Praise and Worship
“All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2nd Timothy 3:16).
At New Life fellowship, we believe that the word of God is the source from which we derive our teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. In studying the Word, we believe that God has given us direction regarding Praise and Worship, specifically in the fine arts. The scripture references used here are just a very small portion of those actually found in the Word.
God has been very specific in His directives to His people regarding forms of Praise and Worship, and proven Himself faithful in blessing those who respond positively to His Word. We have gone back to the original Hebrew and Greek scripture, defined literally the words describing Praise and Worship, and have discovered that God has commanded us to minister to Him in wide and varied ways.
PRAISE
We are to first approach Him with thanksgiving and Praise (Ps. 100:4). The translation of the following 7 Hebrew words for Praise provides guidelines for our freedom in exalting our Lord.
BARAK : To kneel, Bless, Salute (Jud. 5:2)
YADAH : To throw out the hands (Ps. 9:1, 2Chr. 20:21)
TOWDAH : Thanks and Praise for what God is going to do.
(Ps. 50:50, Ps 107:22)
ZAMAR : Instrumental and sung Praise
(Ps. 47:7, Ps. 68:4, Ps 149:3)
HALAL : To shine, Boast, Celebrate, Rave, and be
clamorously foolish.
(1Chr. 23:5, Ezek. 3:11)
SHABACH : To command, Triumph, Shout loudly (Ps. 35:27)
TEHILLAH : High Praise, to sing loudly (Ps. 33:1, Ps. 35:28)
WORSHIP
A Hebrew word for Worship is SHACHAH, which means to bow down, to fall on the knees with forehead touching the ground. (Phil. 2:9-11, Rev. 1:17)
EXPRESSIONS OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP
Praise and Worship cannot be done silently or without movement. It is vocal and/or physical demonstration. The following are forms of expression that God has designed for His people.
VOICE : Speaking (Ps.40:16, Jer. 33);
Singing (Ps. 47:6-7, Ezek. 33:32),
Shouting (Ps. 47:1, 5, Ps. 32:11);
Laughing (Ps. 126:2, Lk. 6:21)
HANDS : Clapping (Ps. 47:1, Is. 55:12, Is. 61:3);
Lifting (Ps. 134:2, Ps. 63:4, 1 Tim. 2:8),
Sign Language – Comes from the Hebrew word
YADAH which means to extend the hand in graceful
gestures (1Chr. 16:4, Ps. 107:8);
Playing Instruments (Ps.33:3, 1Chr. 23:5)
POSTURE : Standing (Ps. 134:1, 1Chr. 23:30);
Kneeling (Ps.95:6, Acts 20:36);
Bowing (Is. 45:23, 2Chr. 20:18);
Solemn Assembly (Ezek. 46:9, Joel 1:14, Joel 2:15);
Processions (Ps. 68:24, Ex. 34: 5-6, Josh. 6:11);
Lifting banners (Ex. 17:15, Ps. 20:5, Ps. 60:4);
Drama (Hos.12:10 Amplified: signs of the prophets);
Dancing: Dancing combines forms of movement done as outward, visible, physical expressions into one category. Unfortunately, our culture tends to respond to that term as something other that worship. Look at the literal definitions and we can readily see the creativity of our God, the holiness of His commands, and begin to Worship Him as He originally intended.
There are 13 Hebrew words with their original, literal meanings all related to dance. Unfortunately, these Hebrew words have been translated into the English language as “Praise”, “Rejoice” or “Bless”. In doing so, we have missed some of the more explicit meanings of forms of Worship that God has ordained, literally meanings for which the English scholars have substituted less descriptive choices.
