Embracing the Way of the Lamb: Praise and Worship
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the importance of praise and worship in our lives. Praise is the only part of our service that is solely for God. It is not about what we get from God but about who He is. God does not need our material possessions; He desires the fruit of our lips, our heartfelt praise. When we praise God, blessings are released, and we draw closer to Him. This act of worship is not confined to Sundays; it can be done anytime, anywhere, and it brings us into a deeper relationship with God.
Our main scripture today is from Revelation 5:1-11, where John describes a vision of the throne room in heaven. In this vision, a scroll is held by the one seated on the throne, and no one is found worthy to open it except the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who is also the Lamb that was slain. This imagery is powerful and symbolic, representing Jesus Christ, who conquered through His sacrificial love. The vision continues with the elders and living creatures worshipping the Lamb, declaring His worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.
We then transition to discussing the early church's context, living under the Roman Empire's shadow. Christians were a minority and faced immense pressure to conform to the worship of Roman gods and the emperor. Despite this, they were called to follow the way of the Lamb, which meant living sacrificially, performing acts of righteousness, and remaining faithful even unto death. This way of living stood in stark contrast to the Roman way of ruling through violence and oppression.
John's visions in Revelation are filled with symbolic language that requires careful interpretation. The throne room scene, with its 24 elders and four living creatures, represents the diversity of creation and the leaders of God's kingdom. The scroll in the right hand of the one on the throne symbolizes authority and power. The Lion of Judah and the Lamb represent Jesus, who embodies both strength and sacrificial love.
The early church responded to God's call by living out these principles. They became known for their good deeds, caring for the poor, widows, orphans, and the sick. Their actions stood out in a world that often discarded the weak and poor. This response set an example for us to follow today. We are called to live according to the ways of God's kingdom, loving our enemies, setting captives free, and bringing good news to the poor.
As we conclude, we reflect on how the Holy Spirit speaks to us today. The Spirit will always sound like Jesus, reminding us of His teachings and guiding us to live out those truths in our context. We are called to follow the way of the Lamb, which leads to victory over evil and ultimately to reigning with Him in the new Jerusalem. Let us pray for the strength to follow this path and to honor God with our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Praise and Worship as a Lifestyle: Praise is not about what we receive from God but about acknowledging who He is. It is an act of worship that can be done anytime, drawing us closer to God and releasing His blessings in our lives. This continuous act of praise helps us maintain a deeper relationship with God, beyond the confines of Sunday services. [10:01]
2. The Vision of the Throne Room: John's vision in Revelation 5 presents a powerful image of the throne room in heaven, where the Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy to open the scroll. This vision emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial love and His ultimate authority and power. It reminds us that true strength is found in humility and sacrifice. [02:48]
3. Living in a Hostile World: The early church faced immense pressure to conform to the Roman Empire's practices, yet they were called to follow the way of the Lamb. This meant living sacrificially, performing acts of righteousness, and remaining faithful even unto death. Their example teaches us to stand firm in our faith and live out God's principles, even in a world that often opposes them. [14:05]
4. Symbolism in Revelation: The book of Revelation is filled with symbolic language that requires careful interpretation. Understanding the context of these symbols, such as the 24 elders and the four living creatures, helps us grasp the deeper meanings of John's visions. These symbols represent the diversity of creation and the leaders of God's kingdom, emphasizing the inclusivity and authority of God's rule. [19:04]
5. The Call to Follow the Lamb: The Holy Spirit calls us to follow the way of the Lamb, which involves loving our enemies, setting captives free, and bringing good news to the poor. This path leads to victory over evil and ultimately to reigning with Christ in the new Jerusalem. We are encouraged to listen to the Spirit's guidance and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. [25:55]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:36] - Revelation 5:1-11 Reading
[05:06] - The Importance of Praise
[10:01] - Praise and Worship Anytime
[12:18] - Living in a Hostile World
[14:05] - Early Church Context
[16:09] - Symbolism in Revelation
[19:04] - Throne Room Symbols
[22:05] - The Lion and the Lamb
[23:24] - Two Kingdoms, Two Rulers
[25:55] - The Call to Follow the Lamb
[28:56] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Revelation 5:1-11
- Psalm 22:3
- Isaiah 6:1-4
#### Observation Questions
1. In Revelation 5:1-11, who is the only one found worthy to open the scroll and what are the symbols associated with Him? ([01:36])
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the 24 elders and the four living creatures in John's vision? ([19:04])
3. How did the early church respond to the pressures of living under the Roman Empire, as described in the sermon? ([14:05])
4. What does Psalm 22:3 say about where God is enthroned, and how does this relate to the act of praise? ([06:50])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the imagery of the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain reveal about Jesus' nature and mission? ([21:21])
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of praise and worship in our daily lives, beyond just Sunday services? ([11:33])
3. In what ways did the early church's actions contrast with the Roman Empire's way of ruling, and what can we learn from their example? ([14:37])
