On Sunday we walked through the biblical portal of Revelation 4 and 5 to take a very quick look at what takes place around the throne of God. Sermon and outline are at this link: http://www.harrisonhills.org/sermonseries/worship-the-pursuit-of-the-scripture-and-the-purpose-of-the-saint
I think you will agree that it is hard to get finite minds around infinite glory. We read about “24 elders” and “four living creatures” and “myriads upon myriads” of worshiping angels. We listened with the ears in our minds as the worshipers were singing great and powerful songs of adoration and praise to the God of all creation, and His Son – the Lion who is also the Lamb. We pondered very briefly about the intense work and immense worth of the cross, and all that it accomplishes for everyone who will renounce sin and receive the Savior. Oh, how glorious heaven will be, Beloved Sharers of God’s righteousness!
As we mature in our faith and understanding, we are naturally drawn to think more often and more deeply about the beauty and majesty of heaven’s throne, and “the one who is seated” on it. As our maturity grows so should our desire to be in the presence of the Lamb who was slain, so we too can sing “worthy are you, Jesus, because you died for my sins and the sin of the world”. Think deeply and you can join minds with Paul who was pulled in two directions: staying on earth to labor for the saints, and desiring to go on to be with Jesus – which is far better. As we reflected on the glories of God’s throne, we learned that in God’s presence, worship is the natural order of things.
Time did not permit me to suggest some applications, so read below and ask God to reveal to you how to bring these suggestions to action in your life. On my outline, the main point read like this: Worship at God’s throne affects worship on earth. Here are four matters for your consideration as you seek to worship God in spirit and in truth.
1. Since all that is done in heaven is seen as worship to God - -
believers should strive to do all things on earth to God’s glory (worship)
2. Since God’s very essence and nature is holy - -
believers should strive to be holy in all they do (4.8)
This state of holiness is imputed or transferred to believers through Jesus. The Bible is clear: our righteousness is in Christ.
Still, the pursuit of holiness that ends in the practice of holiness is the biblical expectation for every believer.
If you’ve been a believer for more than five minutes, you have realized that you stumble and fail in that pursuit – don’t lose heart.
What is imperfect on earth will be made perfect in heaven; so, when your holiness fails, repent; seek & receive forgiveness; keep pressing on toward the prize.
3. Since surrender to God was Jesus’ foundation for worship - -
believers should likewise make surrender to God their foundation for worship (5.9-10)
4. Since man was created to worship God - -
only as believers are worshipping God (in all aspects of life) are they truly fulfilling His purpose for their lives (5.13)
I closed the message this way: The goal in this series has been to help us see how worship is the “right response of man to the revelation of God”. Worship is not something you do for 30 minutes or so on Sunday morning – worship is the purpose for your life. For the people of God, who want to be in the presence of God, worship is the natural order of things.
Let those applications be one more thing to encourage you and equip you in your faith this week. Praying for you and worshiping with you,
Pastor Gary