To Rejoice in God's Power

  

   Ps 33: 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
   2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.

   3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

   4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

   5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. 

   6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

    7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

    8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

    9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

   Beginning here in verse #6 we are told that everything that was made . . . was made or brought into being – by the spoken word of God.

   In the book of Genesis during the seven days of creation . . . God SAID “let there be ____ “ and there was ____”

  To gather the waters of the sea together as an heap – refers to how that it was “the power of God” that formed the seas – This describes how God simply “commanded” the dry land to appear (when in the days of Genesis) He gathered the waters together to form the sea . . .

    This should not appear to be strange to us . . . for in Mark 4 we read where Jesus commands both the wind and the sea . . .

    Mark 4: 35 ¶ And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.

    36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships.

    37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

    38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

    39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

    40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

    41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

   To answer the question of “The kind of man that Jesus is” . . . we are told here in the 33 Psalm that He is the kind of man that should be praised . . .

   Jesus was present during the days of Genesis . . . we are told in John 1: 1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

    2 The same was in the beginning with God.

    3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

    4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

    5 ¶ And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

   And in verse 14 of this same chapter we are told that this WORD became the literal flesh of the man we know in the scriptures as Jesus Christ.

    14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

   This passage teaches us WHY Jesus had the power in Mark 4 to command the wind and sea . . . Jesus had the power to command them . . . because just a few years before this (about 4000 before) He was with God in the beginning . . . 

   In fact in the days of Genesis He WAS God . . . and all things were made by Him . . . Psalms 33:7 contains the phrase “to lay up the depth in storehouses” . . . this refers to the layer of water that is found under the earth – to what we refer to today as the “underground” water table – 

   In the days before the flood of Noah – it is believed that the continents actually floated on layers of water the way we know they today “float” on layers of molten rock called magma . . . and the flood resulted when “the 

   fountains of the deep were broken up” and this vast layer of underground water that God had caused to be “laid up in the depth in storehouses” was suddenly released . . . and the result was the Great Flood of Noah.

   Gen 8: 1  And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

   2 The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained;

   If the heavens and the earth came into being by the word of God – then this same God still has power over His creation . . . and if we are Indeed His   creation – then we have a responsibility to fear, to honor and to respect our creator . . .

   Pr 1:7  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

  To deny God as creator – is to give man no reason to fear God – and without a reason to fear/respect God . . . a man will never find knowledge – wisdom

  – or understanding . . . knowledge of God as creator teaches man the wisdom of seeking God (we seek God in order to avoid the pain of being separated from God) . . . eternal separation from God is what occurs in a place called HELL as a result of condemnation.

   and knowledge of condemnation – this is what teaches man to “understand” the consequences of what it means to reject God . . . Wisdom allows us

   to see “the difference” between right and wrong . . . knowledge is what puts "a face" on the truth so that it can be recognized through wisdom . . . and 

   then there is the motive for seeking knowledge and wisdom . . . and that motive is called “understanding” as we realize the consequences of walking through life blind – without any idea of God’s definition of what is truly right or wrong . . . 

   the fool is guided through life by HIS OWN concept of right and wrong . . . while the man who fears God is guided by how his creator has defined right and wrong . . .

    Pr 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

   Wisdom teaches us that the right thing to do is to obey God . . . knowledge teaches us WHO God is (He is Holy – He is our creator) . . . understanding

   teaches us that the smart thing to do . . . is to give in (or surrender) to the one who has power over the wind and the sea and to allow Him to also have power over our lives . . . 

The goodness of God

    Ps 33: 1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

   In a previous lesson – we determined that it was appropriate for “the righteous man” to have a thankful attitude toward God . . . and that the song of the righteous man’s
heart “for which God desires to hear from His people” is a song of praise . .  . 

   the type of song which God desires to hear from our heart is a “song of humility” – a song of thanksgiving . . . 

    and to play such a song “skilfully with a loud noise” refers to the fact that “as God’s people” we have become accustomed to a life of humility – and that we

    have NOT forsaken obedience to the commandment of God that we live in humility and forsake pride . . . so that as we become friends with humility and the enemy of pride . . . we

    also become strangers to rebellion against “God’s will for our lives” . . .  

