Memory Verse:

Give unto the LORD the glory [due] unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. {1 Chron. 16:29}

Prayer Thought:

In educational pursuits as in all others, selfish, earthly aims are dangerous to the soul. In educational lines many ideas are advanced which proceed not from the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity, but from those who make scholastic studies an idol and worship a science that divorces God from the education. Yet because these errors are clothed in an attractive garb, they are widely received. . . . {CTr 23.3}

I. Reasons to Worship

“My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2)

A. To Whom will we Worship?

"Our fathers worshipped in this mountain," she said, "and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messiah cometh, which is called Christ; when he is come, he will tell us all things." But what was her astonishment when Jesus said, "I that speak unto thee am he." {ST, April 22, 1897 par. 7}

B. Worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth

Jesus answered the woman by saying that the time was at hand when they should neither worship the Father in that mountain nor in Jerusalem. Said he, "Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." {4Red 27.3}

Let's look at the following:

• God put a desire for eternity in our hearts (Ecclesiastes 3:11), and He also put a desire for worship.

• Nowadays, people worship subtler things: money, power, sex, athletes, singers, politicians, spiritual leaders, themselves…

• The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego in Daniel 3 is a good example of how God cares for a correct worship: “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” (Luke 4:8)

II. Worship in education.

“We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” (Psalm 78:4)

A. Make Scholastic Studies an Idol and Worship a Science

In educational pursuits as in all others, selfish, earthly aims are dangerous to the soul. In educational lines many ideas are advanced which proceed not from the High and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity, but from those who make scholastic studies an idol and worship a science that divorces God from the education. Yet because these errors are clothed in an attractive garb, they are widely received. . . . {CTr 23.3}

B. Important Feature in Education an Act of Worship

Singing is as much an act of worship as is prayer.--The proper training of the voice is an important feature in education, and should not be neglected. Singing, as a part of religious service, is as much an act of worship as is prayer.--PP 594. {PaM 179.1}

C. Education in Music and Solemn Worship

"Education in music was of a character to suit the stage rather than the solemn worship of God. Singing is just as much the worship of God in a religious meeting as speaking, and any oddity or peculiarity cultivated attracts the attention of the people and destroys the serious, solemn impression which should be the result of sacred music. Anything strange and eccentric in singing detracts from the seriousness and sacredness of religious service. {3SM 333.1}

Let's Learn from these:

• God gave the people of Israel a special book for them to learn how to worship, the Psalms.

• Psalm 78 is a good example:

— How to worship: By singing this in praise.

— Reasons to worship: So that the next generations may know God and praise Him.

— What worship brings: Trust in God; obedience to His Commandments; avoidance of rebelliousness; faithfulness; keeping the covenant; remaining connected to God.

III. How to worship.

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

A. In Worship Consider the Self-denial and Self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ

Let those who assemble to worship God consider the self-denial and self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Let those brethren who profess to be children of God study how they can deny themselves, how they can part with some of their idols, and carefully economize in every line. In each house there should be a box for the church fund, to be used for the needs of the church." {PH157 10.2}

B. Worship Not the Things Created, Worship the Creator

And how few, very few, workers are employed in giving the message of warning in the large cities? What excuse will you have prepared to offer to God for this terrible neglect of your God-given responsibilities? These souls unsaved within your reach, I was shown, will confront you in the day of judgment. You worshiped your farms, you worshiped your money, you prided yourself upon your wisdom as wise financiers in worldly affairs; but how does all this weigh with God? ... Do you contemplate that Christ sacrificed his majesty, his honor and glory, to bring salvation within your reach, and save every son and daughter of Adam? He for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. {ST, February 8, 1892 par. 7}

C. Built a Humble House of Worship

A humble house of worship should be erected, so the people will know that they are not to be left out in the cold. Many minds are half persuaded, but they dare not make the final decision. Workers are needed, and money is needed to erect a house of worship. If we can get a hold here then the door is opened to get a hold in other cities. {11MR 3.2}

Points to Ponder Prayerfully!

