A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

Ses s i on 6: Cu l t i vat i ng Our Commun i t y : The “Corporate” Di sc i p l i nes 259

d. The process of worship is scripted in the lives and experiences of the people of God in the journey of Israel and the Church.

(1) Flee from idolatry, 1 John 5.21 – Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

(2) Yield your body as a living sacrifice, Rom. 12.1-2.

(3) True worship demands personal and corporate sanctification: set apart your lives together as his holy people in order that he might be exalted in your midst, 2 Cor. 6.16-7.1 – What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, [18] and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” [7.1] Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

e. The power of worship is palpable: God himself dwells in the praises of his people.

(1) God’s presence comes down in the midst of his people, Ps. 22.3 – Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.

(2) The atmosphere of the presence of God is praise and worship of his holy being.

(a) Isa. 6.3 – And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”