   To be skillful and to play loudly – indicates that we have learned to allow our lives to be guided by a

    thankful attitude toward God . . . and that this attitude “speaks” from our lives so loudly – that “pride” and “haughtiness of spirit” are no longer part of our lives . . .

    Having learned to put God upon the throne of our lives . . . we now understand (and practice) the scripture in Pr 3: 6 which tells us . . . In ALL THY WAYS acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

    For the Word of The Lord is right . . . and all of the works of God are “according” to (or follow along the path of) His Truth . . . 

   The Bible teaches us that . . . God loves “to forgive” . . . and every man’s life (from Adam to the present) has been filled with “God given opportunities” to seek God’s eternal forgiveness of the sin of unbelief . . .

    John 3: 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is NOT condemned: but he that believeth not IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, “because” he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

    The Psalmist continues . . . For “The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord” which means that the world is full of the mercy and the kindness of God . . . 

   we see this in how God extends His hand of forgiveness to ALL men . . . we see the impartial goodness of the Lord as He allows it to rain upon the just as well as upon the unjust – we see this in God’s patience toward each of us 

   every time we are overtaken by rebellion . . . we see the goodness of God in how God upholds the governments of the world to maintain order among mankind (the countries of the world that are God fearing as well as those who have forsaken God – we share equally in this blessing) . . . 

    we see the goodness of God in the spring time which gives ALL men hope for the future . . . 

   We see the goodness of God in the Summer time which gives ALL men the strength/opportunity to work toward their dreams . . .

   

   We see the goodness of God in “the fall” which reminds each of us (or it should) that the strength of our youth is something that will one day end . . .

   We see the goodness of God in the winter of our lives which reminds us of God’s love – God’s patience – of our mortality – and of the reality of the eternal hope that we have in Christ.

   As we continue now with Ps 33: 6 we learn that . . .
6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them (were created/made) by the breath of his mouth.
7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

   It was not by the “chance of evolution” . . . but it was “By the word of the LORD” (that) the heavens (were) made; and all the host of them (also being
made) by the breath of his mouth (His spoken Word when He said in Genesis . . . Let there be ____ and there was _____ . . .

   this knowledge of our creation is simply an expansion of how the goodness of God is in all the earth . . .

This refers to how the heavens above us were literally created (not by changing or reforming what was already in existence) but that all of these
things were literally brought into being by the spoken Word of God . . .

    Gen 1: 1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.
6 And God said . . . and it was so . . .

   This is the goodness of God as shown to us in the creation . . . As His creation . . . we are not an accident of nature but we belong to God . . . 

   and God has A PURPOSE for each of our lives . . . and part of that purpose – is to be REMINDED that we have a creator who loves us and who wants to forgive us

PS 33: 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.

When we speak of the creation – and specifically of God as the creator - I am reminded of what we read in II Peter 3: 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

You see – the point to denying God as creator – is simply a convenient way to avoid the realization of judgment . . . 

   

   if there is no intelligent design then there can be no intelligent “designer” . . . or no-one – or no power to which we can be held accountable – which infers that there is NO JUDGMENT . . . 

   we will end this lesson here – with the idea that if Satan is successful (by any means at all) in convincing any man that there is no Judgment . . . 

   then Satan has gained possession of that man’s soul . . . Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

   If this one verse in The Bible is not true . . . then none of the remaining verses should matter to us at all . . . Are you prepared for the day of judgment that awaits you after this life is over?

Rejoice in the Lord

   Psalms 33: 1-7
1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.
2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.
4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

   In verse #1 we read . . . Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.

