I. Introduction:
A. Our topic is worship and praise, and
what that means to a Christian
B. Some things I cover may be new to some
of you, so bear with me
C. I believe everything's very biblically-based
II. What parts of the
Bible should we use when we talk about worship?
A. Some people say we should only use
the OT, some say NT, and some say both are useful. What do you think?
B. Here's what Paul said about using the
Bible in general: "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of
God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17).
Have someone read the verse.
C. Three things to remember when studying
the Bible (I'll relate these to worship):
1. Scripture must modify scripture; for
example, blood sacrifices were superseded by Christ. All biblical expressions
of worship are valid unless we find a biblical reason for not using that
expression.
2. Our primary focus should be on clear
statements of scripture that address the topic we're studying. This guards
against misapplications and rationalizations contrary to the clear teaching
of scripture. For example, we shouldn't apply the "meat sacrificed to idols"
principle in order to keep from obeying the teaching of Psalm 150 about
praising God with instruments, since Psalm 150 directly addresses worship
services and the "meat sacrificed to idols" principle directly addresses
interpersonal relationships.
3. Teaching by example. Sometimes, the
Bible gives examples rather than commands. For instance, there are no clear
statements/commands in scripture saying we have to praise in certain,
legalistic ways. Primarily, we have examples of how the Israelites
worshiped that give us general guidelines to follow.
III. Definitions of Praise
and Worship.
A. Hebrew and Greek definitions are given.
Useful for "getting our feet wet." Let's see if you can guess what they
mean! I'll read a verse with the word in it, and you tell me what the word
means.
B. Praise:
1. Yadah - To revere or worship with extended
hands.
2. Towdah - An extension of the hand in
adoration or avowal. A sacrifice of praise or thanksgiving. Specifically,
a choir of worshipers. Psalm 42:4 (remember the word "multitudes" here)
3. Halal - To shine, boast, rave, celebrate,
to make a show, to be clamorously foolish. Psalm 150.
4. Shabach - to address in a loud tone,
to commend, to triumph, praise, glory, shout. Psalm 63:3.
5. Barak - To kneel down, to bless God
as an act of adoration. Psalm 95:6.
6. Zamar - To touch the strings, or parts
of a musical instrument. To play instruments, to make music, to sing forth
praises. Psalm 57:7; Psalm 108:1.
7. Tehillah - To sing, to laud. Psalm 40:3.
C. Worship:
1. Shachad - To bow down, to prostrate
oneself, to crouch, to fall flat, to make obeisance, to worship. Psalm
95:6.
2. Proskuneo - to turn toward, to kiss.
- to kiss the feet. John 4:24.
IV. Four Basic Types
of Praise and Worship in the Bible (ask for examples):
A. Physical
B. Audible
C. Spiritual (our spirits connect with
Holy Spirit)
D. Truthful (... and in truth)
E. All four of these = praise/worship
that springs from our hearts.
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