Elements of Christian Worship
Elements of Christian Worship
Goal - That we may understand the basics of our worship to God on Sunday morning and daily worship.
Desired Outcomes 1.
Rejoice that Christ has freed us from the Law by His death and resurrection.
Desired Outcomes 1.
2.
Rejoice that Christ has freed us from the Law by His death and resurrection. Search the Scriptures to see the basic components of worship in the early Christian church.
Desired Outcomes 1.
2.
3.
Rejoice that Christ has freed us from the Law by His death and resurrection. Search the Scriptures to see the basic components of worship in the early Christian church. see the application of biblical texts and teachings in worship.
Prayer God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Catechism – Third Commandment Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.
The standard of prayer is the standard of faith. Attributed to Prosper of Aquitaine
Introduction Janet has been your friend since you were in high school. She has little background in Christianity, but always was curious about your faith. Recently, she has become a Christian and is looking for a church to join. “I’m confused,” she says. “All of these churches say they are Christian, but they seem so different.” “They all have a worship service, but they all do different things.” “How can one religion have so many different expressions?”
Introduction Janet is correct in noticing differences in the way that different Christians worship. What differences have you noticed?
Introduction Where do you think these differences in worship come from?
Introduction In our last session we examined elements that are commonly used in Lutheran worship in order to ask the question, “Who is serving whom?” In this session we return to the content of worship to ask different questions.
Introduction 1. What elements are necessary in the Divine Service?
Introduction 1. What elements are necessary in the Divine Service?
2. What elements are helpful?
Introduction 1. What elements are necessary in the Divine Service?
2. What elements are helpful? 3. How are these things manifest in the church’s worship?
The Bible and Worship When we look in the Bible, we might be surprised by what we find about worship. The Old Testament gives very specific directions on how to worship. Quickly browse through Exodus 25–31. What are some of the features of worship found here?
The Bible and Worship
Are these still expected of Christians?
The Bible and Worship In contrast, the New Testament provides no detailed list of instructions on how Christians must worship. Yet it does provide descriptions of some early Christian worship, and some guiding principles for our worship. One of the first descriptions of worship after Pentecost is found in Acts 2:42.
The Bible and Worship
Acts 2: 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
The Bible and Worship
This verse contains four elements of Christian worship.
The Bible and Worship 1. “Devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching” (1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.)
The Bible and Worship
1. “Devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching” How does this find expression in our worship today?
The Bible and Worship
1. “Devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching” Why is this a vital element of Christian worship?
The Bible and Worship
What is the second element of worship in the early church that is found in Acts 2:42?
The Bible and Worship
What is the third element of Christian worship found in Acts 2:42?
The Bible and Worship
3. Breaking of Bread Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
The Bible and Worship 3. Breaking of Bread 1 Corinthians 10:16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
The Bible and Worship
Why is this an important element of Christian worship?
The Bible and Worship The Lutheran Confessions assume that the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated regularly in Lutheran congregations. In fact, the confessions repeatedly claim that Lutheran congregations celebrate the Eucharist every Sunday.
The Bible and Worship
Why do you think Lutherans celebrate Holy Communion more often than some other churches?
The Bible and Worship
What is the final element of worship found in Acts 2:42?
The Bible and Worship
4. Prayer How does this find expression in the worship and devotional life of Christians?
The Bible and Worship 4. Prayer What should be included when we do this? (See also 1 Timothy 2:1–2. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.)
The Bible and Worship Read James 5:16. What does this verse suggest we ought to do in worship and in our daily lives? “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
The Bible and Worship What common feature of worship do you see reflected in Hebrews 13:15 and Philippians 2:9–11?
The Bible and Worship Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus,
therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.
The Bible and Worship Philippians 2:9–11 Therefore God exalted
him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The Bible and Worship How is this present in our worship together?
The Bible and Worship Every element of worship we have examined can be enacted with spoken words alone. This is appropriate, but Scripture also indicates that another dimension may be used to amplify the Word. Read Ephesians 5:19–20.
The Bible and Worship Ephesians 5:19–20 Speak to one another
with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible and Worship What do you see in this passage? How is this manifest in our worship?
Christian Freedom Scripture doesn’t give us these elements as a law. It never says “do these things or you are not a Christian.” Why might Christians want to include these elements in their worship?
Christian Freedom People often characterize worship by the label of the denomination. Are the elements of worship that we examined today “Lutheran”?
Christian Freedom In this session we have looked at general elements of worship. If these are present, do we still need to evaluate how they are used in a particular worship service?
Explore the Scripture The historic liturgy of the Christian church has all of the elements that we studied this week. Look closely at a setting of the Divine Service. Many parts of the liturgy come directly from Scripture.
Explore the Scripture What are some of your favorite hymns and songs? Why are they your favorite? Spend some time thinking about the words of these hymns and songs and how they reflect the truth of Scripture.
To Thy Temple I Repair To Thy temple I repair; Lord, I love to worship there When within the veil I meet Christ before the mercy-seat.
To Thy Temple I Repair I through Him am reconciled, I through Him become Thy child. Abba, Father, give me grace In Thy courts to seek Thy face.
To Thy Temple I Repair While Thy glorious praise is sung, Touch my lips, unloose my tongue, That my joyful soul may bless Christ the Lord, my Righteousness.