  We are told here to rejoice or to be joyful “in the Lord” which refers to how we (as a righteous man) should be grateful (or happy) about our relationship with the Lord.

We also learn that this idea of "rejoicing" is specifically directed toward those who are righteous (which refers to the man who is living within the boundaries of God’s law). 

The idea being – that the man who has forsaken God’s Law – is a man who doesn’t have much to rejoice about . . . running from God is not a pleasant experience in any man's life.

This first verse ends by telling us that "praise" which is talking about (confession – and thanksgiving) are things that are appropriate (suitable - or fit) to be found in the life of a just man (a man whose “path of life” is not perfect but straight or directed within God's will).

Ps 33: 2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
3 Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.

“Praise the Lord” simply refers lifting the Lord up – it means to put God in His proper place in our lives by living with an attitude of thankfulness an humility . . . to praise

the Lord with harp – with the psaltery – or with an an instrument of ten strings – and for us to sing . . . refers to how we sometimes express the joy in our heart with song and music . . . 

  

  I think what we are being taught here – is simply that it is entirely appropriate (in our worship of God) to sing praises unto God from a thankful heart . . .

The new song that is referred to here - is the idea singing a fresh song (or singing with a renewed since of thankfulness) . . . and when we are told to play skillfully – this does not mean that (in our worship) God wants us to be “professional grade” musicians . . .

   What He is telling us – is that God desires our “songs of praise” to be beautiful (not necessarily in melody) but in respect to how our songs should reflect a thankful heart – a heart that really does
love and admire God . . . this is the “fresh sound” for which God listens – this is “the type of song” that god is hoping to hear among his children . . .

4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.

“The word of the Lord” – is a phrase that can properly be considered as "how" God has chosen to provide for us . . . We learn here that the provisions which God has provided for us – are things that are good, they are things which are right – and they are just exactly what we need . . .

Everything that God does is steady – everything that God does is true – and everything that God does is “right down the line”.

Ps 33: 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.

At first glance – the phrase “For God to love righteousness AND judgment” appears to contradict one another . . . why would God love judgment when for the most part "judgment" means pain – injury – death . . .? 

  2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

You see – the idea that God loves judgment – does not mean that

  God loves condemnation – but it means that God loves the idea of extending a pardon – to those who repent.

In our first verse the word “Righteousness” refers to the description of a man whose character is upright – just – or virtuous . . . a righteous man . . .

We can easily understand why God would love this type of character . . . But now let’s consider the word “Judgment” as it is used here . . . this is actually a legal term – it literally refers to a verdict – or to being sentenced in a court of law – it actually refers to “the act” of
justice or to the ultimate concept of being “fair” according to the dictates of the law (in this case God’s Law) . . .

  This concept of abiding by The Law is good for those on the right side of God’s Law . . . Now this does not refer to the ability to live a sinless life (because this cannot be achieved) – but it does refer
to the willingness to live in humility and obedience as we admit our faults (confess) our faults and repent . . . 

   But this concept of justice or being fair is not a good thing for those who live on the wrong side of the law . . . referring to those who live in pride such that they refuse to see their faults – they refuse
to admit any guilt and they never seek the forgiveness of God’s pardon . . . 

  which should cause each of us to consider the question of "which side of God’s law have we chosen to live our lives on . . ."

James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

“Mercy” is related to the idea of compassion – while “the judgment” referred to here in James is related to condemnation (damnation).

God loves mercy – God loves to find the character of righteousness (humility) within the lives of His Children . . . 

   In keeping with our text verses -- it is suitable – it is appropriate – it is expected that God will find an attitude of “thankful praise” in such a man’s’ life (that is in the life of a righteous man).

God does not love condemnation – but God does love “the verdict of forgiveness” which is rendered (given/applied) in respect to those
who are washed in His blood through faith and repentance.  

Why worship?

