OUTLINE:
Worship
Our affections set the direction of our worship. If our affections are for God, we worship (& serve/praise/celebrate) Him through our Mediator, Jesus Christ. However, if our affections are for self (or any other god/idol, such as our emotions), we worship (etc.) ourselves through our mediator, the flesh. (cp. Php 3:15-21)
“whose god is their appetite”
A person may have an “appetite” for just about anything (e.g., food, money, sex, pleasure, others/idols, etc.). When they surrender themselves to the lusts of the flesh, this appetite becomes their “god”. From there on out, they live to worship/serve/praise/celebrate their new god.
Worship
Our affections set the direction of our worship. If our affections are for God, we worship (& serve/praise/celebrate) Him through our Mediator, Jesus Christ. However, if our affections are for self (or any other god/idol, such as our emotions), we worship (etc.) ourselves through an ungodly mediator, the flesh. (cp. Php 3:15-21)
1Th 5:16-18
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
What Are We Celebrating?
Many “Christians” have supplanted worshipping God with celebrating their feelings regarding Him (even worshipping/serving those feelings with definite purpose). Yes, there’s a difference, and it matters. The DIRECTION of one’s affections make all the difference (towards God vs. towards self).
Be Honest
How much time did you ACTIVELY set aside for worshipping the Lord? (cp. Lk 4:8(ref. Deu 6:13); Ro 12:1-2; Is 12:2-5)
Lk 4:8
Jesus answered [Satan], “It is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”
Be Honest
How much time did you ACTIVELY set aside for worshipping the Lord? (cp. Lk 4:8(ref. Deu 6:13); Ro 12:1-2; Is 12:2-5)
Fight for Quiet Time!
You have to learn to MAKE time for prayer, worship, and introspection! (Mt 6:6, 14:22-23; Mk 1:35-37; Jas 4:8; Ps 1:1-6)
Mt 14:23
After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
Ps 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.
Fight for Quiet Time!
You have to learn to MAKE time for prayer, worship, and introspection! (Mt 6:6, 14:22-23; Mk 1:35-37; Jas 4:8; Ps 1:1-6)
The Beatitudes – Mt 5
The Greek definition for the word translated “blessed” means “blessed, happiness”. We must think of godly happiness as being “in the sphere of” fellowship with God.“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light“ (Ephesians 5:8). (cp. Ps 37:1-7)
Mk 4:24
And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to.”
True humility begins/ends with submission to the Word of God.
John Newton
Obedience is the best test of sincerity; feelings are various, transient, and often deceitful; but a broken, humble spirit, and an upright walk, evidence the finger of God; other things may be and are often counterfeited.
The World’s Take On Religion
“Well, it’s like a formula…do this, and you’ll be happy. I might consider it if/when I get down and out, but right now, I’m feeling pretty darn good all on my own! I don’t need your God.”