WORSHIP

PREAMBLE

Preamble

This month we deal with a topic that is very fundamental, not only in the life of a Christian but also in that of the local church.  If Christianity is about bringing glory to God, then everything in our life should be an act of worship, and everything the church does should be considered as worship.  Indeed the importance of worship has shaped the vision of Nairobi Baptist Church “To Become a Worshipping Community of the Lord Jesus Christ that is Advancing the Kingdom of God Through the Power of the Holy Spirit.”  But, what is worship?  Is it the same as praise?  What is the object of our worship?  And why do we worship?  We hope that these and other questions will be answered as we examine some of the relevant Scriptures in this series.

STUDY ONE                                                                     WEEK OF MARCH 31^st

THE CONCEPT OF WORSHIP

How can anyone worship God if they do not know what worship is?  As we start this series of studies we pose the question “What?” and hope that as you study the Scriptures and meditate on them you will develop a concept of worship to guide your acts of worship.

Read:  Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Romans 12:1-2 

Observe:

Deut 6:4-9

1. What was Moses’ instructions the Israelites on how they ought to relate to God?

2.  How were the Israelites expected to show their devotion to God?

3.  How was this expression of devotion to God to be passed from generation to generation?

Rom 12: 1-2

4.  What is our spiritual act of worship? 

5.  What are we to do and not to do?

Digest:

6.  What similarities can you see from the above two passages? 

7.  From these passages how would you define worship?

8.  Why should we worship God? 

Apply:

9.  What are some of the things you/your group/your church could do to bring its worship practice closer to how God would want us to worship Him?

10.  How do you visualise your church as a worshipping community?

STUDY TWO                                                WEEK OF APRIL 7^th    

CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT TO WORSHIP

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Romans 12:1]

The history of Christianity is littered with cases of people who have suffered for their acts of worship.  Do you know of any?  And, how committed are you to worship God?  How much challenge can you bear for God?  Think about these things as you do your study this week.

Read:  Daniel 3:8-30, Acts 4:8-21        .

Observe:

1.  What did Nebuchadnezzar say in his decree?

2.  What astonished the crowd about Peter and John?

3.  What did the miracle performed by Peter and John reveal about them?

4.  What was the crowd’s reaction to the miracle performed by Peter and John?

5.  What was Peter and John’s response to the warning they had been given?

Digest:

 

6.  How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego show their commitment to God?

7.  How did Peter and John show their commitment to God?

8.  Name three people in the Bible who showed such commitment to God and how they showed it. 

Apply:

 

9.  What is the most trying thing you have experienced that challenged your commitment to God?

Memory Verse:

Acts 4:19

“But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.”

(NIV)                                                                   Acts 4:19

 

 

 

 

 

 

STUDY THREE                                                                 WEEK OF APRIL 14^th

PREREQUISITES TO WORSHIP

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Acts 4:19]

It is apparent from the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, that certain conditions ought to be fulfilled before our acts of worship reach God.  God Himself struck down some of His people who inappropriately involved themselves in acts of worship.  Let’s look out for those prerequisites as we study the Scriptures this week. 

Read:  Exodus 20:1-7, John 4:20-24. Hebrews 9:1-14

Observe:

Ex 20:1-7

1.  What do these commandments tell us about God and His relationship with the Israelites?

2. Why does God give these commandments to the Israelites?

John 4:20-24

3.  Where did the Samaritans go wrong in their worship of God?

4. According to Jesus, what is important and unimportant in worshiping God?

Heb 9:1-14

5.  What was required of the priests before going into God’s presence?

6. How does Christ’s sacrificial death enable us to worship or serve God?

Digest:

7.  Basing on the above Scriptures, what should our attitude towards God be?

8.  What would cause our worship to God be unacceptable to Him?

Apply:

9.  What would you or your church or group need to change in order to truly worship God “in spirit and in truth”?

STUDY FOUR                                                                   WEEK OF APRIL 21^st     

   FEATURES OF WORSHIP

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse: John 4:24]

As we wind up our study on worship, we examine the content and features of worship.  It must, however, be underscored that a person or church can do any one or all these things as mere rituals. We must not lose sight of the forest for the trees. God bless you as you worship Him.    

Read:  Psalm 100; 150, Luke 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 11:23-28; 16:1-4

Observe:

1.  From these passages, what are the different ways of worshipping the Lord?

2.  What was the importance of taking the Last Supper?

3.  What was Paul’s instruction about money offerings?

Digest:

4.  What is the relationship between praise and worship?

5.  How should we prepare ourselves to worship God?

6.  From other Scriptures, how have people worshipped the Lord?

7.  How often should one worship God?

Apply:

8.  What features of worship does your group/church need to work on?