The Christian and Public Worship (1)

When We Assemble

Excellence in Worship

• Excellence – the quality of being outstanding. Striving for a standard that is extraordinary.

• Seeking to be your best

• Doing what you do well

Excellence in Worship

• Is God pleased when we do “just enough” to get by?

• God demands our best• Sacrifices – Genesis 4:3-4• Israel – “without blemish” Exodus 34:19-20, 12:4, Leviticus 27:26, etc.

Excellence in Worship• God demands our best• Solomon building the temple – 2 Chronicles 2:4-62 Cornicles 6:17-21

• While God is not interested in ornate buildings, He does expect excellence from us. Acts 17:24-25Psalm 51:16-17

Excellence in Worship• God demands our best• John 4:24, worship in spirit and truth•Matthew 6:33, seek Him first•Matthew 22:37, love Him with your

all •Romans 12:1, a living sacrifice•Colossians 3:23, heartily•1 Corinthians 10:31, all to His

glory•1 Peter 4:10-11, good stewards

Excellence in Worship

• Mediocrity is unacceptable•Malachi 1:6-8, 12-14•Revelation 3:16-17, lukewarm Laodicea

•Matthew 25:26-29, the one talent servant

Giving our Best in Worship• Appearance –• the location where we

assemble – (well maintained) - the resources we produce - our personal appearance!

• We are not perfect and God knows that, but He does want our best!

• Attitude – serious, not casual

Giving our Best in Worship• Why are we here?• To glorify God – Hebrews 12:28, Romans 15:5-6

• To build each other up – Hebrews 10:24-25

• To reach the lost – 1 Corinthians 14:14-25, etc.

Giving our Best in Worship• Leaders• Do we prepare to lead the

congregation in worship?• Leaders set the tone for

receptiveness of the audience • Example: Why do we have a

duty roster? If you are involved, do you plan?

Giving our Best in Worship• How much effort are you

exerting?•1 Corinthians 11:28,

examine yourself• Are we genuinely giving God our

best in time, resources, attitude?• Or is it just enough to get by?•Hebrews 6:11-12, not

sluggish

How serious are you about

worshipping God?