes: Worship is for God. I am not to be the centre of worship; God is to be at the centre. Worship is bringing all that we know of ourselves to all that we know of God.” (William Temple) An excellent way to express our worship to God: true worship is a lifestyle of praise, honour, commitment & submission to God.
What is the difference between praise and worship? -‐ -‐
-‐
Praise and worship are bound together. Praise is part of our expression of worship to God (Psalm 29:2). Praise is an outward demonstration of our thankfulness to God for what he has done for us, for humanity and for creation (1 Chron. 16:8-12) (Psalm 103) (Psalm 105:1-4). Worship means acknowledging the worth of someone or something; recognising and saying that something or someone is worthy of praise. Worship includes praise, but it also includes a whole lot more. Worship is a whole way of life. Worship is our response to who God is.
o
o
o
o o
o
Worship involves acknowledging God for who he is (Matt 14:33) (Psalm 8). Worship involves loving God and being devoted to him (Psalm 116:1) (Deuteronomy 6:5). Worship involves obedience, surrender and submission to God (Psalm 101:1-3) (Esther 4:12-17). Worship is an expression of our reverence and honour (Psalm 95:6) (Psalm 96:9). Worship is an act of sacrifice to God (Hebrews 13:15) (Gen 22:1-14). Worship can involve lots of things including praise, (Psalm 108:3-5) giving, (2 Cor. 8:2, 7, 12-15) acts of service, (Matt 25:34-40) and prayer (Colossians 1:3) (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
lifechurch
Nurture
[Session 13]
Prayer
[Session 13]
Worship and Praise
Why do we worship and praise God? -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐
God is worthy of our praise (Revelation 4:11)) (Psalm 145:3). God delights in our praise and worship (Psalm 147:10-11). It pleases Him (Psalm 69:30-31). We join in with all of heaven who are praising and worshiping God, now and for eternity (Revelation 4-5). We are created to worship (1 Peter 2:9) (Ephesians 2:10). The Bible commands us to (Psalm 150). It does us good (Psalm 92:1-3) (Hebrews 12:2-3). It helps bring about breakthrough in our lives (Acts 16:25-26) (2 Chronicles 20:21-30). God uses our praise of his strength to silence the enemy (Psalm 8:2) (1 Cor. 1:27).
How do we worship and praise God? -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐ -‐
With enthusiasm and passion (Psalm 103:1) (2 Samuel 6:12-16, 21-23). Individually (Ps 149:5) (Luke 1:46-55) and as a church community (Ps 34:3) (Acts 2:42-47). All the time (Psalm 34:1) (Psalm 71:24). We praise with singing (Ps 89:1) (Ps 101:1) and great joy (Ps 71:23). By lifting our hands (Ps 134:2) (Ps 63:4). With music, (Ps 150:3-5) dancing, (Exodus 15:20-21) clapping, (Ps 47:1) and shouts of joy (Ps 100:1). With reverence and awe (2 Cor. 7:1) (Hebrews 12:28)
Conclusion As you can see, praise and worship does not just involve music and singing, but a lifestyle of honour, love, obedience and commitment to God. True Worship has an impact on us. We become like what we worship.
lifechurch