Here are the completed notes from the Sunday Evening service August 30, 2015:
XI. The Worship of the Church
Scripture: Psalm 29:2, John 4:21-24
A. The definition of worship
There are 3 Greek verbs translated by the one English word “worship”
The words are:
1. Proskuneo: “to bow or prostrate oneself in submissive lowliness and deep reverence”
2. Sebomai: “to look upon with awe”
3. Lalzeuo: “to render service for”
Worship:
– to ascribe worth to God
– An overflowing of the Spirit
– An outpouring of a person’s heart expressing joy and praise
– An occupation with the person of God
First Mention of worship in the Bible Genesis 22:5. Abraham sacrificing Isaac to God
B. The importance of worship
The difference between Adam and all other creatures in the Garden was not in his size or strength, but in His ability to worship the Creator
C. The reasons for worship
1. We are to worship God for His work in creation. Psalm 95:6, Revelation 4: 10-11
2. We are to worship God for His work in Redemption. Revelation 5:9
“Contemplating God is the trigger that sets off worship”
3. God is completely worthy of our worship
D. The elements in Worship
1. Through the ministering of God’s word.
a. It should be studied. (Acts 6:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:15)
b. It should be read. (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; 1 Timothy 4:13; Revelation 1:3)
c. It should be taught. (Acts 2:42; Acts 6:7; Acts 12:24; Acts 18:28; Acts 19:20)
d. It should be preached. (2 Timothy 4:2)
2. Through the keeping of the ordinances
3. Through the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
4. Through the lifting up of prayers, intercessions, supplications, and thanksgiving
5. Through the offering up of sacrifices
a. The sacrifice of our Bodies (Romans 12:1)
b. The sacrifice of our Praise (Hebrews 13:15)
c. The sacrifice of our Good Works (Hebrews 13:16)
d. The sacrifice of our Substance (Philemon 4:18)
XII. The Stewardship of the Church
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, 1 Peter 4:10
In the New Testament world a steward was a manager of a household or estate. He was appointed by the owner and trusted to keep the estate running smoothly.
The estate responsibilities entrusted to us are threefold:
A. How we use our time. Ephesians 5:16
B. How we use our talents
C. How we use our treasure (finances). How we feel about our money?
1. I must recognize that money comes from God
2. I must recognize that money in itself cannot satisfy. Isaiah 55:1, 2
3. I must refuse to substitute silver for the Savior
4. I must believe that God will supply all of my needs that I cannot honestly provide myself. Matthew 6:31, Philemon 4:19
5. The pattern of Giving
6. The plan of giving. Our giving should be systematic. 1 Corinthians 16:2
7. The paradox of giving
8. The Purpose of giving
a. That God’s work might be supported. 1 Timothy 5:17-18
b. That our lives might be blessed. Proverbs 3:9-10; Proverbs 28:20; Malachi 3:10, Luke 6:38
c. That other Christians might be challenged. 2 Corinthians 9:2
d. That the Father might be glorified. 2 Corinthians 9:12
e. That needy saints may be provided for. Acts 11:29; 1 John 3:17
9. The privilege of giving.
*Whether we realize it or not, God does not need our money. (See Psalm 50:12-15) But He has graciously allowed us to give back to Him – and actually get credit for it – that which is already His!
10. The pleasure for giving.
*Some contents adapted from Dr. Harold Willmington’s notes on the church