Matt 16: 1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

“The Pharisees and the Sadducees” were religious leaders with much “political influence” during the time in which Jesus lived . . . Jesus was 

perceived by these political/religious groups “as a threat” to their brand of religion . . . In today's society - it would be like the Presidential 

candidates endorsing a particular religion . . . And as their “religion” increased – their “power base” would also increase . . . in the days of Jesus – because of the way in which religion and politics were 

intertwined – the religious views of “The Jew” were also his political views and the “Pharisees and the Sadducees” basically served as

opposing “party platforms” similar to the Democrat and Republican “platforms” which today allow each of us to identify ourselves with a particular “ideology” - which contain elements of political as well as religious concepts  . . . 

Well Jesus represented what amounted to (in His day) a THIRD party . . . Jesus was not a political activist at all – He repeatedly said and taught “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars ’ and render unto 

God the things that are God’s . . . So the reality of it was - that Jesus was not a threat to the political climate of the day but He was a threat to the religion of the day . . . Jesus 

never once attempted to revolutionize the Roman government – but He did come to reform the Jewish way of “worship”.

Matt 22: 17 Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?

The question here is . . . Is it lawful for a disciple of Jesus (a Christian) to pay taxes to the Roman Government?

 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?

 19 Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.

 20 And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?

 21 They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.

 22 When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way.

Now this would have been a perfect opportunity for Jesus to have begun His political reform – The Roman government was one of the most corrupt institutions man has ever been a part of . . . there was graft – there was 

greed – taxes were high –and TAX MONEY was used to support this corrupt institution . . . but rather than resist (we find that as our example) Jesus paid His taxes to support a government that certainly did not spend that money in the pursuit of righteousness . . .

Matt 17: 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

 25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

 26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

 27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

So Jesus was not interested in politics – and Jesus was not interested in changing the tax code to ensure that tax money was not used for things that He did not agree with  . . .  

We know this to be true or else He would not have paid taxes Himself – and He would have surely encouraged all of His disciples not to pay taxes either . . . but Jesus followed the law of the land . . . and until the law of 

the land opposes God’s law - so that like Daniel we must perform “one” at the expense of “the other” . . . we should follow Jesus’ example . . . and be good citizens of what is often a corrupt system . . . 

Like Jesus our purpose is not to reform our government . . . but rather “as God’s people” our purpose is to sustain (maintain) a particular way of worship (often in the midst of much corruption) by “making disciples” and teaching those disciples what Jesus has taught us. 

Matthew 28: 19 (To the church – to the true worshipers) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jesus was not a politician . . . Jesus did not come to this earth to establish a new form of government – Jesus came to this earth for TWO reasons only

1)  To seek and to save that which was lost . . . by giving Himself a ransom for many and

2)  To fulfill the Old Testament pattern of worship (under the Law of Moses) and to put in its’ place The New Testament pattern of worship

(which He did through the New Testament Church).  All of the rules – all of the sacrifices – all of the things which defined the Old Testament way of

worship were replaced by a New Testament (by a New commandment) or a new law . . . that no longer required all of the symbols – and all of the

sacrifices which the worshiper under the Law of Moses was obligated to offer/perform . . .

Mt 5:17 (Jesus said) Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.

Jesus came to fulfill “God’s will” in regard to teaching His people the method and the meaning of proper worship . . . Jesus was not a politician

Jesus was a teacher of righteousness . . . And in the society of His day - everything was OK until Jesus begin to show how God’s definition of

righteousness – was very "different" compared to how the Pharisees and the Sadducees had defined righteousness.  Righteousness that is defined by good works (worshiper centered) . . . defines a system of worship that is 

based upon how good a person the worshiper is . . . while righteousness that is defined by humility and submission . . . defines a system of worship that is based upon how good GOD is . . .

Pr 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

And this difference of attitude is what The New Testament system of worship is designed to teach us . . . Not how good WE are . . . but rather how good GOD is.

