Living a Life of Worship: Ascending to God

 

Summary

Today, I explored the profound theme of worship and its ascension, drawing from Psalm 24 and 1 Kings chapter 10. We delved into the essence of worship, not as a mere act of singing or partaking in religious rituals, but as a holistic approach to living in right relationship with God. This relationship glorifies God most profoundly because He created us to be completed by Him.

The sermon began by setting the scriptural foundation with Psalm 24, emphasizing that worship is about purity of heart and hands, which allows us to ascend the hill of the Lord. This ascent is not just a physical act but a spiritual journey enabled by the cleansing power of Jesus Christ. Through His descent into human form and His sacrifice, we are given the privilege to ascend in worship and relationship.

I highlighted David’s role in preparing for the temple, despite not being allowed to build it due to his past as a warrior. His preparation went beyond the physical as he fostered a culture of worship, demonstrating that the temple's purpose was not just about a physical building but about creating a space for genuine worship.

The discussion then shifted to Solomon, who built the temple and exemplified worship through his actions and the grandeur of the temple, as described in 1 Kings chapter 10. The Queen of Sheba’s visit illustrated the impact of true worship. Her awe at Solomon’s wisdom and the splendor of his worship setting showed that when we worship rightly, it not only glorifies God but also profoundly impacts those who witness it.

However, the emphasis was on the preparation for worship. I shared how Solomon’s meticulous preparations for worship were a testament to his devotion and how we, too, should prepare our hearts, minds, and surroundings to minimize distractions and focus wholly on God. This preparation is not just for Sunday services but should be a continuous part of our lives, reflecting our dedication to living in God’s presence.

In closing, I reiterated the importance of living a life of worship, stressing that our daily lives should be an extension of our worship experiences. Our actions, decisions, and interactions should consistently reflect our commitment to God, aiming to influence and inspire those around us through our example of faithfulness and devotion.

### Key Takeaways

1. Worship transcends the act of singing or participating in a service; it is about embodying a life that continuously glorifies God through our actions, decisions, and relationships. This holistic approach to worship ensures that every aspect of our lives is an act of devotion to God. [05:28]

2. Preparation for worship is crucial and should be as intentional as the worship itself. Just as Solomon prepared extensively for the temple services, we must prepare our hearts and minds to enter God’s presence, minimizing distractions to focus fully on Him. This preparation enhances the quality and depth of our worship experience. [25:49]

3. The impact of genuine worship extends beyond the individual or the church community; it reaches those who witness it. The Queen of Sheba was profoundly affected by Solomon’s wisdom and the splendor of his worship, illustrating how true worship can captivate and influence even those from afar. [29:02]

4. The legacy of worship we leave is as important as the worship itself. David, unable to build the temple, nonetheless left a legacy of worship that transcended generations. Our worship should aim to leave a lasting impact, shaping the spiritual environment for future generations. [08:23]

5. Worship is an invitation to ascend spiritually, drawing nearer to God through purity of heart and action. This ascent is made possible through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice cleanses us and enables us to stand before God. Every act of worship should be seen as a step closer to the divine, enhancing our spiritual journey. [03:58]

### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
03:58 - The Cleansing Power of Christ
05:28 - The Heart of Worship
08:23 - David's Legacy of Worship
09:56 - Solomon's Temple and Worship
25:49 - Preparing for Worship
29:02 - The Influence of True Worship
32:58 - Closing and Call to Worship

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 24:1-10
2. 1 Kings 10:1-13

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 24, who is allowed to ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place? What are the conditions mentioned? ([03:58])
2. How did David prepare for the temple even though he was not allowed to build it? ([06:59])
3. What was the Queen of Sheba's reaction to Solomon's wisdom and the grandeur of his worship setting? ([13:09])
4. What specific preparations did Solomon make for worship, as described in 1 Kings 10? ([09:56])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have "clean hands and a pure heart" in the context of worship, as described in Psalm 24? How does this relate to our daily lives? ([03:58])
2. How did David's legacy of worship influence Solomon and the subsequent generations? What can we learn from this about the impact of our own worship? ([08:23])
3. Why is preparation for worship emphasized so strongly in the sermon? How does this preparation affect the quality and depth of our worship experience? ([25:49])
4. How does the Queen of Sheba's reaction to Solomon's worship illustrate the impact of genuine worship on those who witness it? ([13:09])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own worship practices. How can you ensure that your worship is not just an act of singing or participating in a service, but a holistic approach to living in right relationship with God? ([05:28])
2. What steps can you take to prepare your heart and mind for worship, both on Sundays and throughout the week? Consider practical actions you can implement to minimize distractions and focus wholly on God. ([25:49])
3. Think about a time when your worship or faith had an impact on someone else. How can you be more intentional about living a life of worship that influences and inspires those around you? ([29:02])
4. David left a legacy of worship that transcended generations. What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to leave for future generations? How can you start building that legacy today? ([08:23])
5. Worship is described as an invitation to ascend spiritually, drawing nearer to God through purity of heart and action. What specific actions can you take this week to draw closer to God and enhance your spiritual journey? ([03:58])
6. How can you incorporate the principles of worship and preparation discussed in the sermon into your daily routine? Identify one specific change you can make to live more intentionally in God's presence. ([25:49])
7. The Queen of Sheba was profoundly affected by Solomon’s worship. How can your worship be a testimony to others? Think of one person in your life who might be influenced by your example of faithfulness and devotion. ([29:02])

