Getting Something Out Of The Services
A. GOD DESIGNED OUR ASSEMBLIES FOR OUR BENEFIT, BUT SOMETIMES FOR
DIFFERENT REASONS, OUR COMING TOGETHER IS NOT FOR THE BETTER.
B. THERE IS PURPOSE IN GOD’S DESIGN.
1. One aim of the church is to make known God's purpose (Acts 11:26).
2. It is an opportunity to edify one another (Heb. 10:24-25).
3. To attain this benefit, something is expected of us (Eph. 4:16)
4. This is why we are told not to forsake the assembly (Heb. 10:25).
D. YET SOME SAY, “I DON’T GET ANYTHING OUT OF COMING TO CHURCH!”
1. This is why so many congregations resort to alternative worship styles, ie. dramatic
skits, instrumental music, mood lighting, etc to their services.
2. It is true, "You get out what you put in!"
3. When the gospel is the center of our lives, it is also the center of our worship.
4. The difference is, “Is our heart in our religion?” (Matt. 15:8).
E. WORSHIP IS DESIGNED FOR US, AND IF WE’RE ARE DOING IT RIGHT, WE
WILL GET BLESSINGS FROM IT.
A. WE SING TO GOD (Heb. 13:15; Eph. 5:19 – “the Lord,” who is this – vs. 20).
B. WE SING TO EACH OTHER (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).
1. To express our joy (Phil. 4:4; James 5:13)
2. To lift our spirits (Acts 16:25).
3. To teach and admonish (Col. 3:16).
a. Must be scriptural and understandable (1 Cor. 14:15).
b. Must have some content.
C. AS IN ALL THINGS,WE SHOULD DO OUR BEST.
1. Man considers the artistic performance – the earthly quality.
2. God considers the heart of the worshipper (1 Sam 16:7; Eph. 5:19).
A. THE EARLY CHURCH PRAYED TOGETHER (Acts 2:42; 4:23ff.)
B. PRAYER IS TALKING TO GOD.
1. Praising him (Matt. 6:9; Acts 4:23-28).
2. Making request (Phil. 4:6).
3. With thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6).
C. WE HAVE ASSURANCE FROM GOD (James 5:16; Matt. 5:7-11).
D. THE HEART MUST BE IN IT (Matt. 15:8; 1 Cor. 14:15).
E. WHO WILL LEAD US? (1 Cor. 14:33-34; 1 Tim. 2:8).
A. THE LORD’S SUPPER HAS A PURPOSE SEEN IN ITS NAMES.
1. Acts 20:7 – Breaking bread.
a. The memorial – Bread representing his body (1 Cor. 11:23-25, 26).
b. With the spirit and the understanding (vs. 29; 1 Cor. 14:15; Matt. 15:8).
2. 1 Cor. 10:16-17 – Communion. Fellowship with one another in his death.
3. 1 Cor. 11:20 – Lord’s supper. His command, in his kingdom (Matt. 26:29).
4. “Sacrement” and “Eucharist” – Words related to unscriptural purposes.
B. SOME WOULD CHANGE THE MANNER AND CHARACTER OF PARTAKING.
1. It is not time to put on a show or to dramatize it. People of faith don’t need that.
2. Singing and dramatic readings are popular, but distract from its purpose.
A. THE INVITATION TO GIVE A GIFT TO US (1 Cor. 8:1)
B. THE KEY TO ANY SERVICE (vs. 5)
C. WHAT GOD EXPECTS (vs. 12).
1. How much? (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
2. Our attitude? (2 Cor. 9:6-7). We need to feel we are a part of the work. It is ours!
D. THE DESIRED RESULT? (2 Cor. 9:6, 8-12).
1. Give to get rich? (Matt. 6:19-21; 1 Tim. 6:9).
2. Or to accomplish his purpose?
A. SEEN IN THE PURPOSES GIVEN PREACHING (1 Tim. 4:6, 11; 2 Tim. 2:2; 4:2).
1. Scriptural preaching is authoratative and scriptural (Titus 2:1, 15).
2. Sometimes “issue-oriented” (1 Tim. 1:9; 2 Tim. 1:13-14; Titus 1:9).
B. 2 Tim. 3:16-17. GOD HAS DONE HIS PART, HAVE WE DONE OURS (2:15).
1. What's our attitude toward teaching? Does it depend on the skill of the teacher?
a. Somewhat. He's got to be able to impart the benefit of his study.
b. The source of the teaching should make a difference (1 Thess. 2:13).
c. We agree our hearts should be in our praying, singing, and the Lord’s supper;
then why not when we study his word. God speaks to us – HOW?
2. The teacher plays a large part, but what you get out of teaching depends greatly on
your preparation, participation, and application.
A. OUR HEART MUST BE IN OUR WORSHIP.
B. WHAT WE GAIN DEPENDS DIRECTLY ON WHAT WE PUT IN.
Zeke Flores