Worshipping With the Word

Posted on May 20, 2007

 

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Nehemiah 8:1-13

Much has been said in the last few decades about “church growth.” One thing Pastors have to be careful of is being discouraged because we can’t keep up with the latest corporate-model church that’s “blowing and going.” I praise God for them, but we have to be careful to grow in a multi-faceted way.

• We need to grow larger as we share Jesus.
• We need to grow deeper as we explore the Word.
• We need to grow stronger as we suffer together.
• We need to grow closer as we build relationships with one another.

TRUTH:

There are many ways a church needs to grow, but all of them happen as we grow in the Word together!

I often say that the Word of God is the centerpiece of our worship experience, but what does that mean? Nehemiah gives us an example. Let’s look at some characteristics…

CHARACTERISTICS OF WORSHIPPING WITH THE WORD…

A genuine hunger for the Word. (v. 3)

A real reverence for the Word. (vs. 5-6)

• They stood.
• They answered “Amen!”
• They lifted their hands.
• They bowed in humble humility.

A clear understanding of the Word. (vs. 7-8)

The Bible is truly not just for information, but for transformation. It’s not just for hearing, but for understanding and doing. We need to integrate its truth into our lives in a real and visible way.

A joyful reaction to the Word. (vs. 9-10)

• They were first broken by the Word (conviction).
• They were then thrilled by the Word (conversion).

An obedient response to the Word. (vs. 11-13)

• There is a “going out” aspect to doing God’s Word.
• There is also a “coming back” aspect - becoming lifetime learners and bringing others along.

Let’s pray that God would grow us in every possible way as we study His Word and put it into practice in our daily lives!