Worship: The Transformative Journey of Seeking Jesus
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound theme of worship as the appropriate response to encountering Jesus, drawing inspiration from the story of the Magi in Matthew 2. The Magi, guided by a unique star, embarked on an 800-mile journey from Babylon to Bethlehem, driven by a deep longing to find the one true King. Their journey was not just a physical one but a spiritual quest, led by faith, which ultimately shaped them into worshipers. This narrative challenges us to consider what leads us in our own lives, as whatever guides us will shape who we become.
The Magi's response upon finding Jesus was one of overwhelming joy and worship. They rejoiced exceedingly, not because of what Jesus could do for them, but because of who He is. This joy was not contingent on circumstances but was rooted in the presence of God. It serves as a reminder that true joy and worship stem from seeking Jesus for His character, not merely for His blessings. The Magi's worship was marked by humility and reverence, as they bowed before Jesus, acknowledging His worthiness as King.
Their act of giving gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—symbolized their recognition of Jesus' kingship, holiness, and sacrificial death. This giving was not out of obligation but a response to the revelation of who Jesus is. It prompts us to reflect on our own giving, whether of time, talents, or resources, and whether it flows from a heart of worship and gratitude.
Finally, the Magi's obedience to God's guidance, even when it meant altering their plans, underscores the importance of following God's leading in our lives. Worship is not just an act but a lifestyle of surrender and obedience. As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to worship God for who He is, allowing His presence to transform us and guide our paths.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as a Guide: The Magi's journey was led by faith, which shaped them into worshipers. Faith is not just belief but involves action and movement, trusting God's guidance even when the path is unclear. Whatever leads us shapes who we become. [06:27]
2. Joy in God's Presence: True joy comes from seeking Jesus for who He is, not just for what He can do. The Magi rejoiced exceedingly at the sight of the star, representing God's presence, reminding us to find joy in God's character and presence, regardless of circumstances. [13:51]
3. Worship in Humility: The Magi's act of bowing before Jesus signifies worship as an act of humility and reverence. Worship involves acknowledging Jesus' worthiness and seeking His face, not just His hand, shifting our focus from requests to reverence. [24:16]
4. Giving as Worship: The gifts of the Magi symbolize recognition of Jesus' kingship and sacrifice. True giving flows from a heart of worship and gratitude, not obligation, and involves offering our whole selves to God. [31:34]
5. Obedience in Worship: The Magi's obedience to God's guidance, even when it meant changing their plans, highlights worship as a lifestyle of surrender and obedience. Worship leads to revelation and transformation, guiding us to follow God's call. [37:52]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - The Wise Men's Journey
[06:27] - Faith as a Guide
[10:51] - What Leads You Shapes You
[12:46] - Joy in God's Presence
[14:51] - Rejoicing Exceedingly
[16:47] - True Joy in Seeking Jesus
[21:03] - Worship in Humility
[24:16] - Acknowledging Jesus' Worth
[27:24] - Giving as Worship
[31:34] - Offering Ourselves to God
[37:52] - Obedience in Worship
[40:00] - Worship as a Lifestyle
[42:00] - Closing Reflections
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 2:9-12
- Proverbs 14:12
- Hebrews 1:3-4
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of the star that guided the Magi, and how did it influence their journey? [06:27]
2. How did the Magi respond when they saw the star, and what does this reveal about their understanding of God's presence? [13:51]
3. What gifts did the Magi present to Jesus, and what did each gift symbolize? [27:24]
4. How did the Magi's obedience to God's guidance manifest after their visit to Jesus? [31:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the journey of the Magi illustrate the concept of faith as a guide in our lives? [06:27]
2. In what ways does the Magi's response to seeing the star challenge our understanding of joy in God's presence? [13:51]
3. What does the act of giving gifts by the Magi teach us about the nature of worship and recognition of Jesus' kingship? [27:24]
4. How does the Magi's obedience to God's guidance after meeting Jesus reflect the idea of worship as a lifestyle of surrender? [31:34]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt led by faith in your life. How did that experience shape who you are today? [06:27]
2. How can you cultivate a sense of joy in God's presence, even when circumstances are challenging? [13:51]
3. Consider the gifts you offer to God, whether time, talents, or resources. How can you ensure these offerings come from a heart of worship and gratitude rather than obligation? [27:24]
4. In what areas of your life is God calling you to surrender and obey His guidance, even if it means altering your plans? [31:34]
5. How can you shift your focus from seeking God's blessings to seeking His character in your daily life? [16:47]
6. Identify a specific way you can express humility and reverence in your worship this week. What practical steps will you take to make this a reality? [24:16]
7. Think about a decision you are currently facing. How can you apply the Magi's example of obedience to God's guidance in making that decision? [31:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Journey
Faith is not just a belief but a journey that requires action and trust in God's guidance. The Magi's journey from Babylon to Bethlehem was not merely a physical trek but a spiritual quest driven by faith. They were led by a star, a symbol of divine guidance, which they followed despite the uncertainties and challenges of the path. This journey transformed them into worshipers, illustrating that faith involves movement and action, not just passive belief. As they traveled, their faith was tested and strengthened, shaping them into individuals who were ready to worship the true King. This narrative invites us to reflect on what guides us in our own lives, as whatever leads us will ultimately shape who we become. [06:27]
Hebrews 11:8-10 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, even if the path is unclear? How can you take a tangible step in that direction today?
