Ready to take things to the next level? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares how focusing on worship can help you level up in your spiritual growth.
Worship is devotion expressed.
The word used in Greek literally means "to kiss the hand, in token of reverence".
Worship is doing something that honors God and demonstrates your love and devotion for Him.
Attention – Affection - Action
If you're doing nothing, you're not worshipping.
We are wired for worship.
You will worship someone or something. You might as well choose for yourself who you worship, and not allow your devotion to be hijacked by current culture.
Why do we use music?
God has chosen music as a means of spiritual communication. There is spiritual information in songs. If its true in the positive, then its true in the negative. Music by itself is not worship, it's the vehicle that can take your heart into worship.
2 Kings 3:15 ESV
Music can usher in the presence of God.
2 Chronicles 5:13-14 NLT
Music is an incredible gift from God.
It captures and releases emotion. Music carries spiritual messages.
Worship should be done wholeheartedly, not halfheartedly.
Psalm 86:12 ESV
Isaiah 29:13 NIV
Our worship service shouldn't just be lip service. Watching people worship God is not the same as worshipping God.
Worship should be done in spirit and in truth.
John 4:23 "But the time is coming—indeed it's here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way."
Worshipping in spirit and truth is without pretense, with authenticity, honesty, and sincerity. Come to God as you really are. Of the 150 Psalms, 42 are "laments" where the author is struggling with life and is asking tough questions. Some are even "imprecatory."
We try to fake it with people, but don't try to fake it with God. He heard you think up that lie in your head.
Worship should be a sacrifice.
Romans 12:1 NIV
Whether we're singing a song or saying no to sin, our obedience is an act of worship. Don't give God something that doesn't cost you. True worship will cost you your comfort, your dignity, your fear. Don't give God your leftover worship.
Worship is done many ways, and one doesn't replace the others.
Ephesians 5:18b-19 ...be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.
Two main divisions here:
1. Corporate worship (done in a group)
Psalms: scripture
Hymns: church songs that people know
Spiritual songs: new songs from the Spirit
2. Personal worship (done in private)
Making music in your hearts
"Worship is simply giving God His breath back." – Louie Giglio
Are you using worship to level up?