• In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Jesus mentioned two main and necessary ways to worship God:

— In spirit: Our worship is a result of our love to God and a personal experience with Him. It’s the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work (Ephesians 2:18).

— In truth: Properly knowing God and what He wants from us (John 4:22).

• True worship is a result of knowing and obeying God and studying the truths that have been revealed about Him.

IV. The contents of our worship.

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Psalm 29:2)

A. A Royal Name CHRISTIAN: Glorify God

God chose from among the Gentiles a people for himself, and gave to them the name of Christian. This is a royal name, given to those who join themselves to Christ. It is of this name that James is speaking when he says, "Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment-seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?" And Peter says: "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf." "Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye: for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." {RH, April 26, 1906 par. 4}

B. God's Glory Revealed to Lost Humanity

The creation of the worlds, the mystery of the gospel, are for one purpose, to make manifest to all created intelligences, through nature and through Christ, the glories of the divine character. By the marvelous display of his love in giving "his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," the glory of God is revealed to lost humanity and to the intelligences of other worlds. {ST, April 25, 1892 par. 2}

C. His Attributes are Evident Reasons of Worship

"Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." {PH154 40.1}

Let's Consider the Points Below!

• One of the more joyful scenes of worship is found in 1 Chronicles 16. David was joyfully dancing before the ark and giving food to the people!

• David found the greatest reason for joy in worshipping God in His Sanctuary (Psalm 84:2).

• The Sanctuary contains the true reason of our worship. The plan of Salvation is prefigured in every inch of it.

• We are a holy people that worships a Holy God (1 Peter 2:9). The sacrifice of Christ makes this holiness possible. This is the main contents of our worship, meditating in God’s redeeming love.

V. False worship.

“If anyone worships the beast and his image […] He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.” (Revelation 14:9-10)

A. All False Worship is Spiritual Adultery

The second precept, which forbids false worship, is also a command to worship God, and Him only serve. The Lord is a jealous God. He will not be trifled with. He has spoken concerning the manner in which He should be worshiped. He has a hatred of idolatry, for its influence is corrupting. It debases the mind, and leads to sensuality and all kinds of sin. {2SAT 184.4}

B. Abraham's Family Touched by False Worship.

In that age, idolatry was fast creeping in and conflicting with the worship of the true God. But Abraham did not become an idolater. Although his own father was vacillating between the true and the false worship, and with his knowledge of the truth false theories and idolatrous practises were mingled, Abraham kept free from this infatuation. He was not ashamed of his faith, and made no effort to hide the fact that he made God his trust. He "builded an altar unto the Lord, and called upon the name of the Lord" (YI March 4, 1897).

C. Following Traditions of Men are False Worship

The angels from Heaven behold with astonishment the indifference of the people, and their ignorance in regard to the advent of the Prince of Life. The proud Pharisees, claiming to be God's chosen people, in their hypocritical devotions, are proclaiming the law, and exalting traditions, while men of other nations are dealing in fables, and are worshiping false gods. All alike were ignorant of the great event which prophecy had foretold would transpire. {RH, December 17, 1872 par. 17}

Important Things to Ponder Upon!

• Worship is not a petty matter. Worship will divide the world in two sides before the Second Coming of Jesus: those who will worship God as He wants us to, and those who will not (Revelation 13).

• Obviously, God accepts every sincere worship as long as the worshipper offers it according to their knowledge (Acts 10:34-35).

• However, God is worthy of the best worship we can offer. Therefore, it’s important to never stop learning about true worship.

From the Pen of Inspiration:

“Our house of worship may be very humble, but it is none the less acknowledged by God. If we worship in spirit and in truth and in the beauty of holiness, it will be to us the very gate of heaven. As lessons of the wondrous works of God are repeated, and as the heart’s gratitude is expressed in prayer and song, angels from heaven take up the strain and unite in praise and thanksgiving to God.” {EGW, In Heavenly Places, October 8}