The Closing Song is Worship!

Introduction: Read Psa. 100

1. As I stand in the back of the auditorium I see that a few don’t worship during the closing song. You whisper to others, put away song books, gather things making ready for your exit.

2. As an observer I have questions about this practice.

1) Do you worship during other songs, the Lord’s Supper, etc. in the same way? May I assume that your lack of attention in the closing song reveals your heart about worship?

2) Do you realize that you remove any edification you brought to the assembly by this casual attitude toward worship?

Discussion: As you consider this practice I want you to think on two things:

I. The Utter Sacredness of Worship

1. Worship is a time to enter into the veil through Christ. Heb. 10:20. It’s not to be taken lightly.

2. After the death of Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1-2) Aaron was warned not to allow anything to take away judgment so as to compromise discernment. Lev. 10:8-11. POINT: Worship takes all of your judgment and attention.

3. Perhaps some don’t realize that they are in the presence of God. You can’t worship someone unless you’re in his presence.

1) Prayers are to God. Phil. 4:6

2) Singing is to God. Col. 3:16

3) Giving is for God’s work. 1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7

4) We preach God’s Word. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Tim. 4:2

5) Lord’s Supper to remember the Son of God. 1 Cor. 11:23-25.

4. In the temple, worship was done in the presence of God. God’s glory was behind the veil. Exod. 25:22

5. Worship is not just for Jerusalem any longer. John 4:21

6. Isaiah was privileged to see “behind the veil.” Isa. 6:1-5; as was John, Rev. 4. They saw the glory and majesty of God who was presiding over worship.

7. When you’re in worship you are in the presence of a holy God. 1 Pet. 1:15-16

II. You Are Responsible For Your Brother’s Edification

1. The Word is able to build you up (preached by brethren). Acts 20:32; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 4:1-4.

2. Edified at news of conversion. Acts 9:31

3. Edified when we follow after things which make for peace. Rom. 14:19

4. We edify when we bear the infirmities of the weak. Rom. 15:1-3

5. Paul commands, “Let all things be done unto edifying.” 1 Cor. 14:26

6. Edify one another. 1 Thess. 5:11

7. Provoke to love and to good works. Heb. 10:24

8. Exhort one another. Heb. 3:13

9. Once again, these passages are to show that we are responsible for the edification, the exhortation and provoking to love and good works of our brethren.

10.Where is the edification, the exhortation, the provoking to love and good works by such a casual attitude toward worship?

Conclusion:

1. My purpose was not to embarrass anyone but it WAS to provoke you, that is, to love and good works.

2. Consider that the closing song is still, and will forevermore be, an act of worship to the Almighty.

3. Consider that your brothers and sisters around you are looking to you for edification, exhortation, and provoking.

The Closing Song is Worship!

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