• The disciples of Jesus are worshippers—called out and called for.
• When we understand who God is, it leads to worship. He is holy and merciful.

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, declaring the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Personal Worship – We need it!

• Worship is a corporate activity but also a personal one.
• God wants us to worship because we need to—creature versus creator.

Romans 1:21 (NIV) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Romans 1:25 (NIV) They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

Worship is where God connects with us so we experience His strength:

Psalms 22:3 (WEB) But you are Holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.

John 15:4–5 (NIV) 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. ⁵“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Let’s get practical:

• Setting a time
• Choosing a place: quiet, maybe quiet music, few distractions
• Prayer to start: dedicate yourself to the Lord
• Journaling as you go: key thoughts, writing down your prayers

Psalm 27 (NIV) Of David.

¹The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

²When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. ³Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.

⁴One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. ⁵For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

⁶Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. ⁷Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. ⁸My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. ⁹Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. ¹⁰Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. ¹¹Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. ¹²Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations.

¹³I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. ¹⁴Wait for the LORD; ake heart and wait for the LORD.

Questions to take into your reading:

• What do I learn about God?
• What is God saying to me? Be listening.
• What does He want me to do?

What next? Protect your walk:

Proverbs 4:26–27 (NIV) 26Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV) 16Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 4:5–6 (NIV) 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Passages to consider: 1 Peter 2:9-10; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 4:14-16

1. Share something from the sermon that impacted you. What Bible passage or point stood out to you?
2. Read 1 Peter 2:9-10. When you think about declaring God’s praises, what comes to mind? How have you experienced

that?

1. Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What role do forgiveness, grace, and gratitude regularly have in your relationship with God?
2. Read Romans 12:1. What types of habits and practices help you draw into God’s presence, present yourself to Him, or worship God? Talk about what this looks like in your life.
3. How does worship impact your actions toward others?
4. What is God showing you about personal worship at this time in your life? A) How would you encourage someone to engage in personal worship?

Called Out to Worship in Real Life (Week 3): Corporate Worship

Hebrews 10:19-25; Colossians 3:16-17; Psalm 150

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. [emphasis added]

Scripture quotations marked WEB are taken from the World English Bible by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.