Worship: The Cosmic Battle for Our Attention
Summary
In my sermon, I began by welcoming the congregation and acknowledging the curiosity that both believers and non-believers share about the end times, a topic that Hollywood frequently explores in films. I addressed the complexity of the book of Revelation and the fear it often instills, expressing my hope that by the end of the series, that fear would be replaced with understanding. I encouraged everyone, especially newcomers and those questioning their faith, to engage with the church app, which offers resources to help navigate the murky waters of apocalyptic literature.
I then moved on to discuss the central theme of worship, which is woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. I highlighted the cosmic battle between good and evil, emphasizing that worship is at the heart of this conflict. From the story of the Tower of Babel, where humanity attempted to create their own throne room, to the Israelites' worship of false gods, which led to God's judgment, the struggle to worship the true Creator is evident.
I recounted the temptation of Jesus by Satan, who offered all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship, and Jesus' refusal to bow to anyone but God. I pointed out that worship is not just about singing songs in church; it's about centering our lives on Jesus and fixing our attention on Him. Worship is a lifestyle of focus on Jesus, a daily practice of acknowledging His sovereignty and expressing gratitude for His blessings.
I described the vivid scene in Revelation where John is transported to heaven and witnesses the throne of God, surrounded by 24 elders and four living creatures. This throne room is the epicenter of worship, where all of creation honors the Creator. I explained that worship is the one thing we can offer God that He cannot obtain elsewhere, and it is our response to His gift of free will.
I also touched on the distractions and obstacles we face in our worship, from the trivialization of worship in Western culture to the spiritual warfare that seems to intensify on our way to church. I emphasized that worship connects us with the ongoing heavenly reality and that when we gather to worship, we join with all of creation in praising God.
Finally, I invited the congregation to envision themselves in the throne room of God, to consider the majesty and worthiness of the Lamb who was slain, and to respond in worship. I challenged everyone to live a life of worship, not just through songs but through every aspect of their lives, and to focus on Jesus, who sits at the center of all creation.
Key Takeaways:
1. Worship is not confined to a church setting or a series of songs; it is a continuous, cosmic battle that we engage in daily. Our adversary, Satan, does not seek our worship but aims to distract us from giving our attention and submission to the One who is rightfully on the throne. Worship is about recognizing and responding to God's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives ([01:10:03]).
2. The act of worship is a powerful connection between heaven and earth, a portal that opens when we focus our attention on God. This connection is not limited to a church environment; it can occur anywhere, at any time, as we praise and thank God, acknowledging His presence and nearness ([01:07:00]).
3. The throne room scene in Revelation is a present and continuous reality, where all of creation is centered around the worship of God. This scene is not just a future expectation but an ongoing event that we are invited to participate in through our worship here on earth ([48:08]).
4. Worship is the most important activity in the cosmos, and it is the one thing we can offer God that He cannot obtain from any other source. Our worship is a response to God's gift of free will, and when we choose to honor Him with our attention, affection, and worship, we engage in something transcendent ([01:06:43]).
5. The posture of worship is a shift from sitting on our own thrones to kneeling before God's throne. It is a symbolic and literal act of surrender, recognizing who is in control and honoring God with our time, energy, and resources. This posture connects us to the heavenly reality and aligns our lives with the central focus of creation: Jesus Christ ([01:15:56]).
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 4:1-11 - The Throne Room of Heaven
2. Matthew 4:8-10 - The Temptation of Jesus
3. Isaiah 55:12 - Creation's Response to God
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John see when he is transported to heaven in Revelation 4? Describe the scene and the beings around the throne. ([45:01])
2. In Matthew 4:8-10, what does Satan offer Jesus, and how does Jesus respond?
3. According to Isaiah 55:12, how does creation respond to God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the throne room scene in Revelation 4 significant for understanding the nature of worship? How does this scene connect to the overall theme of worship in the sermon? ([48:08])
2. How does Jesus' response to Satan's temptation in Matthew 4:8-10 illustrate the importance of worshiping only God? What does this teach us about the nature of true worship?
3. Isaiah 55:12 speaks of creation responding to God. How does this imagery enhance our understanding of worship as described in the sermon? ([53:57])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized that worship is not just about singing songs but about centering our lives on Jesus. What are some practical ways you can center your daily life on Jesus? ([59:04])
2. Reflect on the distractions and obstacles you face in your worship. What specific steps can you take to minimize these distractions and focus more on God? ([01:09:02])
3. The pastor mentioned that worship is a cosmic battle and that Satan aims to distract us from worshiping God. How can you stay vigilant against these distractions in your daily life? ([01:10:03])
4. Consider the idea that worship connects us with the ongoing heavenly reality. How can you incorporate moments of worship into your daily routine to stay connected with God? ([01:07:00])
5. The sermon challenged us to envision ourselves in the throne room of God. How does this vision impact your understanding of God's majesty and your response in worship? ([01:17:00])
6. Worship was described as the most important activity in the cosmos. How can you prioritize worship in your life, not just on Sundays but throughout the week? ([01:00:15])
7. The posture of worship involves surrendering our own thrones and kneeling before God's throne. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God, and how can you symbolically and literally take a posture of worship? ([01:15:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship Beyond the Church Walls
Worship is often misconceived as an activity confined to a church setting, with singing and corporate prayer as its primary expressions. However, true worship extends far beyond these boundaries; it is an ongoing, cosmic battle for allegiance. Every day, individuals are faced with choices that either direct their worship towards the Creator or towards the distractions set up by the adversary. Worship is about recognizing and responding to God's sovereignty in every aspect of life, from the mundane to the monumental. It is a daily practice of setting one's heart and mind on God, acknowledging His lordship over all creation. Worship is a declaration of where true power and authority lie, and it is a personal commitment to honor God in thought, word, and deed [01:10:03].
