Our ultimate priority

Topics: worship

I. Worship is powerful

* Worship is so universal that everything will praise the Lord!

1. Shout joyfully to God, all the earth; sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious. Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power, Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. All the earth will worship You, and will sing praises to You; they will sing praises to Your name." Selah(1-4).
2. Come and see the works of God, who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men. He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot; there let us rejoice in Him! He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah (Psalm 66:5-7).

II. Worship is public

* Worship is likewise cherished in the community of the saints!

1. Bless our God, O peoples, and sound His praise abroad, who keeps us in life and does not allow our feet to slip. For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins. You made men ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water, yet You brought us out into a place of abundance. I shall come into Your house (Ps. 66:8-13a).
2. "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you" (Isaiah 43:1b, 2).

III. Worship is personal

* Worship is also intimate and private with our loving Lord!

1. Come and hear, all who fear God, and I will tell of what He has done for my soul. I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear; but certainly, God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer nor His lovingkindness from me (Psalm 66:16-20).
2. Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, July 23^rd, 2023

Life group flow and discussion questions

Our ultimate priority

An important Guideline of Life Groups: When we use the word "ultimate" it makes a bold declaration. Discuss what each person views as "OUR ULTIMATE PRIORITY" in life.

Getting Started:

1. What is your understanding about how we are to properly worship the Lord?
2. Throughout all the ups and downs of life, why is the expression, "It's amazing what praising can do!" so helpful with our attitudes and perspectives?

Discussing Truths:

1. How can we improve our worship experiences? Do you recognize that all creation is wired to worship our Creator?
2. What are some of the ways we can express worship as we seek to show honor and adoration to our Lord?
3. The words used for worship in Scripture carry the idea of giving because worship is giving something to God. How do you ascribe worth, honor, and blessing to God?
4. Why did the Psalmist emphasize "Come and see" (66:5) as well as "Come and hear" (66:16) when we contemplate worshipping our Lord?
5. What does the Holy Spirit want us to learn from Hebrews 10:19-25 about Who and how we are to worship?
6. Why do think that Satan tries so hard to isolate Christians from one another and prevent anyone from truly seeking the Lord?

Now What? Application:

1. We cannot verbally thank and praise God while living lives of selfishness or carnality. Is there anything that needs confession and repentance in your life (Psalm 66:18)?
2. Has busyness caused you to miss the ultimate priority of life with the tyranny of the urgent? What adjustments do you need to make to honor our Lord?