Worship: Revealing God's Glory Through Song and Scripture
Summary
In today's gathering, we delved into the profound connection between worship, scripture, and the revelation of God's glory. We began by reflecting on the significance of congregational singing, emphasizing that our vocal expressions of praise are deeply rooted in the theology conveyed through the songs we sing. The song "Lion," which we explored, is rich with scriptural references, reminding us of the importance of ensuring that our worship aligns with biblical truths.
We examined the song's references to God as the "Great I Am," the "Lion of Judah," and the "Lamb of God," drawing from various scriptures to understand these titles' theological depth. The imagery of God as both lion and lamb encapsulates His power, authority, and sacrificial love. The lion represents strength and kingship, while the lamb signifies humility and redemption. This duality is beautifully portrayed in Revelation, where Jesus is both the conquering Lion of Judah and the sacrificial Lamb.
The sermon also highlighted the prophetic words of Isaiah, which speak of valleys being raised and mountains made low to prepare the way for the Lord. This prophecy, initially directed at the Israelites in Babylonian captivity, extends beyond its immediate context to symbolize the spiritual preparation for Christ's first coming and His eventual return. John the Baptist's role in preparing the way for Jesus serves as a model for the church today, as we are called to prepare for Christ's return by living out the kingdom's values and revealing God's glory.
In conclusion, our worship and lives should reflect the glory of God, as we join with the angels in heaven in praise. We are reminded of our role in preparing the way for Christ's return, ensuring that every obstacle is removed so that His glory can be fully revealed. As we continue to sing and live out these truths, may we do so with renewed vigor and understanding, proclaiming the majesty of our King.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Worship and Theology: Worship is not just about singing; it's a profound expression of our theology. The songs we sing should be rooted in biblical truth, as they shape our understanding of God. Our vocal expressions of praise are a reflection of our acknowledgment of God's glory and wonder. [01:06:47]
2. God as Lion and Lamb: The dual imagery of God as both Lion and Lamb encapsulates His power and sacrificial love. The Lion of Judah represents strength and authority, while the Lamb of God signifies humility and redemption. This duality is a profound reminder of the completeness of God's nature. [01:29:53]
3. Prophetic Preparation: Isaiah's prophecy of valleys being raised and mountains made low symbolizes the preparation for God's intervention. This prophecy extends beyond its historical context to represent the spiritual preparation for Christ's return, calling us to remove obstacles that hinder the revelation of God's glory. [01:18:50]
4. The Church's Role in Revealing Glory: The church is called to prepare the way for Christ's return by living out the kingdom's values. Our mission is to reveal the glory of God through our actions and words, ensuring that every barrier is dismantled so that His glory can be fully seen. [01:42:11]
5. Joining with Heavenly Worship: Our worship on earth is a participation in the heavenly chorus, joining with angels around God's throne. This act of worship is a powerful declaration of God's majesty and a reminder of our role in proclaiming His glory to the world. [01:49:01]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06:47] - The Role of Worship in Theology
[01:09:15] - Exploring the Song "Lion"
[01:10:17] - Scriptural References in Worship
[01:11:02] - Joining with Angels in Praise
[01:12:09] - The Majesty of God's Glory
[01:14:02] - Isaiah's Prophecy and Its Fulfillment
[01:16:49] - Spiritual and Physical Restoration
[01:18:50] - The Purpose of Preparation
[01:20:01] - Prophecy Beyond Israel
[01:23:25] - The Glory of God in Jesus Christ
[01:29:53] - Lion and Lamb Imagery
[01:32:41] - The Power of the King
[01:36:08] - Preparing the Way for the King
[01:42:11] - The Church's Mission
[01:49:01] - Joining in Heavenly Worship
[01:52:07] - Repentance and Renewal
[01:53:28] - Prayer for the Nation
[01:55:24] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 40:1-5
2. Revelation 5:5-6
3. John 1:14-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the key scriptural references found in the song "Lion" that were discussed in the sermon? How do these references contribute to the song's theological depth? [01:09:15]
2. How does the imagery of God as both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God illustrate His nature according to the sermon? [01:29:53]
3. What role did John the Baptist play in preparing the way for Jesus, and how is this connected to Isaiah's prophecy? [01:20:01]
4. How does the sermon describe the church's current role in preparing for Christ's return? [01:42:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the dual imagery of God as both Lion and Lamb challenge or deepen our understanding of His character? [01:32:41]
2. How does the prophecy in Isaiah 40 extend beyond its historical context to have spiritual significance for believers today? [01:18:50]
3. What does it mean for the church to "prepare the way" for Christ's return, and how might this look in practical terms? [01:42:11]
4. How does the concept of joining with heavenly worship influence our perspective on earthly worship practices? [01:11:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the songs you sing during worship. How can you ensure that they are rooted in biblical truth and theology? [01:06:47]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of removing obstacles to reveal God's glory. What are some personal obstacles in your life that might hinder this revelation, and how can you address them? [01:18:50]
3. How can you actively participate in the church's mission to prepare for Christ's return? What specific actions can you take this week to live out the kingdom's values? [01:42:11]
4. Consider the dual nature of God as both Lion and Lamb. How can you embody both strength and humility in your daily interactions? [01:29:53]
5. The sermon mentioned joining with angels in worship. How can this perspective change the way you approach worship in your personal and communal life? [01:11:02]
6. Reflect on the role of John the Baptist in preparing the way for Jesus. How can you be a "voice in the wilderness" in your community, preparing others for the revelation of Christ? [01:20:01]
7. In what ways can you contribute to dismantling barriers that prevent the revelation of God's glory in your local church or community? [01:44:49]
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as Theology in Action
Worship is a profound expression of our theology, shaping our understanding of God. It is not merely about singing songs but about engaging with the truths of Scripture through music. The songs we choose to sing in worship should be deeply rooted in biblical truth, as they reflect our acknowledgment of God's glory and wonder. When we sing, we are participating in a theological act that declares who God is and what He has done. This understanding calls us to be intentional about the content of our worship, ensuring it aligns with the truths of Scripture. [01:06:47]
Psalm 96:1-4 (ESV): "Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods."
