Are You Distracted in Worship?
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of coming into God's presence with a focused heart and a sincere intention to praise and honor Him.
David Wilkerson addresses the issue of mental distractions during worship, emphasizing that many come to church physically but are mentally and spiritually absent. He highlights Jesus' condemnation of hypocrites who offer lip service while their hearts are far from Him. Wilkerson urges believers to approach God with reverence and intentionality, reminding them that true worship must come from a place of sincerity and focus. He stresses the importance of being fully present in worship, as it is a powerful act that strengthens the spirit and breaks down barriers. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt connection with God, encouraging worshippers to seek His presence with purity and dedication.
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I want to talk to you about mental distractions during prayer and forsaken worship -- especially in the house of God. Jesus called people hypocrites who came into His presence mouthing words of praise, but whose minds and hearts were preoccupied. He spoke directly to them, saying, "You give Me your mouth and your lips -- but your mind is somewhere else. Your heart is nowhere near Me!"
What about you? Most likely, you are present in God's house for an hour every week. So, your body is in church -- but where is your mind? Your mouth says, "I worship You, Lord" -- but is your heart a thousand miles away? Where do your thoughts take you during worship and praise?
It is not a light thing to come into God's house to worship him! "And Moses said to Aaron, 'This is what the Lord spoke, saying: 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified'" (Leviticus 10:3). God had said to Moses, "I will not be treated as an ordinary person! If you're going to enter into my presence, you must come before me sanctified. All who approach my holiness must do so with carefulness and thoughtfulness -- because of my glory and majesty."
We are not to utter anything in the Lord's presence without our heart and soul in it. Jesus commands, "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).
God's house is a house of worship. When we enter, we are to set aside all flesh and cry, "Lord, I'm not where I should be but I love you! Put a wall of fire around my thoughts and let me bring the offering of a focused, full-minded praise unto you!"
God loves you and he knows the power that pure worship releases in your spirit. It makes you stronger than a lion and bigger than a giant, pulling down every wall and stronghold that comes against you. Hallelujah!
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Distraction in Worship
- God's Expectations for Worship
- The Command to Worship in Spirit and Truth
- Jesus' Teaching on Worship
- The Power of Pure Worship
Key Quotes
“You give Me your mouth and your lips -- but your mind is somewhere else. Your heart is nowhere near Me!” — David Wilkerson
“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” — David Wilkerson
“God loves you and he knows the power that pure worship releases in your spirit. It makes you stronger than a lion and bigger than a giant, pulling down every wall and stronghold that comes against you.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to set aside distractions and focus your heart on God during worship.
- Recognize the power of pure worship and its ability to make you stronger and more courageous.
- Come into God's presence with a sanctified heart, recognizing His holiness and glory.