The Worship Driven Church part 4.pdf - Biblicalcounselingonline.org

The Worship Driven Church: Worship Christ! 12/26/04 #4
I. Introduction: What has gone wrong with Christmas? Correction: Piano dates (200 yrs);
Handout: prayer and Bible reading calendar January 2005
A. Most people agree: something has gone badly wrong with Christmas.
1. High stress: pressure get all the right gifts for all the right people, hustle and
bustle of activities.
2. Political battles: what to call “holidays”: Manger scene allowable: public view?
Schools forbid singing of Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer < mentions Xmas eve.
3. Big letdown when it is all over; Didn’t supply lasting joy and peace.
B. The problem with Christmas is a problem of worship.
1. We are failing to worship and enjoy Christ as we ought.
2. Problem of humanity: 365 days a year. The essence of sin is withholding worship
from God. Worshiping other things instead.
3. John Piper: The problem ... is not that we a pleasure seeking people, but that we are
willing to settle for such pitiful pleasures.
C. This is the fourth message in our series on worship.
1. Worship is God Centered
2. Worship is regulated by Scripture
3. Music: wonderful gift of God: used to enhance our worship.
D. This morning we will talk about worshiping Christ.
1. The message of Christmas is that God the Son has come into the world to save His
people from their son.
2. The presence of Christ demands heartfelt worship, and should produce great joy.
II. People lack true joy because they refuse to worship Christ.
A. Many seek to remove Christ from the traditional holiday commemorating His birth.
1. It is hard for Christians to know what to think
a. Because the Bible does not set a date for Jesus’ birth. Nor are we called to
celebrate His birth.
b. On the other hand, it is interesting to observe what the very mention of Jesus
does among those who hate Him.
2. Removal of any mention of Christ from the public square.
a. Not only schools, government buildings.
b. But private businesses, stores, mall. muzak: remove hymns (if so w/o words)
c. Disneyland: CN wanted: Xmas pin: Happy Hannikah, Kwanza: None saying
Christmas 12 days (but not of what)
B. Some use the occasion of Christmas to undermine faith in Christ.
1. Herod sought to destroy the baby Jesus. Matthew 2:8,16 Deceitful: Claimed to
want to worship him. Mt. 2:8 Threatened by the presence of another king.
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2. The “wise men” of our age attack the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth. Even some
Christian clergy: who are supposed to be leading the people of God in worship.
a. Every year major news magazines special articles about Christmas. Common
theme: Seek: undermine truthfulness: literal reading: Gospels
b. Time: “Secrets of the Nativity”: Playing on: DaVinci code: find hidden
meanings
(1) Suggests Jesus was born: Nazareth, not Bethlehem; that Mary was a strong
willed feminist, VB: early Xns transmuted a taboo pregnancy into an
occasion of glory in the birth of the holy child.
(2) In the debates over the literal truth of the gospels, just about everyone
acknowledges that major conclusions are not based upon forensic clues.
There is no specific physical evidence for the key points of the story.
(3) Written record: multiple sources. Better than most “history”
(4) Concludes article with liberal female clergy person: role in Xmas pageant:
Angel who carries the baby Jesus to Mary: (Played by a girl). Post-modern:
it doesn’t matter if it is true, but how it makes you feel.
c. The Newsweek article claims the gospel accounts of Jesus birth were invented
by the early church and that “almost nothing in Luke’s stories stands up to
close historical scrutiny.
(1) Bible is untrustworthy in its historical accounts.
(2) Cites “scholar” proposing Jesus was actually the product of extramarital
sex between Mary & some man - perhaps Joseph. VB = cover story
(3) Time claims majority: scholars believe Jesus was born Nazereth: Which
scholars?
(4) Not a majority of all scholars, but elite scholars who share the author’s
anti-supernatural bias and presuppose the Bible is a merely human book.
Little or no dialogue w/those who disagree.
(5) Articles cite liberal scholars who represent a tiny minority of professing
Christians, no Bible believing scholars who represent the 2/3 who believe the
entire Christmas story is historically accurate, including the VB, angelic
proclamation to the shepherds, & the wise men from the East.(Newsweek)
d. Undermines faith: wife overheard woman at gym reading article: Did you realize
Jesus wasn’t born in Bethlehem & Mary was a feminist? Must be true < in Time
3. If the New Testament accounts are not historically true, there is no basis for
Christianity. I Cor. 15 Gal. 4:4-5 When the fullness of time came, God sent forth
His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeems those who
were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
a. Our redemption depends upon God the Son being born of a virgin.
b. Fully human: Sharing our nature, yet without sin.
c. Lived a sinless life. Perfectly kept God’s law for us.
d. Our sins were counted against Him. He fully paid the price: Death: Cross.
e. He has been raised from the dead.
f. His righteousness is imputed to us. Phil. 3:9
4. Why are the modern “wise men” so hostile to Jesus? Romans 1:21f
a. Same reason Herod opposed Jesus. He threatens them!
b. If the gospel accounts are true, then they are not autonomous. King of own life
c. Instead they are accountable to God.
