Made For This Pt. 2
Made for Worship
1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) – But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Robert Morris – “Worship is any activity that causes us to encounter the presence of God.”
Our calling: 1 Peter 2:9 – Royal priesthood
1 Peter 2:5 – Spiritual house
1 Peter 2:5 – Offering spiritual sacrifices
We are called to be a worshipping community, a house of God – a place where people experience His presence.
Exodus 19:5-6 (NLT) – Now if you will obey Me and keep My covenant, you will be My own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to Me. And you will be My kingdom of priests, My holy nation. This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.
What happens in worship:
1. Give God Glory
Old Testament word for worship – Bow down
New Testament word for worship – Kiss toward
John 4:23 (NLT) – 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.
Truth: quality or state of being true, authentic
Picture of worship – opening our heart and pouring out love and adoration upon Jesus Christ.
John 12:3 (NLT) – Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.
Doesn’t matter what worship looks like to others. It’s about God!
John 12:4-5 (NLT) – But Judas Iscariot, the disciple who would soon betray Him, said, “That perfume was worth a year’s wages. It should have been sold and the money given to the poor.”
We (our worship) are His special treasure. Exodus 19:6 and 1 Peter 2:9
2. Experience His Presence
As Mary pours out her devotion, the house is filled with the fragrance.
Worship ushers in the presence of God. His fragrance fills the atmosphere.
In His presence we are changed.
In His presence we get His heart.
We begin praying for people and even nations, bringing them into His presence. Matthew 6:9-10
Our Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms,
may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is fulfilled in heaven. (TPT)
3. Carry and Release His Presence
Worship not only impacts us, it impacts the nations.
We carry and release His presence into our homes, neighborhoods and to the nations.
2 Corinthians 2:14 (NLT) – But thank God! He has made us His captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now He uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
Key verse: 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) – But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Questions for discussion/reflection:
1. Is your worship more individual or communal in nature?
2. Have you encountered the presence of God through worship in a manner that has
changed your life?
3. What does authentic, heart-to-heart worship look like for you?
4. Have you ever viewed someone else’s worship as too excessive, extravagant, or
insufficient?
5. Where is God leading you to carry and release His presence?