How should we think about Worship
Fred Tomlinson teaches that worship is the highest and most vital Christian activity, calling believers to continually deepen their understanding and experience of God beyond initial encounters.
This sermon delves into the profound aspects of worship, exploring the heavenly perspective of worship as seen in Revelation 4, the spiritual reality of worship as experienced in Hebrews 12, and the intimate worship relationship between Jesus and the Father as revealed in 1 John 2. It emphasizes the importance of genuine, spirit-led worship that transcends earthly boundaries and echoes the heavenly worship of God.
Sermon Outline
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I. Introduction to Worship
- Worship is a dynamic and growing experience
- Personal background and early experiences with worship
- The importance of Jesus Christ in worship
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II. The Nature and Importance of Worship
- Worship as man's chief end to glorify and enjoy God
- Worship is the highest Christian activity
- Worship must be according to Scripture
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III. Challenges to True Worship
- The danger of becoming religious and stagnant
- The commercialization of worship music
- The need to avoid entertainment replacing true worship
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IV. Call to Deeper Worship
- God desires continual growth in worship
- Avoid settling for past experiences
- Worship must be sincere and Spirit-led
Key Quotes
“Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” — Fred Tomlinson
“Worship is the highest peak of what we could call perhaps Christian activity. It is the Mount Everest.” — Fred Tomlinson
“Worship is the missing jewel of evangelicalism.” — Fred Tomlinson
Application Points
- Seek to deepen your worship experience continually rather than settling for past encounters.
- Evaluate your worship practices to ensure they align with Scripture and are not merely entertainment.
- Recognize worship as the highest calling and prioritize it above all other Christian activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chief end of man according to the sermon?
Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever, which is the essence of worship.
Why does Fred Tomlinson say worship is not static?
Because God is not static; He continually moves and reveals Himself, so worship must also grow and deepen.
What problem does the speaker identify with modern evangelical worship?
He warns that worship has been hijacked by commercial interests, turning it into entertainment rather than holy worship.
How did early experiences shape Fred Tomlinson's understanding of worship?
Early encounters with passionate, Spirit-filled worship transformed his life and set the trajectory for his ministry.
What does the speaker say about becoming complacent in worship?
He cautions against settling into past experiences and encourages believers to allow God to lead them into deeper worship.