Remember and worship

II Thessalonians – lesson #2

1  Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

This letter was written to a Local NTC in the ancient city of Thessalonica – located in modern day Greece . . . if we let them - the things which Paul

wrote to strengthen this church in ancient Greece – will also strengthen our local church today . . . and if we let them - the warnings from Paul of 

things which would hinder the worship of this church in Thessalonica – are warnings that we should also consider today - as things to avoid in our local church as well . . .

Now the very idea of “a church” – brings to us at once to the concept of worship . . . after all “a church” is considered to be a house of worship –

but . . . Have you ever wandered just exactly what the term “worship” actually means . . . How do we worship – What do we worship – When do we worship – What is the purpose of worship?

Worship is a commandment from God that has been given to man . . the “concept” of worship is clearly implied in the first of the TEN Commandments.

Ex 20: 1 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

The first of the Ten Commandments is given in verse 3 which follows . . . but these first two verses are important because it is here that God clearly defines who HE is (He is our deliver) and He also clearly defines who We are . . .

We are (the ones that have been delivered) we were once in bondage – but God set us free . . .

This knowledge of what God has done for us - is to be the very basic foundation of our worship . . . if we refuse to humble ourselves before God – if we

refuse to see that we are “in bondage” to sin – and that God is our only hope of deliverance – then we will never submit to the commandments (that

actually set the stage for our PROPER worship of God).  Previously we have mentioned “our rule of faith and practice” as it relates to worship . . . It is

IN the first few of the TEN Commandments that God teaches us WHAT to worship – HOW to worship – and WHO to worship . . . as well as teaching us the

 CONSEQUENCES of worship . . . and the consequences of NOT worshiping.  Commandment #1 is that as a TRUE worshipper God commands that . . . we only serve HIM and no other . . .

Ex 20: 3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

God commands those whom He has delivered from bondage to REMEMBER that without Him – they would still BE in bondage . . .

This is the answer to the question of WHO we should worship . . . God commands that we worship ONLY the God that set us free from the

bondage of sin . . . the implication being – that if we have NOT been set free from the guilt of our sins through salvation – then we cannot offer 

proper worship to a God that we have refused to obey because of our unbelief.  The purpose of Ex 20: 1-2 is to establish 1) Who to worship and 2) the REASON for worship.

The WHO is for us to Worship the God that saved your soul – and the REASON for this worship – is to basically advertise to the world that we 

are not the least bit ashamed of God and we are not the least bit ashamed of what God has done for us from a spiritual perspective . . .

Pride is a funny creature – we are not too proud to say in public that God blessed us with good health – or that God blessed us with a new car . . . 

but we are often ashamed to say that God {through faith in Jesus and repentance of our sins} has blessed us spiritually with his salvation . . .

Human pride {in regard to the concept of worship} is similar to a man who is dying with Cancer – who upon being treated by a Doctor – refuses to 

give any credit to the Doctor . . . but claims to have cured himself by changing his diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle . . . religion is 

something that has been designed for the man who thinks that he is able to help God “save him” by changing his lifestyle and turning over a new leaf and becoming involved in the community

– while genuine “Christian Worship” has been designed for the man who knows that God is his savior - and that as a sinner – “his lifestyle” has

played no part at all in his own salvation – other than to admit his guilt before God – other than seeking God’s forgiveness – and trusting in Jesus FOR that forgiveness . . .

So where does this lesson indicate that you and I are individually - in terms of religion or genuine Christian worship?

What does it mean to each one of us “to be delivered from the bondage of sin” . . . is this something that we think that we could have

eventually accomplished  on our own – or do we understand that without Jesus – we are without any spiritual hope  what-so-ever?

Do we sometimes feel that we have earned a “thank-you” from God in return for all the good that we have done in our religion . . . ?

The world’s perspective of RELIGION is all about the good that WE HAVE DONE . . . while God’s perspective of Worship is all about what JESUS  has done . . . So as we analyze our lives . . .