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d. They choose to suppress the truth, rather than worshiping Christ.
5. How can we know the biblical accounts are true? II Pet. 1:16 I Cor. 2:14 For we
did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power &
coming of our Lord JC, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
a. Scholars ask: “Where did Luke get those words attributed to angels?” Roman
imperial propaganda? Perhaps from those who heard the angels speak?
b. Eyewitness accounts: they were there. Better perspective than scholar’s
speculations 2000 years later.
c. God works faith in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. I Cor. 2:14 But a natural
man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to
him; & he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
d. The same power which miraculously gave physical life in Mary’s womb gives
spiritual life to those who believe.
C. Many pursue their joy through worshiping material idols rather than Christ. Co. 3:5
Phil. 3:19 II Tim. 3:4
1. The “holidays” have become an orgy of gluttony, drunkenness, and materialism.
Greed amounts to idolatry... whose god is their stomach... lovers of pleasure rather
than lovers of God.
2. They want to have the supreme experience of human joy without Christ.
Or relegate him to a manger scene stuck between Santa, Frosty, & the Christmas
Tree. Attend annual Christmas Eve service.
3. We are in a season in which people are frantically pursuing inferior joy.
a. Joy in receiving gifts (material things don’t satisfy).
b. Joy of giving gifts (people don’t always love our gifts and us)
c. Joy of family events (can be very stressful).
d. Joy of eating and drinking (pay the price in the new year).
4. People spend billions of dollars trying to buy the peace and joy that only Christ
can give.
5. Every Christmas celebration is worship of a sort.
a. Focus attention on what matters most
b. Idols of our culture
(1) Material possessions: Source of joy.
(2) Self righteousness.
(3) Even family can be an idol when placed above God.
D. True joy is found only in worshiping Christ.
1. Great opportunity this time of year. Point people to the highest place.
2. A friend: writing to the Xn Scrooges among us: Instead of cursing the darkness,
Rejoice and praise God proclaim the Light! Take advantage of the opportunities
Christmas affords:
3. Rest of our time: Christmas feast of worship.
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III. Jesus is the object of worship.
A. God alone is to be worshiped. Ex. 20:3 Mt. 4:10 You shall worship the Lord your
God and serve Him only.
1. The best of men refuse to be worshiped. Acts 10:25-26 14:11-15 12:20-23
a. When Peter entered, Corneilus met him & fell at his feet & worshiped him. But
peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am just a man.”
b. When the people cried of Herod, “The voice of a god & not a man.”
Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the
glory, & he was eaten by worms & died.
2. Even Angels would not receive worship. Rev. 22:8-9 19:10 When I heard & saw, I
fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said
to me, “Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours & of your brethren the
prophets & of those who heeds the words of this book. WORSHIP GOD.
B. Jesus is the only man who has rightfully received worship! John 5:23 All will honor
the Son even as they honor the Father, He who does not honor the Son does not honor
the Father who sent Him.
1. He is God Incarnate. John 1:1-4,14 Col. 2:9 Heb. 1:3
a. Jesus was not merely born
b. He is the eternal Son who was sent from Heaven. John 17:5,24 16:28 18:37
2. The Second Adam has come to bring victory over sin and death. Gen. 3:15
Ro. 5:14f I Cor. 15:22,45 Humanity fell in the first Adam, the 2 nd and last Adam
cam to bring redemption. Reverses the fall.
3. The coming of Jesus is occasion for joyous worship. He. 1:6 Earliest Xmas songs
a. Gabriel declares His greatness. Luke 1:31-33
(1) He will be great: Not just President, or athletic record holder.
(2) Son of The Most High.
(3) King who will reign on David’s throne forever.
b. Mary exalts the Lord Who has done great things. Luke 1:46-56 1:49-55
(1) Brings down the proud and exalts the humble. Merciful
(2) Fulfills promises to Israel: Messiah.
c. The angel reveals Jesus’ identity and mission to Joseph. Mt. 1:20-23
(1) He will save His people from their sins. Much bigger mission: earthly king;
sin: bigger problem than Romans! Lamb of God.
(2) Immanuel: God with us.
d. Zacharias praises God for fulfilling His promises. Luke 1:67-79
(1) Salvation, mercy, redemption: remember covenant
(2) Salvation, the forgiveness of sins.
e. The angels who visited the shepherds give glory to God. Luke 2:8-14
(1) He is the Savior: the Christ. The Lord.
