Theme: Going Up to Worship

Text: Acts 24:11 "There are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship."

Introduction

Worship requires ascending both physically and spiritually. Key supporting passages include Matthew 6:33 (seeking God's kingdom first) and Luke 15:18 (the prodigal son's return). The foundational idea presents sinners being "lifted from the depths of sin to the heights of worship." Jerusalem sits approximately 800 meters above sea level, while the Dead Sea lies 400 meters below. This contrast illustrates spiritual choice: ascending toward worship or descending toward worldly distractions.

Three Prerequisites for Worship

1. Obedience

Believers must align with God's commandments (John 14:15)
Love becomes the operational standard (Galatians 5:13)
Walking in love constitutes worship itself (Ephesians 5:2) 2. Holiness
Worshipping requires operating through the Holy Spirit's fruit
The believer presents Christ to the Father during worship
Self-righteousness has no place in genuine worship 3. Godly Fear and Reverence
Recognition of God's character distinguishes holy fear from judgment-based fear
Believers access God's presence boldly through Christ's acceptance (Hebrews 4:16)
Holy fear draws worshippers into proper spiritual positioning

Summary

Genuine worship demands ascending to higher spiritual realms through obedience, holiness, and reverent fear of the Lord.