Worship: The Fuel and Goal of Missions

 

Summary

Psalm 96 serves as a powerful reminder of the intrinsic link between worship and missions. As we gather to worship, we are reminded that our purpose extends beyond the walls of our church. We are called to be a part of God's grand plan to redeem the world. This calling presents us with three choices: to go, to send, or to disobey. Disobedience is not an option for those who profess faith in Jesus. We are either actively participating in missions or supporting those who do. Our church is committed to celebrating and supporting missionaries like Elliot and Bethany, who have answered the call to serve in South Africa. Their obedience is a testament to the greatness of God, and we are called to hold the rope for them, ensuring they have the support they need.

Worship is both the fuel and the goal of missions. It is through worship that we are reminded of God's greatness and our purpose. Psalm 96 calls us to sing a new song to the Lord, to proclaim His salvation, and to declare His glory among the nations. Worship is not just about singing; it is about recognizing God's majesty and responding with our lives. When we are truly gripped by the greatness of God, our witness becomes an overflow of our relationship with Him. Missions exist because worship does not. Our ultimate goal is to bring all nations into the joy of worshiping God.

The connection between worship and missions is evident throughout Scripture. In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were set apart for missions while the church was worshiping. In Matthew 28, the Great Commission was given in the context of worship. Isaiah's call to missions came during a moment of worship. This pattern shows that before we can effectively reach others, our relationship with God must be right. Worship empowers our witness, and our witness is a natural extension of our worship.

As a church, we must prioritize worship, recognizing that it is the foundation of our mission. We are called to be faithful worshipers, allowing our passion for God to fuel our zeal for missions. Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it is a lifestyle that impacts how we live and interact with the world. Our worship should lead to works and witness, demonstrating the reality of God's reign in our lives. Let us be a church that is known for its worship and its commitment to missions, proclaiming to the world that our God reigns.

Key Takeaways

- Missions is an integral part of our faith, and we have three choices: to go, to send, or to disobey. Disobedience is not an option for those who profess faith in Jesus. We are called to actively participate in God's plan to redeem the world. [34:59]

- Worship is both the fuel and the goal of missions. It is through worship that we are reminded of God's greatness and our purpose. Our witness becomes an overflow of our relationship with Him when we are truly gripped by His greatness. [41:59]

- The connection between worship and missions is evident throughout Scripture. Before we can effectively reach others, our relationship with God must be right. Worship empowers our witness, and our witness is a natural extension of our worship. [46:09]

- Our worship should lead to works and witness, demonstrating the reality of God's reign in our lives. If we don't live in obedience and on mission, there is something wrong with our worship. Mission is the outcome of true devotion. [49:15]

- Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it is a lifestyle that impacts how we live and interact with the world. Our passion for God should fuel our zeal for missions, and our worship should reflect the glory and greatness of God. [52:21]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[34:59] - Choices in Missions
[36:23] - The Danger of Inward Focus
[37:29] - The Missionary Church
[38:20] - Psalm 96: A Call to Worship
[39:35] - Holding the Rope
[40:11] - Worship and Missions Connection
[40:50] - Biblical Examples of Worship and Missions
[41:59] - Worship as Fuel for Missions
[42:33] - Reasons for Worship
[43:41] - Genuine Worship and Witness
[44:12] - Creation's Call to Worship
[44:59] - The Goal of Missions
[46:09] - Empowered Witness
[47:01] - The Importance of Worship
[48:32] - Genuine Worship and Obedience
[49:52] - Challenge to Worship
[51:01] - Preparing for Worship
[52:21] - Worship as the Ultimate Goal
[54:12] - The Vision of Heaven
[54:46] - Everyday Missionaries
[56:08] - Redirecting Worship
[56:37] - Call to Repentance and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 96

