I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ...
February 6, 2000 AM
Sermon Outline
INDIFFERENCE TOWARD WORSHIP
1 Cor 11:20
INTRO: I have always loved to read and to appreciate Rev 1:10 ... I was in the Spirit on the Lords day ... Although a political exile on the island of Patmos and perhaps not in the most comfortable of situations, the Lords day and worship on that day were not neglected by the apostle John. By contrast the Corinthian brethren had so neglected and abused the Lords day that Paul wrote that their reason for assembling was not to eat the Lords supper. Which of the two illustrations best describes us?
I. WORSHIP IS A SERIOUS, IMPORTANT EVENT
A. It is to God
1. 1 Chron 16:29 ... and come before him ...
2. Jno 4:23,24 ... to worship him ...
3. Eph 5:19 ... to the Lord
4. does this not humble us? are we even aware, as we assemble, that we are coming before God?
B. It must be in the proper spirit
1. Micah 6:1-3 something was very wrong
2. they apparently brought sacrifices and such - but they only went through the motions - boring! (v.3)
3. and from v.8 we discover that their lives were not consistent with the claim of their worship
4. Jno 4:24 clearly teaches that worship comes from within as it joins with the action in worship
C. And, yes, it must be offered as God reveals
1. the Mosaic age noted numerous departures - both in attitude and action
2. and God was never pleased - always refused it
3. if we can learn nothing else from the ancient Jews, we should learn this
4. so, 1 Cor 11:23 ... revealed worship!
II. HOW MAY WE BECOME INDIFFERENT?
A. By being careless about attendance
1. worship is not just another event in a busy life
2. worship should be the event in a busy life
3. it seems that some treat it as an option
4. the well known passage: Heb 10:25 ... but note the assumption of Acts 20:7 - they came together
5. surely, attending should be a given - a matter of priority - a matter of desire (Ps 122:1)
6. (what about Bible classes? What about Sunday nights? Wednesday nights? are these important? does whether or not we attend them speak of attitude toward spiritual life and things?)
B. By being careless about participation
1. each New Testament act of worship is designed for participation!
2. note, for example, 1 Cor 11:28!
3. yes, there may be distractions; we may be tired; we may be anxious; etc.
4. we need to concentrate, to consider, to participate
5. 1 Cor 14:17b being edified is possible only with participation
6. can 2 Cor 9:7 suggest careful participation?
C. By being satisfied with the vague
1. feel good worship is in these days
2. but if we talk of God, or repentance, of holy living, of sin, of judgment, we must think, or shrink! and such effort and subjects are not always feel good
3. to focus on the Supper: its meaning, its message, its relevance to me takes real mental effort and demands humility ... etc.
CLOSE: Old and New Testaments tell us of Gods people who became indifferent toward worship. And this indifference is truly the manifestation of deeper spiritual problems. May I call all of us to examine ourselves ... and to worship God in the beauty of holiness.
Cecil A. Hutson
06 February 2000