2. Christ’s Church: Maintaining Her Distinctiveness in an Indistinct World The Distinct Worship of the Church 1Peter 2:9 Why is it distinct? To be noticed? Some antiquated tradition to which we cling? Peter gives the answer: BECAUSE IT BELONGS TO GOD! “a people for God’s own possession”

3. This ownership makes the Lord’s Church distinct in a number of ways….  Perhaps the most obvious of these distinctions is in the area of Worship.  Think about it: what is the first thing that is usually noticed as “different” when an unbeliever visits one of our services??? “Why don’t you all use a piano?” Or, “Don’t you all like music?” Worship is the most noticed distinction.

4. What makes the worship of the Lord’s Church so distinctively different?  Primarily 3 things: 1. The Lord’s Church seeks to worship by His Authority. 2. The Lord’s Church seeks to worship Him in Spirit. 3. The Lord’s Church seeks to Worship, not Merchandise. This means… What is done. How it is done. Why it is done.

5. Distinct Worship The Lord’s Church Seeks to Worship  By His Authority: What is done. >It seeks to ask & answer the same question posed to Jesus in Luke 20:2. >It shouldn’t make a difference, but it does because few today even think in those terms. Instead, if “we like it” and it’s “from the heart” then, “it must be acceptable to Him” is the prevailing thought. cf. Phil.3:16-20

6. Are avenues through which we worship authorized? If so, this will make us distinct in: >Preaching, 2Tim.4:1-2 (what kind) >Singing/Praising, Eph.5:15-21 (how) >Praying, 1Tim.2:1-2,8-12 (who leads & how) >Giving, 1Cor.16:1-2; 2Cor.8-9 (when & why) >Lord’s Supper, Acts 20:7 (when & why) But take it a step further in this regard.

7. Distinct Worship The Lord’s Church Seeks to Worship  In Spirit also: How it is done. >First, understand the concept of worship. >By definition, worship is not about me! >Proskuneo is the usual word for worship. >But Proskuneo is a probable derivative of kuon… which means dog! Metaphorically, worship is licking the hand towards as a dog would its master!

8. Now, worship like that is truly distinctive!  Because it’s not what usually happens… In our “me” driven society, everything is designed and contrived to meet “my” needs and wants- including so-called worship! Everything is dedicated to providing me a “meaningful worship experience”. Translation? Everything will be done to entertain, amuse, uplift, and inspire me rather than truly worshipping God!

9. But before “we” get all self- righteous….  The “denominational world” is not the only one with problems. Have you: >heard prayers that sought to educate the participants more than praise God? >heard (or uttered) a prayer of praise instead of a wish- list presented to a celestial Santa Claus concept of God? >been in a song service that got so caught up in our likes & desires that praising God was scarcely considered? >done things to make the Lord’s Supper more dramatic and meaningful to “us”? Exactly who are we seeking to honor, revere, and worship?

10. One more thing on this point...  True worship, properly done to lick or kiss the hand of God, is not about “me”…. but will affect me positively! >It’s a horse & cart issue- If we make worship about “us” then “we” will be positively affected but God will not be praised. If we make worship about “Him” then He will be worshipped and “we” will be uplifted. >Remember, proper self-esteem is not gained by an over-emphasis or indulgence of self, but by doing what is right according to God! cf. Eph.5:6-10 & Gen.4:3-7

11. Distinct Worship The Lord’s Church Seeks to Worship  Not Merchandise: Why it is done. >The two major previous points have looked at what and how worship is to be distinctive. >But we also need to consider carefully why we are worshipping. >What is the purpose or objective? Well, “Because He is the Lord: infinitely good and therefore deserves to be worshipped.” Great! But is that the true purpose of more modernized worship???

12. What if the purpose of worship is different,  As in more the modernized and mechanized worship of today? What is the purpose then? “SUCCESS” is the purpose. Success as determined by: 1) numbers of people drawn to assembly 2) financial prosperity of the individual(s) who “own” the congregation or denomination 3) and the ability to sustain “growth” through this mechanism. Now do we see how motivations can change both the what and how of worship???

13. Having the what and how of worship is important...  But no more so than the “Why” ! Look, In a day when “churches” have become mere human institutions designed to meet human needs, human goals, and human expectations, how can “worship” be truly God-centered? IT CAN’T ! It will instead be designed and contrived to produce a certain outcome in the participant, which will in turn produce success by human standards and measurements. BUT IT WON’T BE DISTINCTIVE WORSHIP!

14. Before we conclude,  Let’s consider “us” very carefully with regard to “our” worship purposes.  The why part is just as important for us.  So, what motivates your worship? 1) Tradition? “Because it’s what we’ve always…” 2) Guilt? “I feel guilty if I don’t…” 3) Duty/Obligation? “It’s what I’m supposed…” Or, “I love the Lord and I want to do everything He’s told me to do to praise, honor, and obey Him. I can’t not worship Him because of who He is and what He is to and for me.” What a difference why makes in our worship!

15. Folks, if we truly worship the Lord:  in the ways He has commanded (by His Authority),  how He has commanded (in His Spirit and with our spirit ), and  for the reasons we should (that He is “Lord of lords and King of kings ), then… Our Worship will truly be Distinctive! >And we won’t have to modernize, mechanize, “change with the times,” or seek to “meet the needs of the participants” in order to attract and keep membership. >It will be “true worship” and that is eminently sufficient! >God will be praised and “we” will be uplifted from having been in His divine presence!