Evaluating Worship
Emphasizing the experience of the worshiper as evidence of the Spirit depreciates his more significant functions, often leading to misunderstanding, pragmatism, narcissism (self-importance, vanity), and an idolatry of self rather than the worship of God. – Timothy Ralston
The Holy Spirit’s role in corporate worship becomes a function of our response rather than an objective theological reality. We miss the more basic and important roles that the Holy Spirit assumes whenever God’s people gather to worship…” – Timothy Ralston
Person
Power
Proclamation
People
God's Presence
Genesis 2.8
Exodus 3.4-6
Exodus 13.21-22
Exodus 20.18-21
Exodus 25.8
Exodus 33.15-16
Exodus 40.34-35
1 Kings 8.10-14
Ezekiel 10-11
Ezekiel 37
Malachi 3.1
John 1.14
1 Corinthians 3.16-17
Ephesians 2.22
Evaluating Worship
His character is revealed, promises are made, commandments are given, prayers and sacrifices occur and God’s people are typically assembled and doing something.
Do we expect, seek, prepare for, ask, co-operate, believe, obey, claim, look for, remember?
Or do we take Him for granted, quench, grieve, or ignore?
Revelation 21.22
Potential Application Questions:
1. God's presence is active whenever His people gather - do we expect His presence when we worship?
2. How can we seek the presence of God in our own worship of Him?
3. What would it look like for us to prepare for, ask and look for His presence?
4. Where are there areas of unbeleif that might keep us from experiencing His presence?
5. How can we co-operate with God in worship?
6. What are some ways we may be taking Him for granted, ignoring Him or quenching His presence?
7. What areas of our thinking or actions is God calling us to change so that we might experience Him more?