(2) Glory to God in the Highest!
f. The shepherds glorify and praise God. Luke 2:15-20
g. The Magi come to worship Him. Matthew 2:1-2,11
(1) Jesus Himself is the object of worship.
(2) They bowed before Him (only). Not Mary
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h. Simeon and Anna bless God. Luke 2:25-38 2:32 A light of revelation: Gentiles
and the glory of your people Israel. PTL: J/G together!
4. He is worshiped throughout His life. Mt. 8:2 9:18 14:33 15:25 20:20 Lu. 19:37-40
a. People frequently bowed before Him (root meaning of worship) Centurian and
Synagogue official (Canaanite woman, Mother of sons of Zebedee)
b. After Jesus walked on the water & then calmed the wind: Those who were in
the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son”
5. He is worshiped after His resurrection. Mt. 28:9,17 John 20:28-29 Luke 24:52
a. Jesus met them & greeted them. & they came up & took hold of His feet &
worshiped Him.
b. Thomas declared , My Lord and My God. > Jesus received his worship as an
expression of faith John 20:29 (Unlike Paul, Peter, Angels: Stand up!)
6. He is worshiped by His people today.
7. He is worshiped in heaven. Rev. 1:13-18 5:9-14
a. A picture of His glory. Rev. 1:13-18
b. His glory is proclaimed by those who see it more clearly than we do. Rev. 5:9f
What we would be doing today if we fully recognized Him.
c. He is worshiped on equal terms with the Father.
8. Ultimately all will bow before Him. Phil. 2:9-11
C. Those who worship Jesus have great joy! Phil. 1:21 4:4
1. Your sins are forgiven. Col. 1:14 I John 2:1-2
a. In Him we have redemption. The forgiveness of sins.
b. You have been made right with God through His sacrifice.
2. You have access to God in prayer. Heb. 10:19-22
3. You can cast your burdens upon Him. I Pet. 5:7 Mt. 11:28-30
a. Casting all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.
b. Come unto Me all who are weary & heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you & learn from Me, for I am gentle & humble in heart, & you
will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy & my burden is light.
4. You are presently being transformed into His holy likeness. Phil. 1:6 II Co. 3:18
Rom. 12:2 Col. 3:9-10 You have laid aside the old self w/its evil practices, & have
put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image
of the One who created him. He has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and change
you.
5. You will see Him face to face. I Cor. 13:12 I John 3:2
6. You will be like Him. I John 3:2 Romans 8:29
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IV. Conclusion: Joyfully worship Christ with us today.
A. Christ is present with us today. Mt. 28:20 Heb. 13:5 Rev. 1:13
1. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
2. He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.
3. In the middle of the lampstands I saw one like the Son of Man....
a. What are the lampstands? The churches
b. He dwells among us.
B. Christ’s presence demands your worship. Illus: if President Bush were to visit today:
> Would probably receive a grand reception (even from those who disagree).
1. See reactions of godly & angels.. Rev. 1:17 Join them: rather than enemies
2. Rejoice in His coming and in His finished work.
3. Worship Christ by partaking of the Lord’s Supper in faith.
C. Rejoice: Piper “Christ is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
D. Repent of your false worship.
1. Trying to find satisfaction through inferior pleasures.
2. Treating Christ as if He is unimportant.
3. Today receive the greatest gift: Worship God for sending His Son
Discussion questions
1. Why do many scholars and journalists use the occasion of Christmas to undermine
people’s faith in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth?
2. How can we know the gospel accounts are true?
3. How can the celebration of Christmas become sinfully idolatrous?
4. What is the significance of what was said about Jesus when He was born?
5. Give examples of Jesus receiving worship during his ministry on earth.
6. Give examples of Jesus receiving worship after His resurrection.
7. Give examples of Jesus receiving worship in heaven.
8. Is Jesus present among us today? Can you prove your answer from Scripture?
9. How does worshiping Christ bring us joy?
V. Misc
A. Christ is our ultimate treasure.
B. God the Father treasures Christ. Heb. 1:3
C. HS works in our hearts. John 15:26 16;14
D. Ask Marilyn: “I’m an atheist, but I celebrate Xmas. My children love the magical story of
Santa Claus. Do you think I’m a hypocrite... NO, I don’t. I think your attitude exemplifies
what the Christmas spirit is all about.
E. Instead of cursing the darkness: Take advantage of this opportunity to give praise to God.
F. Jesus inaugurates a new hour of worship. John 4:
G. Some try to spoil our joy.
1. John Boynkin: NPR: suggests that Christmas be turned into a purely secular gift
giving holiday and that what little remains of Christ be relegated to Easter.
2. One commentator raised the question: Would NPR like to remove Mohommed from
Ramadan; or the Macabees from Hanukkah.
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3. Christ is the patron saint of the 4 th quarter earnings reports.
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