Observation Questions:
1. What are the three choices mentioned in the sermon that Christians have regarding missions? [34:59]
2. How does Psalm 96 describe the relationship between worship and missions? [38:20]
3. What examples from the Bible were given to illustrate the connection between worship and missions? [40:50]
4. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate goal of missions? [52:21]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "holding the rope" relate to the church's role in supporting missionaries like Elliot and Bethany? [39:35]
2. In what ways does worship serve as both the fuel and the goal of missions, according to the sermon? [41:59]
3. How does the sermon suggest that a person's relationship with God impacts their effectiveness in missions? [46:09]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of worship in the life of a believer and the church? [49:15]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the three choices regarding missions: to go, to send, or to disobey. Which choice are you currently making, and how might you feel called to change that? [34:59]
2. How can you incorporate worship into your daily life beyond Sunday services, and how might this impact your witness to others? [52:21]
3. Consider the idea that worship empowers witness. How can you ensure that your worship is genuine and leads to action in your community? [49:15]
4. The sermon mentions the danger of an inward-focused church. How can you personally contribute to a more outward-focused mission in your church community? [36:23]
5. Think about a time when you were truly gripped by the greatness of God. How did that experience influence your actions or decisions? [47:01]
6. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific steps can you take this week to share God's love with them, inspired by your worship? [54:46]
7. How can you prepare your heart for worship before attending church services, and what difference might this make in your experience of worship? [51:01]

Devotional

Day 1: The Call to Missions: Go, Send, or Disobey
We are faced with a profound choice in our faith journey: to actively participate in missions by going, to support those who go by sending, or to disobey the call altogether. Disobedience, however, is not an option for those who profess faith in Jesus. Our faith compels us to be part of God's grand plan to redeem the world. This means we must either be on the front lines of missions or be the support system for those who are. Our church is committed to celebrating and supporting missionaries like Elliot and Bethany, who have answered the call to serve in South Africa. Their obedience is a testament to the greatness of God, and we are called to "hold the rope" for them, ensuring they have the support they need. [34:59]

"And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is currently serving in missions, and how can you actively support them today, whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial support?


Day 2: Worship as the Fuel and Goal of Missions
Worship is both the fuel and the goal of missions. It is through worship that we are reminded of God's greatness and our purpose. When we are truly gripped by the greatness of God, our witness becomes an overflow of our relationship with Him. Missions exist because worship does not; our ultimate goal is to bring all nations into the joy of worshiping God. Psalm 96 calls us to sing a new song to the Lord, to proclaim His salvation, and to declare His glory among the nations. Worship is not just about singing; it is about recognizing God's majesty and responding with our lives. [41:59]

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" (Psalm 96:3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate worship into your daily routine in a way that fuels your passion for sharing God's love with others?


Day 3: The Empowering Connection Between Worship and Missions
The connection between worship and missions is evident throughout Scripture. Before we can effectively reach others, our relationship with God must be right. Worship empowers our witness, and our witness is a natural extension of our worship. In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were set apart for missions while the church was worshiping. In Matthew 28, the Great Commission was given in the context of worship. Isaiah's call to missions came during a moment of worship. This pattern shows that our relationship with God is foundational to our mission. [46:09]

"While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" (Acts 13:2, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with God. How can you deepen your worship to empower your witness to those around you?


Day 4: Worship Leading to Works and Witness
Our worship should lead to works and witness, demonstrating the reality of God's reign in our lives. If we don't live in obedience and on mission, there is something wrong with our worship. Mission is the outcome of true devotion. Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it is a lifestyle that impacts how we live and interact with the world. Our passion for God should fuel our zeal for missions, and our worship should reflect the glory and greatness of God. [49:15]

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What specific action can you take this week to let your worship lead to a tangible act of service or witness in your community?


Day 5: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship is not just a Sunday activity; it is a lifestyle that impacts how we live and interact with the world. Our passion for God should fuel our zeal for missions, and our worship should reflect the glory and greatness of God. As a church, we must prioritize worship, recognizing that it is the foundation of our mission. We are called to be faithful worshipers, allowing our passion for God to fuel our zeal for missions. Let us be a church that is known for its worship and its commitment to missions, proclaiming to the world that our God reigns. [52:21]

"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, ESV)

Reflection: How can you transform your daily activities into acts of worship that acknowledge God's presence and reign in your life?

