POINT 1- Authentic worship begins with our PROFESSION Vv. 6-7
A. Genuine faith always gives to God respect and HONOR
What do we expect of our children? And that of a slave?
B. Genuine faith is always characterized by authentic OBEDIENCE
DISOBEDIENCE is always characterized by doing things OUR WAY.
**READ LEV 10-Disobedience and obedience w/o the heart both are unacceptable
“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” Titus 1:16
PEOPLE GOING THROUGH MOTIONS FOR APPEARANCE SAKE
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come… 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. From such people turn away!” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
EASY BELIEVISM. WE want SOME of GOD, but not His DEMANDS on us.
Being an authentic disciple means being full committed (Luke 9:62).
POINT 2- Authentic worship offers to God all our POSSESSIONS V.8-9
A. They lost God’s favor because their offerings were INSULTING
Our gifts to the Lord of our Time, Talents, and Treasure should be our:
1) FIRSTFRUITS (Priority); See Exodus 23:19
2) BEST (Quality); See Leviticus 22:2, 19-20
3) SACRIFICE (Cost); See 2 Samuel 24:24; Luke 21:1-4
"For where your treasure [and time and talents] is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
POINT 3- Authentic worship always finishes with PRAISE V.10-14
A. God is not interested in praise that doesn’t come from the HEART
B. When we approach God with authenticity, His name is GLORIFIED
C. When our hearts are right, worship is always worth the EFFORT
Ray Pritchard spoke of three symptoms of wearisome worship. Do you have these?
1) INADEQUATE PREPARATION Jews began on Friday night. Do you start on Saturday night?
2) HALF-HEARTED PARTICIPATION This speaks to what you do when you get to church. ARE YOU ON TIME? CALL IN SICK? Are you just going through motions or truly expectant!
3) IMPROPER MOTIVATION Are you here to GET SOMETHING or to Meet God? It’s not about whether you liked the message or worship BUT DID YOU MEET GOD and GRASP some of HIS GREATNESS?
Authentic Worship always leads to experiencing God’s Greatness.