4. How does the symbolism in Revelation help us understand the nature of God's kingdom versus human kingdoms? ([22:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own practice of praise and worship. How often do you engage in heartfelt praise outside of Sunday services? What steps can you take to make praise a more integral part of your daily life? ([11:33])
2. The early church was known for their good deeds and care for the marginalized. Identify one specific way you can serve your community this week, following their example. ([26:26])
3. The sermon mentioned that praise is not about what we get from God but about who He is. How can you shift your focus in worship to be more about acknowledging God's character rather than seeking blessings? ([10:54])
4. Consider the pressures you face in your own life to conform to societal norms that may conflict with your faith. How can you stand firm in your beliefs and live out God's principles in these situations? ([14:05])
5. The Holy Spirit guides us to live out the teachings of Jesus. How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's voice in your daily decisions and actions? ([25:40])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of understanding the symbolic language in Revelation. How can you apply this approach to other parts of the Bible that use symbolic or figurative language? ([17:02])
7. Reflect on the concept of living sacrificially as Jesus did. What is one area of your life where you can practice sacrificial love this week? ([25:55])
Devotional
Day 1: Praise and Worship as a Lifestyle
Praise is not about what we receive from God but about acknowledging who He is. It is an act of worship that can be done anytime, drawing us closer to God and releasing His blessings in our lives. This continuous act of praise helps us maintain a deeper relationship with God, beyond the confines of Sunday services. When we praise God, we are not just singing songs or saying words; we are engaging in a spiritual practice that aligns our hearts with His. This act of worship is a powerful reminder of God's presence and His sovereignty over our lives.
In Revelation 5:1-11, we see a vivid depiction of the throne room in heaven, where the Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy to open the scroll. This vision emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial love and His ultimate authority and power. It reminds us that true strength is found in humility and sacrifice. As we praise and worship God, we are participating in this heavenly scene, joining the elders and living creatures in declaring His worthiness. [10:01]
Psalm 34:1-3 (ESV): "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!"
Reflection: How can you incorporate praise and worship into your daily routine, beyond just Sunday services? What specific moments in your day can you dedicate to acknowledging God's presence and sovereignty?
Day 2: The Vision of the Throne Room
John's vision in Revelation 5 presents a powerful image of the throne room in heaven, where the Lamb who was slain is the only one worthy to open the scroll. This vision emphasizes Jesus' sacrificial love and His ultimate authority and power. It reminds us that true strength is found in humility and sacrifice. The imagery of the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was slain encapsulates the dual nature of Jesus as both a mighty ruler and a humble servant.
The throne room scene, with its 24 elders and four living creatures, represents the diversity of creation and the leaders of God's kingdom. The scroll in the right hand of the one on the throne symbolizes authority and power. This vision calls us to recognize the majesty and holiness of God, and to respond with reverence and awe. As we meditate on this vision, we are reminded of the ultimate victory of Jesus and the hope we have in Him. [02:48]
Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV): "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'"
Reflection: How does the vision of the throne room in Revelation 5 change your perspective on worship and the authority of Jesus? What aspects of Jesus' character as both the Lion and the Lamb can you meditate on today?
Day 3: Living in a Hostile World
The early church faced immense pressure to conform to the Roman Empire's practices, yet they were called to follow the way of the Lamb. This meant living sacrificially, performing acts of righteousness, and remaining faithful even unto death. Their example teaches us to stand firm in our faith and live out God's principles, even in a world that often opposes them. The early Christians were known for their good deeds, caring for the poor, widows, orphans, and the sick. Their actions stood out in a world that often discarded the weak and poor.
Living in a hostile world requires courage and a deep commitment to the teachings of Jesus. It means loving our enemies, setting captives free, and bringing good news to the poor. This way of living stands in stark contrast to the world's values of power and self-preservation. As we follow the way of the Lamb, we are called to be a light in the darkness, showing the world the love and grace of God through our actions. [14:05]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the principles of God's kingdom in your daily life, especially in situations where you face opposition or pressure to conform? How can you be a light in your community?
Day 4: Symbolism in Revelation
The book of Revelation is filled with symbolic language that requires careful interpretation. Understanding the context of these symbols, such as the 24 elders and the four living creatures, helps us grasp the deeper meanings of John's visions. These symbols represent the diversity of creation and the leaders of God's kingdom, emphasizing the inclusivity and authority of God's rule. The scroll in the right hand of the one on the throne symbolizes authority and power, and the Lion of Judah and the Lamb represent Jesus, who embodies both strength and sacrificial love.
As we study the symbolism in Revelation, we are invited to see the bigger picture of God's redemptive plan for humanity. The visions in Revelation are not just about future events, but they also speak to the present reality of God's kingdom breaking into our world. By understanding these symbols, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the majesty and mystery of God's work in history and in our lives. [19:04]
Revelation 4:6-8 (ESV): "And before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!'"
Reflection: How does understanding the symbolism in Revelation enhance your understanding of God's kingdom and His redemptive plan? What specific symbols in Revelation resonate with you, and why?