Quotes


Now church, you have three options when it comes to missions. You have three choices you can make. You can go. You can send. You can make it so other people can go. Or you can disobey. Like that's all it is. If you are a church. If you are a Christian. Then you're a part of God's plan to redeem the world. You're a part of his missionary plan. So you have three options. You can go, send, or disobey. And really. You can go. If you profess Jesus. Disobedience isn't an option. So you either go. Or you make it so other people can go. [00:34:59]

The church gathers weekly to worship. But it scatters every other day. For people that are outside of these walls. We exist for people that haven't been through these doors yet. Some of your misery. And your depression. Is caused by the fact that you think about yourself too much. It's caused by the fact that. You're too introspective. You don't think how you can be a blessing to somebody else. So we're going to continue to bring people like Elliot and Bethany here. We will continue to celebrate what should be celebrated. [00:36:23]

Turns out the Bible is full of missionary texts. Because we serve a missionary God. The second person of the Trinity slapped on flesh. And became a missionary. A missionary himself. I finally landed on Psalm 96. And it reminded me of something I needed to be reminded of. And I hope it does the same for you. Psalm number 96. Oh sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord. Bless his name. Proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations. His wonders among all peoples. [00:38:20]

There's an inextricable link between worship and missions in the Bible. And this will make sense in a minute. But like. In Acts chapter 13. Paul and. Saul. Barnabas and Saul were called to missions. And what the scripture says is they were. Ministering to the Lord and fasting. So in the midst of the church worshiping. God set apart. A couple of his first missionaries. In Matthew 28. Jesus tells the disciples after he's resurrected. To meet him on the mountain in Galilee. And the scripture says they worshiped him. But some doubted. And then he proceeded to give him the great commission. [00:40:11]

Worship is the fuel for missions. And worship is the goal of missions. So first worship is the fuel for missions. Look at verse 1. Sing to the Lord a new song. You know if you don't like singing new songs you're being disobedient. Sing to the Lord all the earth. Sing to the Lord bless his name. You know worship is more than singing. But it's not less than singing. You even see the goal there. The goal is for everybody. For all of creation to sing to the Lord. That's the goal of missions. [00:42:33]

The reason we praise God is because he deserves it. The reason we go and tell people about Jesus is because God is great. He deserves to be feared above all other gods. The gods other people worship they make with their hands and their idols. And God created the heavens. We don't do a good job proclaiming the greatness of God if we don't appreciate the greatness of God. There's a huge disconnect there. The best salesmen actually believe in their product. Some of us are miserable missionaries. Because we've never been gripped by the greatness of God. [00:43:41]

If the sea is going to roar. The Christians should roar. If the field is joyful. We should be joyful. And if the trees and the woods. Are going to rejoice. How much more should men and women with redeemed souls do the same? You see a tree doesn't have a soul. The ocean doesn't have a soul. I have a soul that has been bought and purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. How come I can't rejoice? I'm a redeemed soul. If the creation will cry out. Why wouldn't I? [00:44:59]

We worship because God is king and God is judge. And all of creation will be judged. Why do we go on mission? Because every person on the face of the earth is going to be judged. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord. He won't let us 예. And then you want people to say the Lord is king or is. Take it away from me and make a believe U. Who would die foraissee him. [00:46:09]

What I'm trying to get at this morning is your worship is what actually empowers your witness. The worship you do is fueling your witness. And I think the order absolutely matters. There's a difference between telling somebody about Jesus out of duty and telling somebody out of Jesus because of the overflow of your relationship with him. Now, I appreciate you doing both, honestly, but one is so much better than the other. [00:47:01]

You want to know this morning how to tell if your worship is genuine or not? It's not whether you left this place feeling emotional. It's not whether you shed a tear. It's not whether you raised a hand. It's does your worship result in works and witness? You see, if you don't live in obedience and on mission, there is something wrong with your worship. If you don't leave here repenting of your sin, you didn't come and worship our God. Mission is the outcome of true devotion. Worship leads to witness. It's the feel for mission. [00:49:15]

If you're in here and you're not singing and you're a Christian, you're being disobedient because God is worthy. I don't care if you're a macho guy that doesn't sing. Scripture says, sing to the Lord a new song. You're ignoring the Bible. If we want to be any good for God outside of this room, we have to learn to praise him inside of this room. We have to learn to meditate on his goodness, his holiness, his majesty, his grace, his mercy. If you really want to love others the way you're supposed to, you've got to learn to love God first. [00:51:01]

Worship, therefore, is the field and goal of missions. It's the goal of missions, because in missions, we simply aim to bring the nations into the white, hot enjoyment of God's glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples and the greatness of God. Psalms says, And then it says, Let the peoples praise thee, O God. Let all the peoples praise thee. Let the nations be glad and sing. The worship is also the fuel of missions. Passion for God and worship precedes the offer of God in preaching. You can't commend what you don't cherish. [00:52:21]

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Transcript
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