CHUL; CHIL : To twist or whirl in a circular or spiral manner
(1Chr.16:30, Ps.96:6)
MACHOL : A round dance, Chorus (Ps.30:11, Ps. 149:3)
GUL; GIL : To spin around (Ps. 2:11, Zec.9:9)
KARAR : To dance, whirl, and leap, run (2sam.6:14)
REKAD : To stamp, spring about wildly, jump, leap, and skip
(1Chr.15:29)
DALAG : To spring or leap (Is.35:6, Songs of Sol.2:8)
PAZAZ : To leap, to bound, to be light and agile, nimble
(2Sam.6:16)
CHAGAG : To move in a circle, specifically to march in a sacred
procession, to observe a festival, leaping and
dancing in sacred dance (Deut.16:13-17, Ps.42:4)
CABAB : To revolve, surround or border, to revolve around a
sacred object (Ps.26:6-7, Ps.48:12)
HILIYKAH : A walking procession or march, a caravan or
company (Ps.68:24-25)
SHUWR : To sing, as strolling along, minstrel
(1Chr.15:27, Ex.15:1)
YADAH : To use the hands, to worship with extended hands,
graceful gestures (1Chr. 15:4, Ps. 107:8)
TOWDAH : Extension of the hands, specifically a choir or
worshipper, sacrifice of Praise (Jer.33:11)
COLOURS OF THE SANCTUARY
When God gave Moses the pattern for the tabernacle and the furniture of the tabernacle, it was given with specific details and had meaning behind every design, colour and texture. We place banners of varying sized and shapes throughout our sanctuary as reminders of His majesty, glory and power
BRONZE : Represents the place where sacrifices were made.
The blood of animals was spilled all over it,
indicating the price required to forgiven sin. Bronze
is an alloy of copper and tin used in musical
instruments and weapons. It signifies strength,
justice, power and durability.
(Ez.27:1-8, Rev.1:15, Rev.2:18, Num.21:4-9)
RED : Represents the blood of Jesus, Fire and Life
(Rev.6:4, Rev.12:3, 2Kin.3:22, Is.1:18, Josh 2)
SILVER : Represents redemption, just as silver separates from
the dross when heated.
(Ex.26:19-32, Num.10:2, Num.31:22, Ps.12:7)
WHITE : Represents purity and holiness.
(2Chr.5:12, Dan.7:9, Is.1:18, Rev.7:9-10, 13-14)
GOLD : Represents the Father of the Godhead, sovereignty,
and the Holy of Holies.
(Ex.25, 26, 28, Ex. 28:6, Rev. 21)
BLUE : Represents the Holy Spirit and is emblematic of and
represents the sky. (Ex.26:1-4, Ex.28:31, Num.4)
PURPLE : Represents the royalty, majesty and kingship.
(Jud.8:26, Lk.16:19, Mk.15:17, 20).
SESSION I
BECOMING A KINGDOM OF PRISTS
A. God is looking for wholehearted worshipers.
Read John 4:23, 24
1. What is Worship? Define in your words.
2. Who is a priest? See 1st peter 2:5-9, Ex. 19:22, Heb. 5:1, 8:3.
Check Isaiah. 61:6, 11
B. The power of an acceptable Sacrifice.
Read 1st Peter 2:5, Rom 12:1, II Chron.7:1.
1. Whatever we offer the Lord in service or worship, must involve self-giving. See II Sam.24:24
Our sacrifice to Him is simply a loving response to God’s sacrifice for us. Praise and Worship is not a new gimmick to get Him to do something for us.
2. Important 1. For every acceptable sacrifice, there is a divine
response.
2. You cannot ‘use’ Praise and Worship to
manipulate God. Matt. 20:20, 21
3. Acceptable Sacrifices that brought a divine response.
a. Noah Gen.8:20, 9:17
b. Abraham Gen. 15:8-21
c. Elijah 1st King 18:21-39
d. David 2nd Sam 24:25
e. Solomon II Chron.1:6, 7, 5:6, 7:1-3
f. Jonah Jonah 2:9, 10
g. Jesus Heb. 10:14
h. Early Church Acts. 16:25-30
4. Effects of an acceptable Sacrifice.
a. The Power of God in our midst.
