Are We Vessels Prepared to Worship?

Preparing Your Heart for Worship - September 10, 2017

As we continue our study of Romans 9, last week and this week are the “thick” of this chapter. There are certainly different views of the Doctrine of Election, there always have been, and there probably always will be. As we work our way through Romans 9, probably the most “election dense” passage of Scripture in the Bible, we must remember that while this is part of Paul's explanation of the Gospel, your interpretation of what Romans 9 teaches about the doctrine of election is not a “primary/central gospel issue.” Proclaiming the gospel to everyone we can does not hinge on this particular issue. There are godly, growing Christians that have come to different conclusions in their study of this passage. What unites us is our commitment to being obedient to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Acts 1:8, and many other passages, including Colossians 4:2-4 and 1 Peter 3:15-16. As we consider the purposes of the church, which are so clearly expressed in our Purpose Statement: “Worshiping Jesus, Following Jesus, Sharing Jesus... TOGETHER!,”  let us keep the “TOGETHER” as the lens through which we strive to exalt God, edify each other, and evangelize the lost. 

Scriptural Call to Worship

As God’s Word should always remain central, what better way to begin our time together than hearing His voice calling us to turn our mind’s attention and our heart’s affection to Him   

This Is Amazing Grace

The title of this song clearly calls us to be amazed at His grace. How can we not be? Consider how the words to this song describe so many elements of what He has done for us.  

At Calvary

God’s mercy is great. At the cross I was declared “NOT GUILTY” of my sins. As we sing this song together, may we truly meditate on the freedom we have in Christ. (P.S. - the version in the video is a different tune than what we'll sing on Sunday, but a really cool version of the song)

Prayer of Praise

As we continue worshiping together, and are led in praising God through prayer, join in praising God with the one leading this time - and when we conclude - we all say “AMEN!” to affirm that this is our prayer. Even though we’re hearing the words of one person as they lead us, we’re all coming to God together in praise of His glory and grace.  

Worship through Giving

We should always pause during this time to remember that every resource we have, whether it is finances, material possessions, or time, is a gift from God. This is a time to acknowledge that. Whether you give weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly, this is a time to meditate on worshiping God through giving back to Him.

Meditating on God’s Word

In 1 Timothy 4:13, we’re exhorted to ...devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture. This time in our worship gathering is intended to do just that. When we hear God’s Word read, we are hearing directly from Him. We also meditate on His Word through memorizing it, and hearing from others as they have memorized it. What a joy it is to hear others quoting the Word that they have hidden in their heart. 

Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King

Just the first line of this song is enough to draw me in - “tune my heart to sing Thy praise.” As we continue our time together, let this line be our prayer that we praise Him for His excellent grace. 

Change My Heart Oh God (with “Take My Life”)

As we prepare to study a passage of Scripture that speaks of God’s active work in our hearts, let us remind ourselves that not only do we need His activity in our lives, but we should seek to be transformed by His Word and His Spirit. We need His holiness, righteousness, and transformation in our lives continually.

Sermon: Vessels, Romans 9:19-23

In this passage, Paul is responding to objections to what He has been teaching. As I’ve said many times - this is a difficult passage and there are some tensions that come as we work our way through it. As you prepare your heart for the teaching of God’s Word, read the passage and consider the following questions so that we can make the most of our time together:

  • What is causing Paul’s opponent to ask this question?

  • In this illustration, who is the potter? Who is the clay?

  • What might Paul be referring to in using the terms “honored” and “dishonorable?”

  • What are the terms “wrath” and “power” referring to?

  • What are the “riches of His glory?”

May the Holy Spirit open our minds and hearts to what He is saying to us through His Word. 

Now Why This Fear

For those who have repented of their sins and placed their faith in Christ, there is no need to fear God’s wrath. The line “no wrath remains for us to face....” is a wonderful response of the believing heart to this passage. Those who are saved are truly “vessles of mercy” and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As always, be in prayer for:

• Rex and all those who lead the music in our time together.

• Pray that we all come together on Sunday with hearts prepared to engage in intense, focused exaltation of God. 

• Pray that we demonstrate holiness, unity, and love in both our personal lives as well as together as the Body.

• Pray for me as I prepare to preach God’s inspired, inerrant, sufficient, authoritative Word.

Rob