PART 2A
We have learnt that the army of the Lord is an unusual army. An Army of sheep that can overcome wolves, with the ability to hear the voice of God and desire to obey Him totally. Army of priest that is also kings with a three-fold duty of;
(i) Ministry to God
(ii) Ministry to one another and
(iii) Ministry of the world.
In part two we want to look closely at the ministry of the army of the Lord to the Lord Himself. May the Holy Spirit quicken our understanding as we study in Jesus, Name. Amen
1. WORSHIP IS MORE IMPORTANT TO GOD THAN WORK
Every King has a throne: the throne of God is built by the praises of His people. That is why the Father’s greatest desire is not for workers but worshippers, because those who will ever succeed as His workers must first succeed as His worshippers. That is why activity without worship always produces little harvest because God has decreed that there will be no rain if there is no worship.
Ps. 22:3; John 4:23; James 4:8; Matt. 22:37-38; Luke 10:38-42; Acts 13:l 2;Zech. 14:17.
2. TRUE WORSHIP INVOLVES COOPERATION BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
Worship can be divided into two portions:
(i) In spirit which is God’s part and
(ii) In truth, which is man’s part i.e., there must be a participation by both God and man for worship
to lie complete.
For example, David was the sweet psalmist of Israel because the spirit of God spoke by Him and through Him. Our part in worship is not only to surrender our tongues to the Holy Spirit but also to make our hearts so pure that He can dwell there continually.
John 4:19-23; II Sam. 23:1-2; Is. 50:4; I Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:18-19; Ps. 24:4-5: Ps.66:18; Matt. 15:7-9; James 5:16.
3. YOU CANNOT OBEY GOD FULLY EXCEPT YOU WORSHIP HIM CONSTANTLY.
There are some commandments of God that can only be obeyed fully during worship time. These include: clapping our hands, shouting victoriously, making a joyful noise unto the Lord, lifting our hands, waving our hands to Him in praise and dancing before Him.
Ps. 47:1; Ps. 100:1-4; Ps. 95:1-3; Ph. 4:4; Lam. 3:40-41; Ps. 63:3-4; Lev. 9:21; Ps.149:3; Ps. 150:4; Ps. 30:11.
PART 2B
We have been discussing the ministry of the Army of the Lord to their Captain, the Lord of Hosts. In particular we have studied why we must worship in Spirit and in Truth.
Now, we want to look into the details of how to correctly worship God. May the Lord accept our worship today and always for evermore in Jesus. Name. Amen.
1. OUR SONGS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP MUST HAVE RELEVANCE
Those who worship God genuinely always worship Him relevantly. The song they sing when they consider the mercies of God will be different from those they sing when considering His holiness, sovereignty or power. We can even prophesy during our worship.
Ex. 4:31; Is. 62:5: II Sam. 12:14-23; Jos. 5:13-15: Is. 5:1-4; I Chr. 25:1-3; John 4:24; Eph. 5:18-20.
2. WORSHIPPING GOD IS INCOMPLETE UNLESS YOUR BODY, SOUL AND SPIRIT ARE INVOLVED
It is not only with our voices alone that we should worship God. We could lift up our hands or clap, we would dance, we could shout, etc. All these are relevant ways of worshipping God and each has its own significance if done with all our heart.
Ps. 103:1; Rom. 12:1; Ps. 95:6; Matt. 2:11; Ps. 63:3-4; Ps. 141:2; I Tim. 2:8; Ps.47:1; I Cor. 3:9; Ps. 150:4; Ps. 95:1; I Chr. 17:16-18; Ps. 62:1, 5.