His presence II Chron.5 & 7
b. Power over our enemies II Chron.20:21, 22
c. Financial Provision II Chron.1:7, Is.61:6
d. Miracles Acts 16:25-30
e. Release of spiritual Gifts and Ministries
Rom. 12:1, 6-8
f. Church growth Acts 2:46, 47; 13:2
5. What then must we do as a church? Read Jer.33:1-22. Offer up acceptable sacrifices that would bring about restoration, security, deliverance, forgiveness, cleansing, honor, peace etc. These are associated with the house (Vs11), continual offerings and sacrifices (Vs18), and Ministering unto the Lord. (Vs.21, 22). (*Vs. = Verse*)
Let us as anointed priests offer the sacrifices that please God. Not just going through the motions, but to present ourselves totally to God for Him and His purpose. May God answer our offerings with fire!
What is an unacceptable Sacrifice?
A worship that is not in harmony with God’s Spirit and in accordance with God’s truth, is unacceptable.
Unacceptable worship has to do with
a. Worship of false gods.
b. Worship of the True God and Idols
c. Worship of the True God in a wrong way
d. Worship of the True God in a right way with wrong attitude.
Whenever a nation turns to idolatry, creating its own gods, God will deliver that nation to its enemies – Read II Chron.36:14-17. Whatever you are willing to make sacrifice for is what you worship. The best gauge of what we truly worship is how we sacrificially spend our time, money and energy. Carefully let us examine our hearts in this area.
Biblical examples of unacceptable sacrifices.
a. Cain’s Sacrifice Gen.4:3-13
b. Nadab and abihu Lev.10:1, 2
c. The worship of Baal and the asherah under Ahab
1st Kings 16:30-33
d. Israel in Amos’s day Amos 5:21-24
e. Anania and Sapphia Acts 5:1-11,
(A dishonest Sacrifice)
Read 1 Chron.13:8-10, David, in his enthusiastic attempt to bring the ark of God back to Jerusalem, had to learn the hard way that worship must be in accordance with God’s truth.
Acts and Attitudes of Worship.
Worship is something you do – it involves action. It is not a passive experience. Worship is not only action (Performance); it is an attitude of heart. It is possible to do the right things in Worship and have an unacceptable attitude (1st Tim.2:8). It is also possible to have right heart and yet worship in an unacceptable manner (II Sam.6:5-7). Let us please God in Spirit and in truth.
Acts of Worship.
a. Thanksgiving 1st Thess.5:18
b. Vocal declaration Heb. 13:15, Ps.24:1; 89:1
c. Good works Heb. !3:16
d. Prayer Rev. 5:8
e. The Song Ps. 40:3, eph.5:18-21
f. Instrumental music Ps. 150
g. Lifting of hands 1st Tim. 2: 8, Ps. 63:4
h. Bowing down Ps. 95:6, Is. 66:23
i. dancing II Sam.6:14, Ps. 149:3; 150:4
j. Clapping Ps. 47:1
k. Shouting Ps. 47:1
l. Offering and Tithes Mal. 3:8-10
m. Any act of obedience to
God in faith Ps. 40:6-8
The Acts of Worship are merely a reflection of a life already given to God and a Rehearsal of future obedience to God. read Heb. 13:15, 16.
Acceptable Attitudes.
a. Honesty John. 3:33, in truth =in realty
b. In the Spirit Phil. 3:3
c. gratitude Heb. 12:28
d. Reverence Heb. 12:28
e. faith Heb. 11:4
f. Humility and
Brokenhearted Ps. 51:15-19
g. Righteousness Mal. 3:3
h. Purity Lev. 22:18-22
i. Joy Phil. 4:4, 1 Chron.15:16
j. Wholeheartedness deut.6:4-6, 1 Chron.29:6-9
k. Simplicity Ex.20:25, a Simple alter
l. Loyalty Hos.6:4-6
m. Justice Amos 5:22-24
n. Self giving Eph.5:1, Rom. 12:1
Let us learn to worship in harmony with God’s Spirit and in accordance with God’s truth.