Do we practice religion (which will honor us) – or do we worship God (which will honor ONLY Jesus Christ)?

You see a true worshiper – a real “right out of the Bible” Christian is defined (not by pride) but by “humility” – the man who worships God is 

a man who denies himself as he hides behind Jesus . . . Because he is a man who is “submissive” unto the will of God . . . the man who is a real 

Christian does not see himself as “doing good” – but rather the Christian sees himself as an UNPROFITABLE servant.  

We mentioned this very thing in our last lesson – it bears repeating because the presence of PRIDE in our heart will totally ruin any attempt that we make to worship God.

Luke 17: 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

9  Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.

10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.

So as we consider this concept of worship – can we see the differences that exist between the worship of God through obedience and the worship of ourselves through religion?

The first of the Ten Commandments clearly deals with the worship of the God which saved our souls . . . thou shalt have NO OTHER GODS before me . . .

And the next one is just as clear . . . Ex 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Let’s take just a few moments and look at these two commandments with the idea of comparing religion with Christianity . . .

Religion makes a pretense of worshiping God – but in reality – religion is designed to allow a man to feel good about how much he has helped God.

To have no other gods before me means that worship requires us honor God - and we do this through obedience . . . while religion requires that

we not offend the world with the truth about sin – so religion is where we learn the art of compromise and how to be politically correct - so as to be able to reach a greater number of people with our “religion of 

compromise” . . . is it better to tell a 1000 people a lie that will make them feel better about themselves – than it is to tell a 100 people the truth which they need to hear about how their sins have separated them from God . . .  

Do you see the problem with the compromise of religion?

I think a big new church building is a very good thing – and I also think that “reaching more people” in our church is also a good thing . . .

– but I do not think that hiding part of the truth in an effort to be “less offensive” and attract more people to “our religion” serves any useful purpose at all.

The real unvarnished truth is simply this . . . if your choice of which church to attend is based upon the size of the building or upon all of the “things

that are offered” to engage the youth . . . then this is proof that you have completely left “God and The Truth” out of the equation altogether . . .

The Truth can be taught in an un-air-conditioned tent by an uneducated preacher to a group of individuals who are more concerned about

Worship than they are about entertainment - and who are more concerned about learning more about God than they are concerned about what

everyone will think when they find out that they go to “that kind of a church”

thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image . . . thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them . . .

I am not going to a church that does not provide activities for my children . . . I am not going to a church that does not have a new building . . .

Explain to me how this is any different than bowing down and serving a golden statue (a graven image) as your god?

I will not worship God – unless I can do so on MY TERMS . . . or in a building that do not have to be ashamed of . . . or unless the preacher is 

highly educated . . . unless they a youth program . . . This choice is yours to make . . . but this is religion 101 – this is SELF WORSHIP not GOD worship . . .

I will not worship in a church – where the truth is compromised . . . where entertainment is used to attract . . . where the pride of religion has 

replaced the humility of Christianity . . . once again – this is your choice to make – but you should recognize the difference between Christianity 101 and religion 101.

END Lesson #2

What is The True Worshiper?

This lesson is about God – about worship – about life – about death . . . and most important of all -  about eternity.

Ephesians 4: 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Now what these three verses tell us is that there is ONE body (one type) of true worshiper . . . It is normally understood that there is only ONE

salvation – but the concept of ONE type of worship is almost universally MISUNDERSTOOD.  Salvation and worship are NOT interchangeable concepts.  

 Salvation refers to how our spirits are “saved” from hell after we die - while worship refers to how “those who have been saved” live a life of thanks toward the God who “saved us”.

Yes there is only ONE salvation – for by grace are ye “saved” through faith . . . Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.  

 And to follow up on this thought – there is only ONE body of true worshipers - which refers to how there is really only “one way” to please the God that has saved our soul from hell by way of His grace (which is technically defined for us as "kindness that we do not deserve").

