Last month I began a series on the evidences of genuine regeneration. We looked at the first evidences along with a list of the continuing works of grace, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. The initial work of the Spirit is to provide conviction for sin (our need for a Savior) and reveal Christ as the only true Savior and Lord. Conviction for sin and faith to believe are gifts from the Lord. Our only activity in the process is to agree with God about our condition and then exercise the faith He has given.
This month I want to focus on worship. I have long believed that the best spiritual barometer for determining a person’s progress in faith is to see how worship is demonstrated in their life. Worship is, by many standards, thought of as the 30-40 minutes of music placed before the preaching on a given Sunday. While this is an opportunity to worship, and participation is a good test of where we are spiritually, it is not the all-encompassing definition of worship. Worship is best defined as humbly bowing down. To worship the Lord is to humbly bow down and render ourselves to Him as servants: surrendering to Him as Lord…in every area of our lives. To lack surrender is to fail in worship.
The scriptures clearly indicate that when we professes to know the Lord and yet refuses to live a life of obedience (worship) they deceive ourselves and deny the Lord the honor due Him. “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6) “He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4) A professing “Christian” who is not a worshipper is one may be demonstrating a form of faith short of regeneration. There is the potential of being a believer in the facts of the faith and yet come short of being born again.
Jesus said, “…the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23) Therefore we must conclude, those who are among the ones He has called, chosen and sanctified, are those who are His worshippers.
Are you one of His worshippers? Have you consciously determined to humbly bow down and present yourself to the Lord as a living sacrifice? Are you genuinely born again? If not, call out to the Lord today and let Jesus “happen” to you…today!
Blessings to you all,
Pastor Paul