2013 MAY WEEK FOUR STUDY / ACTIVITY

WEEK 21: Sunday May 26, 2013.

True Worship as Demonstrated by Christ

Main Text: Philippians 2:1-8

Memory Verse: Acts 10:38

 

Introduction

In this lesson our focus is on how Jesus demonstrated true worship while he lived on earth and what we can learn from his example. The Holy Scriptures portray Jesus’ life on earth as a life of true worship in the following three main segments:

·         He lived in the fear of the Lord (Heb 5:7). His entire focus was on God, and he walked with him in awesome and absolute reverential fear.

·         He lived to fulfill the true will of God (Jn 4:34). He did not seek to do his own pleasure, but rather the will of his Father and to fulfill the purpose of his mission on earth.

·         He lived entirely for the glory of God (Jn 17:4). In preaching the gospel, healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead, Jesus’ motivation was to glorify God.

Those who commit themselves to living in the fear of God, and seek to do his pleasure, often suffer persecution. How prepared are you to tread the path of true worship?

 

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to live in the fear of the Lord?
2. What does it take to live to fulfill the will of God?
3. How did Jesus demonstrate true worship? Philippians 2:5-7
4. What is your motive for seeking the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in your life?
5. How can you succeed in true worship as Jesus did?

 Conclusion

From Jesus’ perfect example, we learn that true worship is focused on the fear of God, seeking to do the will of God, and commitment to glorifying God. Anything short of this is far from what true worship should be.

2013 MAY WEEK THREE STUDY / ACTIVITY

WEEK 20: Sunday May 19, 2013.

Worship as a Reflection of the Life of Christ

Main Text: Matthew 5:13-16

Memory Verse: Isaiah 29:13

Introduction

In this lesson we shall look at the importance of worship in the disciple’s fellowship with God. We shall also discuss practical ways of worship expected of true Disciples of Christ

Our entire existence and livelihood as people privileged to be called in Christ to be his disciples are to reflect the exemplary life of Christ to glorify God. Our daily walk, relationship with God, interaction with people, and total outlook of life, among others, should reflect true worship. Our understanding of worship should not be limited to mere demonstration of practices taught by men. Rather it should be the outflow of a disciplined life lived in the name of Jesus.

A Pastor had struggled through a journey of 30 km. to visit one of his congregations in a rural community in Ghana. Just as he was about to preach he had a call from a member of the community to help transport a woman in critical condition to a distant health facility. What would you have done if you were the Pastor?

Discussion Questions

1. How did Christ worship God while he was on earth?
2. In what ways do you see preaching as a form of worship?
3. How do you worship God by the way you relate with others?
4. What does God expect of you in worship?
5. How do you ensure that your light keeps shining before men?

Conclusion

We were created to worship God. For this reason our daily walk should glorify God. This should reflect in the way we relate with God and with other people. God is only pleased with the way we worship him if he sees Christ being manifested in our conduct.

2013 MAY WEEK TWO STUDY / ACTIVITY

WEEK 19: Sunday May 12, 2013.

The Disciple of Christ & True Worship

Main Text: Matthew 22:35-40

Memory Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:13

 

Introduction

In this study we shall look at what worship is and to see how we can worship God in ways that are pleasing to him.

The Hebrew word most translated as worship is Shachah(as in Gen 23:7)while the Greek word is Proskuneo (as in Matt. 18:26). Both words mean “to bow down”, or “bowing” often before a superior. Also, both words suggest an idea of an outward expression or gesture of love, appreciation, or reverence. Another Greek word for worship is Latreuo which means service. Liturgy is a form of order which guides worshippers as they approach God in all reverence.

A man ordered his nine-year old son to stand up for questioning. For one minute the boy remained sitting. Then the man took a cane in an attempt to frighten the boy. The boy finally stood up with the explanation, “Even though I am standing, deep down my heart I am sitting down.”  What would you have done if you were the father?

 Discussion Questions

1. What meaning do we get from the Hebrew word Shachah?
2. What does the Greek word Proskuneo imply?
3. What does it mean to worship God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind?
4. In what ways can your bowing before God be said to be empty?
5. How do you ensure that your bowing before God is pleasing to him?
6. What do you think of professing disciples of Christ who bow before God but remain sitting in their hearts?

CONCLUSION

In worship we pay homage to God, as well as serve him as we should. Both aspects involve total reverence to God. This is born out of sincere devotion, and love for him. For worship to be beneficial to worshippers care must be taken that liturgy does not overshadow deep reverence to God.