John 4: 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

It has always been interesting to me - to hear people who have such “varied” religious views express their belief  - "that even though we sometimes teach opposing doctrine" – it is common to hear the phrase 

“we are all working for the SAME place” which seems to indicate that God does not really prefer one type of worship over any other type (as long as we are all sincere in our efforts) God will look upon all of us as 

“true worshipers” no matter what we “teach” in our churches and no matter what type of worship we “practice” in our churches.

Religion “in and of itself” is not the definition of Truth.  It is possible to practice The Truth through religious observances . . . but adhering to religious principles will only guide us in the way of GOD’s Truth IF 

“the religion” that we have adopted is actually "based" upon God’s Truth . . . and if we just look about us – we can easily see that not every religion even recognizes the same God . . . So I guess my point to this - is that 

“religion” is not the answer – but TRUTH is the answer.  If there is more than one truth – or if there is more than one God then what-ever we believe really doesn’t matter –because this would mean that there is  

more than one correct answer to "the question of life" – but if on the other hand there IS only ONE Truth – and if there really IS only ONE God . . . then it quickly becomes apparent – that the most important thing we can 

do in this life is to find The Truth – and to then serve The ONE God who gave us that truth.

Deuteronomy chapter 4: talks about offering worship to false gods and how The True God of heaven does not want us (as His children) to be guilty of such a thing . . . He is speaking to the nation of Israel not long after He 

had delivered her from Egyptian bondage . . . He had already given the Ten Commandments – the first being, thou shalt have no other gods before me . . . another one of these commandments being a simple warning not to make images of false gods for the purpose of worship . . . God explains

Deuteronomy 4: 16 Lest ye corrupt (spoil or ruin) yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female (for the purpose of worshiping such an image)

17 The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air,

18 The likeness of anything that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth (for the purpose of having “a god” to worship)

19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven (do not make images of these to worship unless you) shouldest be driven to worship them, (the image) and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.   

20 But the LORD hath taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people of inheritance, as ye are this day . . . 

You see it mattered “who and how” the nation of Israel (God’s people in the Old Testament) worshiped . . . and it matters “who and how” the church (God’s people in the New Testament) worship today.

Remember "that worship" is not HOW we gain God’s salvation – worship is how we gain God’s favor AFTER we have already "gained" His salvation.

God never threatened to send the nation of Israel back to Egypt if they served idol gods, but He did promise to punish them if they did not worship properly. 

As we return our focus back to John chapter 4 . . . Did you notice what Jesus told this lady at the well . . . He told her “you don’t really know what you are worshipping – salvation is of the Jews . . . and the 

God that you should be giving thanks to through your worship – is the God that has made this salvation possible (not for the Jews only – but) for all men.” 

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him (if they want God to accept their worship then they) MUST worship him in spirit and in truth.

In the Old Testament – God required His people to worship Him a certain way (there were rules to follow in the Law of Moses) – in the case of the

graven images – God would not accept their worship if they bowed down to these images . . . Notice how God did not accept the worship of His people just because they were sincere . . .

Eze 20: 13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness (they turned away from The Truth) they walked not in my statutes (according to the rules) and they despised my judgments (God says that 

they did not like HIS definition of right and wrong) which if a man do (if a man does accept God's definition of right and wrong then) he shall even live in them (according to God's Word) and My Sabbaths they greatly 

polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.

14 But I wrought for my name's sake, that it (that my name) should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out (God was angry that His people had “poisoned” the concept of proper worship in 

front of “the heathen” that He had previously judged because they had turned to idols and chosen not to accept His Truth . . He had punished the heathen for this and now

15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them (My people) in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands (referring to how the 

forty years of wandering in the wilderness before finally being allowed to enter into the Promised land  - was all because of how God’s people had polluted True Worship)  God punished them . . .