Day 5: The Call to Follow the Lamb
The Holy Spirit calls us to follow the way of the Lamb, which involves loving our enemies, setting captives free, and bringing good news to the poor. This path leads to victory over evil and ultimately to reigning with Christ in the new Jerusalem. We are encouraged to listen to the Spirit's guidance and live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. Following the way of the Lamb means embracing a life of humility, sacrifice, and service to others.
As we follow the Lamb, we are called to be agents of God's kingdom, bringing His love and justice to a broken world. This involves not only personal piety but also social action, standing up for the oppressed, and working towards reconciliation and peace. The way of the Lamb is a radical call to live out the values of God's kingdom in every aspect of our lives, trusting that in doing so, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world. [25:55]
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to follow the way of the Lamb in your community? How can you be an agent of God's kingdom, bringing His love and justice to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Praise is good for you. And what a great way to commune with our creator, with our redeemer, than in praise. I would even suggest that we're more open to hearing from God when we're engaged in praise. The Bible says God inhabits, it's the praises of his people. Psalm 22, verse 3, Yet you are holy, you who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. When we read about visions of heaven in the Bible, we're always presented with God being constantly worshipped by legions and legions of angels." [06:50]
2. "Some people want to wait until God blesses them before they thank him and bless him. Well, actually, praise is not about what we get from God. It's about who God is. And you know what? God never changes. He So we can always praise our God. Because it doesn't depend on what we receive. It doesn't depend on our circumstances. It only depends on who he is. And he doesn't change. Don't wait till Sunday to praise God. You can do it any time, day or night. That way, you will draw closer to God and he will praise you. And he will draw closer to you." [11:33]
3. "The important part of any church service, I would suggest to you, is the praise and worship. Because that's the only thing that God gets out of the service. Once it's done, we move on to prayers about us. The sermon, which is to help us. God will not eat our food if we prepare a banquet for him. He does not want our fine houses or fancy cars. The only thing he wants from us is the fruit of our lips. The praise that he so richly deserves. Interestingly, when we praise God, our praises release more blessings. That's how good God is. When praises go up, blessings come down." [10:01]
4. "In God's kingdom, followers of Jesus are called to follow the way of the Lamb, which we'll talk about a bit more in a few minutes. And as we do, evil will be overcome. We've already read reading from Revelation 5. You can leave it up on the screen, actually. Warren, thank you. I feel as though I'm part of the post office inquiry. Leave it on the screen. We'll read this. Isn't it scary stuff? But what does it mean to follow Jesus in a hostile world where not everyone, as I'm sure we well know, follows God's ways and evil seems to reign?" [13:30]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The spirit calls us to follow whenever the spirit speaks we are called to follow Jesus. John's vision God was calling the early church to follow the way of the lamb and as subjects of God's kingdom they were to love each other sacrificially clothe themselves in acts of righteousness good deeds fight in prayer and faithful and stay faithful even unto death. That way and only that way would they achieve victory over the enemy." [25:40]
2. "In John's vision, we need to consider what the symbols meant to him, what those symbols meant to the churches in Asia Minor. We need to know the context. So let's have a look at the key symbols of that throne room scene. First century people would have been familiar with the throne of Rome where the emperor, likely Domitian at the time. Domitian was known to have 24 senior officials in his court who ruled the various provinces. Domitian was known of the empire. And they would present their crowns before him to gain his favor. But John's vision presents the throne of another kingdom in contrast with someone else sitting on the throne." [18:06]
3. "The bloodstained lamb the one who appears weak is actually very strong. So an understanding of the symbols of the first century context help us to understand the meaning of John's vision. And perhaps you can begin now to see how two kingdoms two rulers and two very different ways of ruling. When we hear the Holy Spirit when we hear the Holy Spirit speak we will know that he will always sound like Jesus because it was Jesus who sent his spirit to continue his ministry on earth. And the spirit will remind us of the things that and the truths that Jesus taught. And apply them to the context of our lives. He won't tell us to do anything that Jesus himself wouldn't do." [22:05]
4. "The early church faced immense pressure to conform to the Roman Empire's practices, yet they were called to follow the way of the Lamb. This meant living sacrificially, performing acts of righteousness, and remaining faithful even unto death. Their example teaches us to stand firm in our faith and live out God's principles, even in a world that often opposes them." [14:05]
5. "The scroll, in John's vision the scroll is in the right hand of the one who sits on the throne. And it should be no surprise that statues of Roman emperors usually seen with a scroll in his right hand. For the first century audience the scroll likely represents the ruler's authority and power to lead the kingdom. The question was in Revelation five who is worthy to open it? The lion of Judah. This was a famous Jewish symbol associated with the promised messiah and was associated with power and victory. But then we get this in John's vision almost shocking appearance of the lamb. In contrast seemingly to the strength and might of the lion Jesus comes as a bloodstained lamb who gave his life for the world in sacrificial love." [20:33]
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