Worship - Teaching

I. Introduction

A. Read Acts 2:42

1. Thus far in our studies of our worship to God we have considered

a) Fellowship (giving)

b) Breaking of Bread (LS)

c) Prayer

2. Today I want to study with you the other act of worship that we see the early disciples participating in on Pentecost

B. Nixon is reported as saying

1. “I think that some of our voices in the pulpit today tend to speak too much about religion in the abstract, rather than in the personal, simple terms which I heard in my earlier years. More preaching from the Bible, rather than just about the Bible, is what America needs.

2. As always it is my intent to consider with you what the Bible has to say on the subject of teaching as worship and not mans opinion or thoughts

3. And to consider practical applications of what we find in the Word of God

C. Note: When I say teaching understand that I may not be referring only to the act of preaching, it would also include Bible class

II. First, I want to remind you what we are talking about when we read in Acts 2:42 of “the apostles doctrine”

A. It is the words and teachings of Christ – Matt 28:18-20

1. The apostles taught what the had been instructed by Jesus

2. As the Holy Spirit directed them by inspiration

B. It is the instructions of the Apostles and other inspired men

1. Example of their instruction in 2 Thess 3:10 – command

2 Thess. 3:10 (KJV) ¹⁰For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

2. The commands of the apostles are actually commands of the Lord

a) 1 Cor 14:37

1 Cor. 14:37 (KJV) ³⁷If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

b) 1 Thess 4:2

1 Thess. 4:2 (KJV) ²For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

C. It is the example of the early Christians for us to follow

1. Paul makes himself an example to follow (as he followed Christ)

a) 1 Cor 4:16

1 Cor. 4:16 (KJV) ¹⁶Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

b) 1 Cor 11:1

1 Cor. 11:1 (KJV) ¹Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2. Paul used the actions of other Christians to teach

a) 2 Cor 8:1-7

b) Church in Corinth was to learn from those in Macedonia

3. 1 Cor 10:11 in talking of learning from examples brings us to the next point

1 Cor. 10:11 (KJV) ¹¹Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

D. It is the Old Testament

1. Rom. 15:4

Rom. 15:4 (KJV) ⁴For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2. As a schoolmaster instructing us about Christ – Gal 3:24

Gal. 3:24 (KJV) ²⁴Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

E. In short it is the Bible as we have it – the inspired writings

1. The apostles taught as instructed by Christ

2. The apostles spoke and wrote as inspired by the Holy Spirit

3. And as time continued the revelation was complete
2 Peter 1:3

III. Our worship to God by teaching and preaching is also important

A. It is just as important as prayer, LS, etc.

1. Those who say – “It is just bible class”

2. Perhaps they think it is less important than taking the LS

B. It is important because it is a way to learn

1. Read Rom 10:13-17 – saving power thru faith

a) This is a means (avenue) one acquires faith

b) Like the Eunuch through continued study come to a knowledge of the truth and obey

2. Heb 12:5-11 – a chastening agent

a) There are corrections that we will make in our lives because of our study of the scriptures

b) We assist others in their quest for truth and right

C. It is important because is provides encouragement

1. 1 Thess 4:18 – Paul gives instructions to continue to speak comforting words

2. 1 Thess 5:11 – comfort and build each other up

3. This is a very important role of each and every Christian.

a) To support the weak and

b) Lift the hands and feet (Heb 12:12-13)

4. How can you provide support or encouragement to others if you are not here?

IV. Next, let us notice some examples and consider how we accomplish this act of worship

A. First to the Old Testament – Neh. 8:1-6

1. We can see the attitude of the Israelites toward the reading of the word of God

a) They meet together as “one man”, there was a unified purpose

b) The ears of ALL the people were ATTENTVE; they paid attention to what was said. (They would be able to discuss what was said later)

c) Showed a reverence and awe for the book

(1) They stood up (v.5)

(2) Bowed their heads (v.6)

2. When we exhibit this reverence (not saying that we should all stand every time I read) we are truly worshipping God

B. Also in the New Testament – Acts 15:4-29

1. The church met to think about doctrinal matters (bible class)

a) Apostles and Elders review matter v.6

b) Peter appeals to God’s Plan v.7-11

c) Paul and Barnabas cite approval of Holy Spirit v.12

d) James appeals to Prophets v.15-18

e) All sanctioned by the Holy Spirit v.28

2. Note the attitude of the multitude at this “Bible Study”

a) They gave audience

b) They paid attention

V. Finally, Just like the other acts of worship that we have studied we each have a part to play.

A. Worship in Spirit and Truth

1. Not just going thro the motions

2. We must prepare ourselves

B. The speaker/teacher has a responsibility

1. First to the truth

a) Not adding to

b) Or taking from what the Bible teaches

c) Which would include taking things out of context.

d) Or making trying to fit a thought that is not there

2. Must study (rightly divide) 2 Tim 2:15

a) Study in KJV is better translated in other

b) Be diligent (do your best)

3. Do best to cause the others to understand what they are saying and teaching

a) Neh 8:8

b) Eph 5:17

Eph. 5:17 (KJV) ¹⁷Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

c) Luke 24:27-32

C. The listener/student also has a responsibility

1. Make sure truth is taught

a) Accomplished by searching scriptures (Acts 17:11, Bereans)

b) Whether you know the passage by heart, or you write it down for future study or turn and read it

c) Those that stand before us are inspired

d) It is laid upon you to see if the things taught are so

2. To study 2 Tim 2:15

a) It is also the listeners’ responsibility to be able to rightly divide the word of Truth.

b) 1 Peter 3:15

3. Which necessitates listening to what is said

a) How will you be able to agree or disagree with what is said if you are not listening?

b) Not talking about just hearing the words, but being attentive to the message (children and parents)

4. In order for the sermon/bible class to be of any benefit, you must take and active part by listening, following, and applying what is taught.

VI. Conclusion

A. Our actions during Bible classes, or while a sermon is presented, speaks volumes about our worship to God.

1. What are you doing during a sermon? What do you think about during bible class?

2. I realize that I am not the greatest speaker, but with a realization of what is being presented is the Word of God, let us give the proper reverence

B. Ultimately we must have faith and obey the commands of the Lord

1. The apostles taught what we must do to be saved

a) Believe in Christ

b) Repent of Sins

c) Confess our faith

d) Baptized

e) Remain Faithful

2. We must heed the apostles doctrine