Devotional

Day 1: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is not confined to songs or church services; it is a continuous expression of our lives that glorifies God. True worship involves every decision, action, and relationship, reflecting a life wholly devoted to God. This holistic approach ensures that our daily activities resonate with our faith, turning every moment into an opportunity to honor God. By living in such a way, we embody the essence of worship, making our entire existence a testament to His greatness and love. This approach not only deepens our relationship with God but also serves as a beacon to others about the transformative power of a life led by faith. [05:28]

Romans 12:1-2 ESV
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection:
How can your daily activities be more intentionally aligned with glorifying God?

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Day 2: The Importance of Preparing for Worship
Preparation is key to entering into meaningful worship. Just as Solomon meticulously prepared for temple services, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds to minimize distractions and fully engage with God. This preparation is not limited to physical or temporal readiness but extends to a spiritual readiness that enhances the depth and quality of our worship experiences. By intentionally setting aside time to focus on God, we cultivate a fertile ground for His presence to move and speak to us. [25:49]

Ezra 7:10 ESV
"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel."

Reflection:
What practical steps can you take this week to prepare your heart and mind before you enter into a time of worship?

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Day 3: The Far-reaching Impact of Genuine Worship
True worship does not only transform the worshipper but also those who witness it. The Queen of Sheba’s reaction to Solomon’s wisdom and the splendor of his worship setting is a powerful testament to this truth. When our worship is genuine, it not only pleases God but also has the potential to profoundly impact and inspire those around us, drawing them closer to the divine. This influence extends beyond the confines of our immediate community, reaching anyone who comes into contact with our worship. [29:02]

1 Kings 10:4-5 ESV
"And when the Queen of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, their clothing, his cupbearers, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her."

Reflection:
In what ways can your personal worship be a testimony to those who do not yet know God?

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Day 4: Leaving a Legacy of Worship
David’s preparation for the temple, despite not building it himself, set a foundation for future generations. Our worship should aim to leave a lasting impact, influencing not just our peers but also those who will come after us. By cultivating a culture of worship and devotion, we contribute to a spiritual legacy that transcends our lifetime, offering a pathway for others to encounter and engage with God deeply. This legacy is our gift to future generations, a testament to our faith and dedication. [08:23]

Psalm 78:4 ESV
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Reflection:
What aspects of your worship today could inspire and influence future generations?

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Day 5: Ascending in Worship through Purity
Worship invites us to ascend spiritually, drawing nearer to God through purity of heart and action. This ascent is made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which cleanses us and enables us to stand before God. Each act of worship should be seen as a step closer to the divine, enhancing our spiritual journey and deepening our relationship with God. By focusing on purity and holiness, we align ourselves more closely with God’s desires for our lives, facilitating a more profound worship experience. [03:58]

Hebrews 10:22 ESV
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection:
What changes can you make in your life to ensure your heart remains pure and conducive to true worship?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The very essence of our lives is that our whole lives would be lived on purpose for a purpose, not just for a Sunday morning. It's that your whole life would be lived, that your Monday mornings and your Wednesday evenings and your Thursday lunches and your Friday night activities, and everything you do would be lived on purpose for a purpose." [29:02](Download raw clip | | )

2. "Good morning. It really is a good morning. And I'll tell you one reason it's a good morning for me. I've been looking forward to today's message for weeks. So you better watch out. I'm excited." [03:58]( | | )

3. "If you came in here expectant to make the ascent, how much more would you be filled and God be glorified? I think we have one of the most beautiful and pure worship experiences because there are so many who do come in here prepared." [27:28]( | | )

4. "When we worship the Lord with our lives, the world will take notice. Queen of Sheba came all the way from wherever Sheba is. She made a journey because the world had taken notice, and it took her breath away." [31:11]( | | )

5. "I want you to do something for me. I want you to turn to two different passages because we're going to kind of bounce back and forth between these two. I want you to turn to Psalm 24 and then I want you to also please turn to 1 Kings chapter 10." [03:58]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "Worship that we would prepare our hearts for the ascent, for what God would want to do in us and to us, but also what God would want to do through us so that your worship or my worship never hinders the worship of another." [32:58]( | | )

2. "He is most glorified when we are in right relationship with him. Why? Because he created you to be filled by him. He created you to be completed by him. He created you to be in relationship with him." [05:28]( | | )

3. "David knew how to worship whether there was a temple or not. He was going to worship. This man knew how to pour out his heart, to pour out his soul to God, to cry out even in worship in his most desperate, lonely, broken, hurt, lost time." [08:23]( | | )

4. "Solomon's greatest feat was creating the atmosphere in obedience to worship a holy God. That was his greatest feat, and he did what was required of him thousands of years ago to be obedient to worship the Lord." [18:12]( | | )

5. "Church on Sunday morning is a Saturday night decision. It's not just the decision, 'Am I going to church tomorrow?' You start to prepare and posture your heart for the ascent on Sunday." [24:02]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?