Day 2: Joy Rooted in Presence
True joy is found in seeking Jesus for who He is, not merely for what He can do for us. The Magi experienced overwhelming joy upon finding Jesus, a joy that was not dependent on their circumstances but rooted in the presence of God. This joy was a response to the revelation of Jesus' character and presence, reminding us that true joy comes from a relationship with God, not from external blessings or favorable conditions. The Magi's joy challenges us to seek Jesus for His character and presence, finding our delight in who He is rather than what He can provide. [13:51]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally seek the presence of God today, finding joy in who He is rather than in your circumstances?
Day 3: Humility in Worship
Worship is an act of humility and reverence, acknowledging Jesus' worthiness as King. The Magi's act of bowing before Jesus signifies their recognition of His divine authority and their submission to His kingship. Worship involves shifting our focus from our requests to reverence, seeking Jesus' face rather than just His hand. This act of humility is a reminder that true worship is about acknowledging God's greatness and our dependence on Him, rather than approaching Him with a list of demands. The Magi's example encourages us to approach God with a heart of humility, recognizing His worthiness and our need for His presence. [24:16]
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your worship today, focusing on God's worthiness rather than your own needs or desires?
Day 4: Giving as an Act of Worship
True giving flows from a heart of worship and gratitude, not obligation. The Magi's gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were symbolic of their recognition of Jesus' kingship, holiness, and sacrificial death. Their giving was a response to the revelation of who Jesus is, not a transaction or duty. This act of giving challenges us to reflect on our own offerings, whether of time, talents, or resources, and whether they flow from a heart of worship and gratitude. True giving involves offering our whole selves to God, recognizing His worthiness and responding with generosity and thankfulness. [31:34]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: What is one way you can give of your time, talents, or resources today as an act of worship and gratitude to God?
Day 5: Obedience as a Lifestyle of Worship
Worship is not just an act but a lifestyle of surrender and obedience. The Magi's obedience to God's guidance, even when it meant altering their plans, highlights the importance of following God's leading in our lives. Worship involves a willingness to surrender our own plans and desires to God's will, trusting that His guidance will lead to revelation and transformation. As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to worship God for who He is, allowing His presence to transform us and guide our paths. This lifestyle of worship calls us to live in obedience to God's call, trusting that His ways are higher than our own. [37:52]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your plans to God's guidance? How can you practice obedience in that area today, trusting in His higher ways?
Quotes
The appropriate response to anything that happens in your life and my life should be worship. But oftentimes, we don't respond that way. We respond different with questions or even accusations as it relates to God. And so, as we close out this series, we are going to look at the response of the wise men. [00:01:04]
So they follow this star and it came where the child was one of the things that I see here is that these wise men they were led by fate fate led the wise men to discover in their 800 mile journey from Babylon in Persia seeking the one true king 800 miles they finally found what they were looking for because fate led them. [00:07:38]
Because here's what I know whatever leads you shapes you where you go and who you become let me say that again whatever leads you shapes you wherever you go and who you become Bible tells us in Proverbs 14 there's a way that seems right unto the man but the end is what is death the end is destruction so faith led the wise men. [00:09:14]
And the response of these wise men, the magi. Remember we said they are not tree. We talked about that. Go back and listen to the whole sermon. Forget all. The nativity scene and all the crap that you see. It was never tree. Bible never said tree. Okay. Just clear that out. Clear that out. It's never tree. [00:11:57]
Because true joy comes from. Seeking Jesus for who he is, not for what he can do. Let me unpack that because I have that problem and many of us have that problem we only praise god because i got my stimulus oh um i praise god because he healed me i praise god because this job i've been praying for he finally come through. [00:16:41]
So here's the second question will you rejoice in his presence even when life is uncertain will you and i rejoice even when life is uncertain look at verse 11 so they've led by faith the presence of god is with them they rejoice exceedingly in his presence even when life is uncertain but watch this where are we now what are they doing going into going into not the manger. [00:20:58]
The appropriate response when you seek him is you bow and you worship him and him alone. They saw Jesus with his mother and they worship. They acknowledge the word of the king. They did not respond with a request. But reverence. That's my problem. That's all of our problem. We go to God with a request. [00:24:46]
Then opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Watch the response again of the wise men. The wise men brought gifts to Jesus. So two things here. One, the gifts initially provided Mary and Joseph with financial support. Because they were poor. Read the account of Luke chapter 2. [00:27:34]
The appropriate response is worship. So here's the third question. Will you bow? Bow in worship, giving him your life. Look at verse 11. Everybody with me? The second part. You know what it says? Then oh. Opening their what? Opening their treasures. I'll come back to that word then. I don't. Listen. Every time you read scripture, every word is important. [00:27:01]
Worship it includes giving not just the material resources but giving of time giving of talents giving of our hearts are you holding anything back today or laying everything everything at his feet because they did not give out of obligation but recognition of his greatness they give out of recognition of his greatness the appropriate response is I give myself first. [00:32:16]
The appropriate response whether tragedy or no tragedy is to worship him because of who he is I'm going to read two as a matter of fact three scriptures to you and I want to show you as I close out the greatness of the God that we should respond to him and I want to show you as I close out the greatness in worship Hebrews. [00:37:48]
The appropriate response which we will do now is to worship him. So I don't know where you are in your life, but listen, take some time, tell somebody, excuse me, I got to worship him right now. Wherever you are in your life, worship him because of who he is. If God has done something for you in 2025 or going to do something in 2025, worship him. [00:40:22]
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