Ministering unto the Lord.
The high calling of Priests is to minister unto Lord. As we grow in relationship with the Lord, we will discover that our greatest privilege is to draw near to God for His sake and do not our own.
Read Ez.44:10-19, Esther 4:2
Two kinds of ministering mentioned here are:
a. Ministering to the House – to one another:
b. Ministering to the Lord – to God alone
Look again at the words;
“Sackcloth” (Esther 4:2): Petition without thanksgiving
“Linen garments” – Trusting God’s ability and initiative rather than man’s – II Chron.4:7
“Sweat” – Human effort and achievement.
2. Singing and Praying.
Read Acts 16:25 and Rev.5:8, 9
a. Paul and Silas mixed songs with prayers ....... the results were phenomenal.
b. The Elders in heaven have a harp in one hand, and bowls of incense in the other. May the kingdom of God come on earth as it is in heaven!
May we sing and pray and sing and pray.
3. Fragrant Incense, Read Ex.30:34-35
4 Spices: Thanksgiving Phil. 4:6, 1st Tim 2:1
Petition Phil. 4:6, 1st Tim 2:1
Faith James 5:15
Confession James 5:16
4. The Power to Bless. Read Deut.10:8
The Priests were appointed to
a. Bear the Ark – Speaks of the Presence of God.
b. Minister unto God.
c. To Pronounce a Blessing.
When we minister unto God we are empowered to Bless. Worshippers are Blessors. We like Abraham are called to Bless the nations. Gal.3:8, Rom.4:13
Priests always have the nations in mind – Is.61:11, 57:7.
Let us become a kingdom of priests called to Worship the Living God in Spirit and In Truth and thus to Bless the nations.
SESSION II
WORSHIP AND VICTORY
A. The Worshipper’s Conflict.
Read Eph.6:12
Worshippers will encounter resistance. There is a continuous battle raging in the heavenlies. The worshipper will face confront the enemy head–on. Satan’s strategy is to divert worship from God to himself. We must begin to realize that our identity and position in Christ is of utmost important to enable us to walk in continuous victory. We will now learn God’s secret strategy for complete victory.
a. The conflict is not against flesh and blood – other human beings.
b. The conflict is against unseen rulers, authorities, powers and forces of darkness.
B. The Worshipper’s Enemy
Read Is.14:11-18, Ex.28:12-19
1. Satan’s Ministry in the heavenlies:
The Three Arch-Angels
a. Michael : Warrior : One who is like God
Dan.12:1; 10:13, 21; Jude 9; Rev. 12:7
b. Gabriel: Messenger: He habitually stands in God’s presence.
Dan. 6:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26; Luke 2:9; Acts 5:19, 20.
c. Lucifer: Unique Ministry: Morning Star
Ez.28:1; Ez.28:1-11
‘Settings’ – toph – tambourines
‘Sockets’ – negeb – Flutes
Vs.14. ‘covers’ flutes – bezil – a rim that holds a transparent covering Lucifer’s ministry was held in place simply by his being.
So, what was his ministry?
Ez.28:14: Anointed cherub, who covers, cover – cakak – to fence in, to cover, and to protect.
Lucifer was / had tambourines, flutes, and held the covering in place. See Is.14:11, harps – nebel – a lyre, psaltery (a dulcimer like Instrument).
Therefore: tambourines : percussion
flutes : wind
harp : strings
Lucifer’s very heavenly body was music. He was closest to the throne to ‘cover’ the throne with ‘transparent’ covering of Praise and Worship. He was the leader of Praise and Worship in the heavenlies.
But . . . . Ez.28:15-19 and Is.14:13-14.
