THE TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

 

Chapter 7

​

​

​

​

 

Some Bible Characters Who Worshipped God

 

​

Text

​

Heb. 12:1-6 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

​

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”

​

Memory Verse

​​

Rom. 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

​​​

 

Introduction

In this lesson we look at ten Bible characters who worshipped God, with what we have learned about worship in mind. Worship is anything we think, say, and do to benefit others, done with the awareness of God’s love in Christ.

​

Since loving God means keeping His commands (John 14:15), anything done in obedience to His word is worship to Him. These lives show us what that looks like in practice.

​

Objective

To look at ten characters in Scripture who pleased God - in other words they gave Him true worship.

​

Presentation

​

1. Abel and Noah

Abel’s sacrifice pleased God because it came from faith (Heb. 11:4).

​

Noah and his household were found righteous in their generation because Noah acted on God’s word and built the ark (Heb. 11:7).

​

2. Abraham and Moses

Abraham was called God’s friend and the father of faith because he obeyed and trusted God (Heb. 11:8-19; Gen. 18:1-5).

​

Moses is a picture of Christ. He gave up privilege to deliver God’s people and trusted God through the wilderness (Heb. 11:24-29).

​

3. Joshua and Nehemiah

Joshua led Israel to take Jericho by faith (Heb. 11:30; Josh. 6:13-25).

​

Nehemiah pleased God as governor by serving selflessly and rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls without exploiting the people (Neh. 5:1-19).

​

4. John the Baptist and Jesus

John lived with boldness, simplicity, and selflessness. He pointed everyone to Christ and refused to take glory for himself (Mark 6:14-20; John 3:25-36).

​

Jesus depended on the Father in everything. His life was a constant act of faith and obedience (John 7:12-18).

​

5. Paul and Timothy

Paul became “all things to all people” so that some might be saved. His whole life following his conversion on the road to Damascus was dedicated to the Gospel (1 Cor. 9:19-23).

​

Timothy, like Paul, made the work of the Gospel his priority. He served faithfully alongside Paul (Phil. 2:19-24).

 

Conclusion

A true worshipper of God walks in three things: holiness, hospitality, and humility toward God-ordained authority (Jam. 1:27; Rom. 13:1-7). When we practise these, it brings blessing to us and to our neighbours.

​

Worshippers of the God of heaven are defenders of His people with Him. In other words, we are God’s co-workers (1 Cor. 3:9).

​

​​Evaluation Questions & Answers

​​​

1. What makes any activity worship of the only true God?

   • When it is thought, spoken, and done in obedience to God’s word and for the good of others, with the awareness of God’s love in Christ.

   • John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.

   • 1 Cor. 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

2. What is the target of the worshipper of the God of Jehovah?

   • The target is to benefit others and bring glory to God by living out His love and commands.

   • Matt. 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.      

   • 1 Cor. 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.

3. What is the difference between the faith of Christ and other faiths?

   • The faith of Christ is faith that leads to obedience, love, and service to God and others. It is based on God’s word and Spirit, not on human rules or self-effort.

   • Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

   • Jam. 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

   • John 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

4. If even the love of God does not manifest, His worshippers are still accepted. True or False? Why?

   • False. God’s love must show in action. Worship without love and obedience is empty.

   • 1 John 4:20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

   • Matt. 15:8 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.

​​

Prayer

Father, thank You for the examples of faithful men and women in Your word. Give us grace to live lives of holiness, hospitality, and humility, so we leave a legacy of faith for our children and our neighbours. Amen.

​​                          

​​

​​