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." - Colossians 3:23-24
Reflection: How can you transform a routine activity into an act of worship to God today?
Day 2: The Portal of Praise
Worship is not merely a human activity; it is a divine conduit that connects the earthly realm with the heavenly. When individuals focus their attention on God, a powerful connection is established, allowing them to tap into the eternal reality of God's presence. This connection transcends physical locations and can be experienced in any setting, whether one is alone in nature, at work, or in the midst of a bustling city. Worship is an acknowledgment of God's nearness and an expression of gratitude for His constant involvement in the lives of His people. It is an invitation to experience the divine, to sense the closeness of the Creator, and to join the chorus of creation in praising the Almighty [01:07:00].
"But you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." - Psalm 22:3
Reflection: Identify a moment today when you felt distant from God. How can you use praise to bridge that gap and reconnect with His presence?
Day 3: The Eternal Throne Room
The throne room scene depicted in the book of Revelation is not a distant, future vision but a present and continuous reality. It is a vivid portrayal of all creation centered around the worship of God, an event that believers are invited to participate in through their worship on earth. This participation is not limited to a future hope but is an active engagement with the heavenly reality that exists now. Worship is a response to the ongoing cosmic liturgy, where the Lamb who was slain is perpetually honored. By worshiping, individuals join the eternal chorus, aligning themselves with the heartbeat of heaven and the central act of creation [48:08].
"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!'" - Revelation 4:8
Reflection: What does it mean to you to join in the eternal worship of God, and how can you consciously participate in it throughout your day?
Day 4: The Unique Offering of Worship
Worship is the most significant activity in the cosmos, and it is the one thing that humanity can offer to God that He cannot obtain from any other source. It is a unique and precious response to God's gift of free will. When individuals choose to honor God with their attention, affection, and worship, they engage in something that transcends the ordinary and enters the realm of the divine. Worship is an act of giving back to God, a demonstration of love and reverence that acknowledges His worthiness. It is a sacred exchange, where the finite honors the infinite, and the created adores the Creator [01:06:43].
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name." - Hebrews 13:15
Reflection: Consider the unique aspects of your personal worship. What can you offer to God today that reflects your individual relationship with Him?
Day 5: Surrendering to the Sovereign King
The posture of worship is a powerful statement of surrender. It is a shift from self-exaltation to kneeling before the throne of God, recognizing His ultimate control and authority. This act of surrender is not just symbolic; it is a literal and practical realignment of one's priorities and resources. Worship is about honoring God with time, energy, and possessions, acknowledging that everything belongs to Him. It is a lifestyle that reflects a heart posture of humility and submission, aligning with the central focus of creation: Jesus Christ. This posture connects believers to the heavenly reality and invites them to live in a way that is centered on the sovereignty of God [01:15:56].
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all." - 1 Chronicles 29:11
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to relinquish control to God? How can you take a step towards surrendering that area to Him today?
Quotes
1. "Worship is not singing a few songs. It is a lifestyle of focus on Jesus. It's surrender and submission to who's on the throne. And I think that worship might just be the most important cosmic activity there is." [01:00:15]
2. "Worship is the one thing that we have to give God that he can't get elsewhere. Now please don't mistake that and think that God needs something. He does not. God is the source, the creator of life." [01:05:13]
3. "I think every time we focus our attention on Him in worship, I think a portal opens between heaven and earth. I think there's a portal that opens up. Have you noticed that?" [01:07:00]
4. "When we gather on Sunday, we're actually connecting with something that's already going on. That's why something powerful happens whenever we gather in an atmosphere like this." [01:07:33]
5. "The throne room scene in Revelation is a present and continuous reality, where all of creation is centered around the worship of God. This scene is not just a future expectation but an ongoing event that we are invited to participate in through our worship here on earth." [48:08]
6. "I wonder if we got an image or had a vision like John did of what God is really like, if we would approach him differently. He's not an elected official. He sits supremely over all of creation." [49:53]
7. "The first glimpse he gets into heaven in this moment... is that he sees a throne. Now, he can't even describe almost or make out who's on the throne. He sees somebody on this throne." [48:08]
8. "What is central to the story of God and man, of heaven and earth, of good and evil, is this one thing. And that is worship. Worship is central to everything in the story that you and I find ourselves in." [58:05]
9. "God gave you the freedom to choose. When he created mankind. And he gave him the choice... That was a gift from God. He said, I don't need robots. I'm, through my love, am giving you the freedom to reject me." [01:05:57]
10. "This is the posture of a life of worship. This is what it looks like. And I know this is symbolic. To like every day in my life. Every day. What it look like for me to on my knees to recognize who's in control." [01:16:07]
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