16 Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my Sabbaths (or the holy days that were to be set aside for worship -- and He punished them because) for their heart went after their idol instead of after God and His Truth

In religious circles – it is commonly understood that Jesus is the ONE and only way to salvation –

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

But what is not commonly understood “in religious circles” is the concept of ONE type of worship – or true worship as opposed to false worship.

John 4:24 seems to clarify the concept of ONE type of worship – it tells us that "IF we worship" that we “must worship in spirit and in truth” just as 

Acts 4:12 also seems to clarify the concept of ONE way of salvation as “faith in the name of Jesus Christ”. 

We are often eager to accept Acts 4:12 – but if we would be just as eager to accept John 4:24 – then this would usually necessitate a change in the type of church that we attended - as we would have to admit that those  

narrow minded churches “fill-in-the-blank with a denomination of your choice”– are actually no more narrow in their way of thinking than what we find taught in John 4:24 which is a quote from Jesus Himself.

In our reference to the Old Testament and the worship of ancient Israel – God was fairly specific about how He wanted His people to worship Him

– if they “changed the rules” God said that they were guilty of polluting His Sabbath and rebelling against His statutes . . . which resulted in their punishment as a people . . . 

You see it is just not possible to get away from the concept of ONE as it refers to either The Truth or to the Worship of God.

"The ONE spirit" of Eph 4 - refers to THE TRUTH and how that we are only able to properly honor God when we allow “His Spirit of Truth” to guide our worship.

"The ONE hope of your calling" refers to how (as children of God) that we have confidence not in ourselves, but in The Truth.  The hope of our calling is how we view ourselves as having (been called) by The Truth 

to do the following things 1) the truth has called us to live a certain way 2) the truth has called us to seek God with our whole heart – and 3) the truth has called us to worship God “in a very particular way” . . and that is in the way of Truth   

-- Referring to Jesus we see that Titus 2:14 (tells us that He was the one) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Now there are four words that I want to focus on in this verse – they are redeem which refers to setting a person free from their sins or giving thema pardon – 

the next word we see is iniquity which refers to wickedness or unrighteousness . . . the idea is that Jesus died in order to purchase the right to give the sinner a pardon – or to set us free from the consequences of our sins.  

The phrase “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity” describes for us “the salvation” that the cross has made available to us as a sinner– while the remainder of this verse describes 

what Jesus WANTS TO DO with us after He saves us . . . “and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” 

What this last phrase literally means is this – referring to those that have been redeemed (or purchased) from iniquity (or sin) refers directly to

those of us who have been saved – The third word that I want us to notice is the word purify and how God wants to purify (cleanse or wash the lives of) these that He has redeemed unto Himself as a peculiar (or as an out of 

the ordinary type of) people who are zealous (or anxious and enthusiastic) of good works (or to perform service that is virtuous or valuable to God). 

The forth word is peculiar - which we have seen simply means "out of the ordinary" . . . To have a life that is virtuous or valuable in the eyes of God begins with OBEDIENCE . . . So think about what we should

specifically be obedient to –  and exactly what is it that God want us to obey . . . Generally speaking – God wants us to obey The Truth . . . and the first truth that He wants us to obey is The Truth regarding salvation

and the next thing that He wants us to obey is The Truth in regard to worship . . . John 3: 16  describes for us The Truth about salvation . . . we

read here - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (to die on the cross so) that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Have we obeyed The Truth of God’s salvation – or have we rebelled against His promise to give salvation to all who believe and put their trust in

Him . . and then what of Eph chapter 4 and John chapter 4 regarding this concept of True Worship . . . God seeketh such to worship Him . . .

God is a Spirit and they that worship him MUST worship him in spirit AND in truth because the result of God’s people rebelling against 

The Truth of proper worship – is that God’s Word – God’s way – and God’s will "for the lives of His people" becomes dirty and polluted . . . this is

what happened to the nation of Israel on their way to the Promised land . . . and this very same thing can happen to you and I on our way the “Promised land” of being set aside by God as He seeks to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.