Scripture: I Timothy 2:1-6; 3:14-16

Aim: To give some basic instructions about worshipping God.

Golden Text: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (I Timothy 3:16).

Worshipping God is involved with worshipping all three persons of the triune Godhead: The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. God created man in order for man to worship and fellowship with Himself. After the creation of man and woman, both sinned against God and were separated from God by their sin. Until sin entered the picture, Adam and Eve worshipped and fellowshipped with God in the garden daily “in the cool of the evening.” God greatly desires that man be brought back into fellowship with Himself in order that He and man may be united in His will.

This is the purpose for which Jesus Christ came into the world. He prepared a way for man to be brought back into fellowship with God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ Himself. The fellowship that was broken because of sin is renewed so that God and man may have harmonious fellowship. This wonder privilege is recognized by those who truly worship Him.

I. Those who have been brought into right relationship to God through Jesus Christ via the new birth can worship in spirit and truth (I Timothy 2:4-6). First, men are separated from God by sin. They need to be “saved,” that is delivered from their sins. It is God’s desire that men be saved from their sins (vs. 4). After all, that is why Jesus Christ came to earth and died for men’s sins.

Second, the only way men will be saved is when they come to the knowledge of the truth (vs. 4). When one does not know that he is a lost sinner and that Christ died for his sins, he will never be delivered (saved) from his sins. He will die in his sins and go to eternal hell. Christ died for the sinner, who truly needs to learn the truth about his condition. Once one knows that he is a lost sinner and that Christ died for him, he may repent (turn from his sins) and receive Christ as Savior and Lord.

Third, there is only one mediator (go-between) between man and God, that is Jesus Christ (vs. 5-6). He who has his sins forgiven through Christ is free to worship and fellowship with God.

II. Paul calls Christians to pray for others (I Timothy 2:1-3). The two principle parts of the worship of God is ministry of the Word and prayer. Chapter One deals with the ministry of the Word and this chapter prayer. Paul exhorts (earnestly entreats) believers to offer supplications, prayers, intercessions for all men. These terms relate to prayer for others and their needs. Christians need to pray for one another. Also, giving of thanks for all men in enjoined: Prayer and thanksgiving.

Prayer for those in leadership and all others should be made for the peace and welfare of all men to the glory of God. Praying for others is important and is acceptable in God’s sight (vs. 3).

III. Men ought to behave themselves in the house of God (I Timothy 3:14-16). The church is the pillar and ground of the truth (indicating the Scriptures). The basis of all worship and prayer in the house of God is warranted and expressly given by God in His Word. True godliness is found only in Jesus Christ, Who was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached to the Gentiles (as well as the Jews), believed on in the world, and received up into glory! He is the center and focal point of the Word of God and should be in all of man’s worship.

Worship involves the preaching of the Word, the praying in the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and the devoted surrender to the will of God for daily living. May God grant that we may indeed worship in “Spirit and in Truth”!

Howard Tillery is the pastor of New Ochlocknee Baptist Church in Grady County. He lives in Cairo.