BIBLE PASSAGE: John 4:19-24
[19]The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.
[20]Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.
[21]Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father.
[22]Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
[23]But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
[24]God is a Spirit: and they who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
MEMORY VERSE: O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. Psalms 95:6.
INTRODUCTION: Worship is an act of paying homage that involves deep respect, reverence, adoration, and showing sincere love to a supreme being. The Almighty God who created us must be worshipped for who He is and not because He needs anything from us (1Peter 2:9).
We are created to show the splendour of God by glorifying Him (Psalms 29:2). Since we are created for worship, it is important we find out the ways to do it to be acceptable by God who commands it.
OUTLINES:
1. Preparing For Worship
2. Acceptable Worship
1. PREPARING FOR WORSHIP
Before moving into the external act of worship, there is a need for us to put our hearts in order (Psalms 51:10).
This is to ensure that hindrances to our worship are offloaded from our hearts (Romans 12:1-2). We must get rid of the “old man” with his deeds – anger, hatred, bitterness, and other vices (Colossians 3:8-9).
There is a need for us to also reconcile with God and man in any area of offence (Matthew 5:23-24; Acts 24:16). We need to make restitutions where necessary (Luke 19:8).
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should mention other things Christians need to put in place in preparing for worship.
2. ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP
Not all worship is acceptable to God. There are various forms of unacceptable worship. These include:
1. Vain worship: This is based on lip service and not from the heart (Mark 7:6).
2. Ignorant worship: It refers to worship without the knowledge of who God is and how He should be worshipped (John 4:22; Acts 17:22-23).
3. Will or self-imposed worship: it refers to satisfying personal will and desire instead of carrying out God’s instruction (Colossians 2:20-23; Leviticus 10:1-2).
Therefore, acceptable worship must be rendered to God in spirit and truth (John 4:20-24); offered in holiness (Psalms 96:9); from a heart void of offence toward God, and toward men (Acts 24:16). It is one done by faith, like the sacrifice of Abel (Hebrews 11:4).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention other forms of unacceptable worship one can engage in.
CONCLUSION: The scripture teaches that only God should be worshipped (Exodus 20:1-5), and this should be done in spirit and truth.
QUESTIONS:
* In what ways should believers prepare for worship?
* Mention four things that make the act of worship acceptable to God.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
ASSIGNMENT: Write five differences between Christian worship and idol worship. (2×5=10 marks).
