Grow in Worship (#1 in Epiphany Series)
Scripture Reading: Colossians 3: 16, 17 (NIV)
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Message: Grow in Worship
Epiphany to ignite growth
On Monday we celebrated Epiphany - the 12th day of Christmas…
The meaning of the word Epiphany is: “sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something” and “an intuitive grasp of reality through something (such as an event) usually simple and striking”
For me epiphany is something of a realization - putting the peaces together or seeing a bigger picture
Epiphany completes the circle of Christmas celebrations with a lightbulb moment
It’s a “yes” to the whole Christmas experience
But the challenge is to let this “yes” transfer into something meaningful…
That is the idea of this sermon series - to let the “yes” for Christmas ignite growth - spiritual growth
This series will reflect on three areas of spiritual growth - worship, fellowship, service
I want to invite you to grow in this new year… let us grow together!
Message of Christ dwell amongst us
Paul is writing to the Colossians about their worship: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly”
Worship is a lifestyle - a way we live our lives
Worship is not limited to what happens in an hour in church on a Sunday morning
Worship is an approach to living - choosing to live your live to the glory of God
Michael W Smith: “I think worship is a lifestyle, first of all. I'm learning, but I'm getting better at it because I'm learning how to hear God in worship.”
Worship is also learning - continued learning how to hear and see God in our lives
Living a life of Worship is how the message of Christ dwell amongst us
Like Paul says in verse 17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Impact of Worship through “teach” and “admonish” and “sing”
Paul also describes the effect of worship among believers: “teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts”
Worship has impact
When I experience how a fellow believer lives a life of worship, it impacts me
And when I live my life as a life of worship, it will have an impact on those I come into contact with
A life of worship will teach others about the joy of living in relationship with God
A life of worship will admonish as it sets an example of seeking God’s will in everything you do
A life of worship will sing as it shares God’s wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit
When we grow in worship together as a faith community, we will have a positive impact on each other’s live
Let’s make it a goal for ourselves to grow in living a life of worship by doing a few simple things
Start my day with prayer and committing the day to the glory of God
Be grateful for what you have and thank God intentionally for what you have
Extend the gratitude you have for God towards others
Allow the Spirit to work in your life by making the effort to grow in your faith - listen to music,
find a podcast,
read your Bible,
find relationships that would help you grow in you faith
Grow in formal worship in church
And when you come to church - we call it the “Worship Service” - be fully present and involved
Immerse yourself in the Songs from the Spirit - think about the words you are singing
Have gratitude in your heart - gratitude for the magnitude of what a worship service is - an encounter with the living God!
Show up with the intent of honouring our God
Bring your challenges in life to God’s throne in your prayer
Come anticipating that God is going to do something in your life at the service
Allow God to touch your life by letting go of the pretence
Remember that we all need God in our lives - everyone in the service with you
Be fully present - body, mind and spirit - feel what you need to feel
Michael W Smith: “Don't let life affect your worship; let worship effect your life!”
May your life be enriched by worshipping our wonderful God!
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