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How To Authentically Worship Jesus

TO AUTHENTICALLY WORSHIP JESUS, I MUST:

PREPARE TO BE OBEDIENT

As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” MATTHEW 21:1-3 NLT

I cannot worship if I refuse to be obedient.

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? LUKE 6:46 NLT

HUMBLY ENTER GOD’S SPACE

4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey—riding on a donkey’s colt.’” 6 The two disciples did as Jesus commanded. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt to him and threw their garments over the colt, and he sat on it. MATTHEW 21:4-7 NLT

BOLDLY PROCLAIM MY LOVE AND APPRECIATION

8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David! Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the LORD! Praise God in highest heaven!” 10 The entire city of Jerusalem was in an uproar as he entered. “Who is this?” they asked. 11 And the crowds replied, “It’s Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” MATTHEW 21:8-11 NLT

INVITE JESUS TO CHALLENGE THE WAY I’M USED TO WORSHIPPING

12 Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. 13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” MATTHEW 21:12-13 NLT

What does Jesus need to drive out of my worship?

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 TIMOTHY 2:8 NLT

MAKE ROOM FOR HURTING PEOPLE IN MY PLACE OF WORSHIP

14 The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them. 15 The leading priests and the teachers of religious law saw these wonderful miracles and heard even the children in the Temple shouting, “Praise God for the Son of David.” But the leaders were indignant. 16 They asked Jesus, “Do you hear what these children are saying?” “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.’” 17 Then he returned to Bethany, where he stayed overnight. MATTHEW 21:14-17 NLT

My Notes

Discussion Questions

Use the following questions to reflect on the sermon and choose a couple from each section to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: When you hear the word “worship,” what first comes to mind? Where does that idea or image come from?
  2. START HERE: How do you typically “show up” for church? Reflect on the things you’ve been thinking, feeling or doing as you’ve walked into church.
  3. START HERE: What do you believe Jesus desires from us during worship: performance, emotion, obedience, or something else?
  4. KEEP GOING: What tends to hold you back from openly expressing your love and appreciation for Jesus, whether in church or in everyday life?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 21:1-11 NLT. How can excitement about Jesus slowly turn into disappointment? What usually creates that shift?
  6. KEEP GOING: In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord!’ and not do what I say?” How have you experienced that tension in your life?
  7. KEEP GOING: What would change in your life if you began to obey Jesus in the places you feel the most uncomfortable or resistant?
  8. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 21:12-17 NLT. If Jesus “flipped some tables” in your life, what would He need to drive out so you could worship Him more clearly, honestly and humbly?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What’s one simple way you could show your love and appreciation for Jesus inside and outside of a church service this week?
  10. LIVE IT OUT: What could you do to help welcome those who may be feeling overlooked or out of place at church?