"The Honor of True Worship" from Psalm 149

We are not in the Wednesday night service because all four of us (myself, husband, and two adult sons) work with the 3-5-year-olds, so we get CDs of the messages the following Sunday. This past Wednesday our pastor preached on Psalm 149, titling his message "The Honor of True Worship."

He introduced this study by discussing the phrase "praise and worship." Praise and worship are often associated with directional shirts, more contemporary styles, light theology and emotional stirrings, ecumenical connectedness (blurring of the lines between denominations), crossover ministry, and worldly compromise. He mentioned that Christian artists will sing secular songs, and the lost will sing Christian songs, then stated that anyone who doesn't know the Lord cannot worship the Lord. There is often the breaking down of the gospel itself in praise and worship. The responses to that are: this is to be embraced and defended; or, this is compromise and should be resisted and denounced. The results of the responses are that at times we hear or read indefensible arguments (straw men) on both sides. There has also been separation and disunity. Another result is an accommodation of both tastes (two services, one traditional and one contemporary). Our attitude must be carefulness and compassion. There must be discernment and steadfastness in our actions. In our appetites everything should be governed by biblical principles and appropriateness. There must be advancement as well--honesty and balance. We do not wish to be an issue-driven ministry. See Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:17.

Praise and worship rightly defined requires a biblical foundation:

1. We must always start with glory to God. It is not about what we like. When our hearts are right with God, we will enjoy what brings Him glory.

2. Is Christ elevated?

3. Is the Holy Spirit evident in this?

4. The saints are to be edified. Everything must come from the Scriptures out.

Our praise should be fresh (v. 1-4). That is the meaning of the word "new" in v. 1. It should be peculiar in its character. This refers to a renewal of one's spiritual being. It is not new in time but new in character. When we learn something new about God it comes out in our praise. Our praise and worship should reflect God's ownership of us as well as an ever-growing knowledge of God. When we grow in our understanding of the Lord we grow in our appreciation of Him. Our praise and worship should also bring a new awe of God. Fresh truth will bring fresh praise. Talk to God about what He is talking to you about. It is also: particular in its participants--the saints; praiseworthy in its offering; and pleasurable in its object. Our God loves to work in us for His glory.

Our praise should be focused (v. 5-9): expressing joy in every circumstance, and advancing the righteousness of His cause (II Corinthians 10:4; it is a spiritual battle). In times of rest or of sickness, we are to praise our God. Turn those into times to worship. When we fret and fear we should praise aloud. This doesn't come naturally, but is part of our dependence on the Lord.

Our praise should also be fulfilling (v. 9). Our highest privilege is worship, and our greatest occupation is to worship. It is not secondary but primary; not seasonal but continual. We are to be expressions of His praise. All of God's people are called to praise him. They are marked by a new purpose and song. Everything He teaches us should be responded to with praise and worship.

Thanks, Pastor Mike!