5
Lesson 5

Going Up to Worship

Course Study
Worship 1
Courses Course Index
Lessons
1The Life of Worship 2Worship in Trials 3The Father is Seeking Worshippers 4The Inner Sanctuary
5Going Up to Worship
6Joy the Characteristic of Worship 7Joy is the Measure of Our Relationship 8Entering into Worship: Thanksgiving and Praise 9Giving Ourselves in Worship 10Turned Around to Seek After Christ

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.