Reflection: Consider the songs you sing in worship. How do they shape your understanding of God, and how can you ensure they align with biblical truths?
Day 2: The Dual Nature of God as Lion and Lamb
The imagery of God as both Lion and Lamb encapsulates His power and sacrificial love. The Lion of Judah represents strength and authority, while the Lamb of God signifies humility and redemption. This duality is a profound reminder of the completeness of God's nature, as seen in Revelation where Jesus is both the conquering Lion and the sacrificial Lamb. Understanding this duality helps us grasp the fullness of God's character, encouraging us to worship Him for both His might and His mercy. [01:29:53]
Revelation 5:5-6 (ESV): "And one of the elders said to me, 'Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.' And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth."
Reflection: Reflect on how you perceive God's power and love in your life. How can you embrace both His strength and His sacrifice in your daily walk with Him?
Day 3: Preparing the Way for God's Glory
Isaiah's prophecy of valleys being raised and mountains made low symbolizes the preparation for God's intervention. This prophecy extends beyond its historical context to represent the spiritual preparation for Christ's return. As believers, we are called to remove obstacles that hinder the revelation of God's glory in our lives and communities. This preparation involves living out the values of the kingdom and ensuring that nothing stands in the way of God's glory being fully revealed. [01:18:50]
Isaiah 40:3-5 (ESV): "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'"
Reflection: What obstacles in your life might be hindering the revelation of God's glory? How can you actively work to remove them today?
Day 4: The Church's Mission to Reveal God's Glory
The church is called to prepare the way for Christ's return by living out the kingdom's values. Our mission is to reveal the glory of God through our actions and words, ensuring that every barrier is dismantled so that His glory can be fully seen. This involves being a light in the world, demonstrating God's love and truth in tangible ways. As the body of Christ, we are tasked with making His glory known to all people, preparing the world for His return. [01:42:11]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in revealing God's glory in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to live out the kingdom's values?
Day 5: Joining in Heavenly Worship
Our worship on earth is a participation in the heavenly chorus, joining with angels around God's throne. This act of worship is a powerful declaration of God's majesty and a reminder of our role in proclaiming His glory to the world. As we worship, we are united with the heavenly hosts in declaring the greatness of our King. This perspective encourages us to approach worship with reverence and awe, recognizing that we are part of something much greater than ourselves. [01:49:01]
Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV): "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
Reflection: How does the understanding that your worship joins with the heavenly chorus change the way you approach worship? How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe in your worship practices?
Quotes
1. "A lot of theology is actually taught through song. A lot of theology. In what Christians believe is taught by songs that you listen to, because you hear them on repeat, they come around and around again, and you hear what they say, and you sing it, and then you create theology out of it. So it's important, therefore, that what we sing has got good theology in it. True?" [01:09:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In this, what does your worship, what does your worship and what does your praise join with? It joins, you are joining with the angels of heaven. Around about the throne, also giving worship. Not something that reserved for a day that is yet to come in the journey of your life, but something that we participate in now, in the here and now. And how loud is it? It's roaring louder than, louder than thunder. The glory of God, the wonder and the majesty and the praise and the worship be unto you, O Lord, who are King of kings and Lord of lords." [01:12:09] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The prophecy not only refers to the physical restoration of Israel, but also to the spiritual restoration of Israel, but also serves as a powerful, you could say, metaphor of God's ability to level out injustices and to make a way where there seems no way. Now, as you read through that passage of Scripture, I thus far have emphasized the valleys high and the mountains low. But it does reveal in there that there is a way. For what's purpose? If you just read a little bit further along, you're going to capture the purpose. Did you hear these words? The glory of the Lord shall be revealed." [01:20:01] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The church doing the work of the kingdom, coming into perfection as the bride of Christ. Prepare the way that everything that raises itself up against God is cast down. As Ross spoke about in communion today in relation to sickness, that every sickness would bow at the name of Jesus. It's doing the work of the kingdom. And so let's just remember Isaiah 40. Isaiah 40, the prophecy, the prophecy was for the then. The prophecy was for the time when John the Baptist came and the prophecy continues on in my interpretation. And it's now the church that is proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand." [01:42:11] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The glory of God is revealed in the ministry and the person of the Son, Jesus Christ. And the church's job is to go, to go in the name and in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to reveal the Son and the glory and the wonder and the splendor and the majesty. The majesty of the Father, of God Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. And because of that, because of that, we join with the angels of heaven around about the throne and we give praise and we give worship to Christ the King, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. And we roar about it. And we roar." [01:46:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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