8.What Worship Really Is - Zac Poonen
Kakinada Meetings 2012: The Kingdom Of God
Summary
True worship involves submitting to God's authority and listening only to what God says, rather than merely going through ritualistic motions. The speaker contrasts this with the temptation of self-worship, referencing Lucifer's desire for worship. He outlines three components of genuine worship: prayer (asking for needs), giving (offering thanks), and thanksgiving (thanking God for what He has done).
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Jesus answers Satan's temptation to worship himJesus responded to Satan's demand for worship by quoting scripture that we must worship and serve God alone.
Lucifer's fall and desire for worshipSatan was not created evil, but as a leading angel he desired to receive the worship that belonged to God alone, a mindset he later brought to Adam and Jesus.
What it means to worship God aloneWorshipping God alone means listening exclusively to what God says and submitting entirely to His authority over our lives.
The four steps of communion with GodThe bible describes four levels in our relationship with God: prayer, thanksgiving, praise, and the highest level which is silent worship.
Failing to worship God means serving the enemyWhen we fail to truly learn how to worship God, we end up unknowingly following and worshipping the devil through disobedience.
Honouring God with lips while the heart is far awayJesus rebuked people who honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far away, running after worldly things during prayer and worship.
Whom have I in heaven but you?The psalmist expresses that true worship means looking past crowns, streets of gold, and even relatives in heaven to desire Jesus above everything else.
Loving the giver more than His giftsJust as a bride should love her husband rather than merely desiring his gifts, a true worshipper loves God Himself rather than what He can provide.
Modern deception and the importance of reading the BibleMany believers are deceived today because they spend more time watching television than reading the Bible, losing discernment and falling into superficial practices.
Having no desire on earth except GodWhen we learn to say that we desire nothing on earth except God, our entire lives are radically changed to become true worshippers.