‘Hissin’ – he desired the Praise and Worship he was and was leading for himself.
War had begun, God’s judgment came, Is.14:15-17; Ez.18:16-19.
Therefore: the ministry of Michael (Warrior) and Gabriel (Messenger) continues. Apparently each has 1/3 of the angels of God under his leadership. When Lucifer was dismissed from God’s presence he took 1/3 of the angels with him.
Therefore, God has now given to us, His Church, the honored position of taking over Satan’s place in the heavenlies – to ‘cover His throne’ with Praise and Worship. Rev.2:28 – We are now even given his name – shining one.
2. Satan’s Ministry on earth.
a. Satan’s motive from the beginning was/is destruction.
1st John 1:10; 1st John 3:8, 10; 1st Peter 5:8, 9; 2nd Tim.4:17.
1. To render us ineffective in walking in the Spirit
2. To render us inoperative in the Power of the Spirit.
b. His method from the beginning was/is deception.
John 8:47, Acts 5:3; 13:10; 1st Cor.10:20, 21; 2nd cor.2:4.
1. Distraction
2. Distortions (truth, communication etc)
3. Disorder
4. Disease
Remember Jesus convicts, while Satan condemns. His methods and workings here on earth is to bring confusions, plant his lies and deception in hearts and minds and take over the lives of people utterly. He is a fierce foe and opposes God in everyway. His fierce opposition will be a total failure in the end. Whereas Satan is……and an accuser, constantly declaring falsehood, worshippers should continually use their mouth to declare God’s truth and Praise. Heb.13:15; Ps.34:1; Rev.12:11.
The Ultimate issue of our lives here on planet earth is Worship --- whom shall we worship and How?
C. The Worshipper’s Position in Christ.
The good news is that Jesus has already won the battle!!
It is essential that we have working understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ so that we can be effective worship warriors.
1. Jesus has already defeated Satan
Read Col.2:15. it has been accomplished. It is a finished fact --- Satan is defeated when we bind the power of darkness in worship. Matt. 18:18, Ps. 149:6-9; we are simply “carrying out the sentence written against them” Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead – This is basis of our victory.
We can neither earn salvation, nor earn our position because we are good or have kept all the rules. See gal.3:9-14. Read also Rom.3:22-24, 28.
Most believers know that Jesus was crucified and raised from the dead. But few know that when Jesus was crucified, we too were crucified; and when Christ was raised from the dead, we too were raised by the same power of God! Col.2:12; Rom.6:6.
2. Worship and the Blood.
Read Heb. 10:19-22.
The blood of Jesus, was the absolutely the highest price ever paid for anything, ever. 1st Peter 18, 19. This blood is the constant remember of the finished work of salvation. If it were not for the blood -- we could not enter His presence. Worship around the throne requires the pure white robes of righteousness – made white by the blood. Heb.10:19-22.
Therefore we can draw near to God:
With sincerity [vs. 22]
With confidence and assurance [vs. 19, 22]
With faith [vs.22]
Without guilt [vs.22]
We war with blood: Read Rev. 12:11
Satan cannot overpower us if we stand in the finished work of Christ, and declare with our mouths.
D. Spiritual Authority in Praise
1. Jesus has all Authority: Matt. 28:18
There is no authority or power that is greater than Jesus in the entire universe. See Eph.1:21, 22.
2. God wants us to participate in His authority.
Read. 2nd Tim. 2:12; Rev. 3:21; Rev. 20:6; 1st Peter 2:9.
Kings rule, Priests minister unto God. After Satan, the priests came from tribe of Levi and kings came from the tribe of Judah.
In contrast however, the royal priesthood, of which Christ is High Priests, is made up of priestly kings, or kings who worship and worshippers who rule. God desires that we be worshippers who rule.
E.g. King David: He was a worshipper of the highest caliber and he was Israel’s king! He represents to us a worshipper who reigned.
Read Ps.22:3. Ministering unto God in Praise and Worship is the way to participating with His power and authority. The atmosphere surrounding the throne of God is worship. Rev. 4:5. As we come into His presence in worship, we are also in the atmosphere of His authority. The atmosphere of God operates in the Presence of God. Where is the Presence of God?
Among the Praises of His people. Check again Ps.22:3.
E. Singing in the Spirit.
Read 1st Cor. 14:15
Paul is talking about singing in a language we do not understand -singing in tongues – and then singing in the language we do understand like English or Hindi. Any inspired singing (the spontaneous song and the song that Spirit pours out in our heart) is ‘singing in the Spirit’, whether it is psalms, hymns or spiritual songs.
1. Singing Meditation: 2nd Chron.20:20
To melodiously chant songs.
2. Singing Songs of Deliverance: Ps. 32:7
a. Individually for ourselves.
b. For others --- Songs of encouragements.
3. Songs of Love. Ps.32:7
A song directly to the Lord about your love for Him.
Note: This must have musical support and should be judged by the
Church elders.
4. Repetition of Lyrics: Important: At times leads to a Specific
Rehma from God.
a. Brings deliverance
b. Brings restoration
c. Brings Power in the midst of assembly.
5. Three Category of Worshippers:
a. Front liners : Unity, Strong anointing
b. Middle seaters : Some move, some don’t
c. Back seaters : Disinterested, usually cold.
SESSION III
TAKING YOUR CITY
A. God’s Strategy for Victory.
Read 2nd Chron.20
1. Jehoshaphat Prayed.
a. He recognized God’s position – 20:6a
b. He recognized God’s Power – 20:6 b
c. He recognized God’s past performances – 20:7
d. This brought reliance and concentration on God – 20: 12.
2. Jehoshaphat understood God’s Strategy
a. He started at the point of the problem
b. He abandoned all trust in the flesh – 20:12
c. He completely concentrated on God – 20:12
d. They continued before God. – 20:14
e. God revealed the plan. – 20:15
f. They committed themselves to obedience 20:17 b
g. They went forward in Praise.
No episode in the angle of military history compares with this story.
It was a vital turning point in the history of God’s people. yet the value of this story extends into all future history as a valuable illustration of the steps which can be taken to secure victory in the spiritual realm for all of us.
B. Fill your Life and your Congregation with Victorious Acts.
Read Ps.149:1-5
All these acts represent the first step of spiritual warfare:
Submitting to God.
Read James 4:7
Worship is submission to God. (Rom. 12:1, NAS). Worship is
our first priority, everything else is secondary. Our first
priority is not evangelism, or warfare or anything else … it is
Worship.
We can only resist the enemy after we have Submitted to God.
C. Warfare Flows out of Worship.
Read Ps. 149:6-9a
This cannot be worked up! God prompts us in the midst of worship
to enter into warfare. Let Him put His word in our hands to wield.
D. Know your City and its particular strongholds.
Read Prov. 21:22
This involves prayer, research concerning the history of the city.
Let God give you revelation as to actual names of the spiritual
forces working against God’s purposes in your area.
E. Bind the strongman – Then take the City.
No plans will work as long as the ruling spiritual force is in power.
You must take the ‘king’ and the demonic hierarchy.
See Matt. 12:29.
F. Warfare is corporate, as well as individual.
Read Ps. 149:9b
We all intercede for the city – individually and corporatelty.
Individual Christians are able to deal with individual demons,
but principalities must be met with unified, corporate
opposition..
There is power in Unity!
G. The key is, seek God! Seek God! Seek God!
David sought God before every attack.
1 Sam 23:2
1 Sam 23: 4
2 Sam 5:19
2 Sam 5:23
There is no single way to wage warfare. There is no easy A-B-C
formula for taking you city. We must hear from God. If we let God
direct us, He will fight for us. 2nd Chron20:15.
Now, let us pray for our city together – Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment