Worship (Part 1) Christian Life Course
8

Entering into Worship: Thanksgiving and Praise

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

Theme: Entering into Worship: Thanksgiving and Praise

Text:

Psalm 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

Core Concept

Thanksgiving serves as the gateway to worship, while praise ushers worshippers into deeper communion with God. Gratitude focuses on divine actions; praise celebrates God's character.

Key Teaching Points

1. Eliminate Life's Burdens

  • Daily pressures can obstruct authentic worship

  • Difficulties transform into worship opportunities when addressed through prayer and thanksgiving

  • Thanksgiving elevates focus above earthly troubles (Philippians 4:6-7)

2. Release Worldly Concerns

  • Even neutral matters—family, business, routine tasks—distract from worship

  • The ten lepers account (Luke 17) demonstrates only one recognized healing as worship-worthy

3. Reject Pride

  • Self-importance blocks the worshipper's path

  • Childlike humility (Matthew 21:15-17) enables genuine worship

  • Humility remains non-negotiable in worship (1 Peter 5:5-6)

Summary

Life's pressures become worship opportunities; earthly concerns fade in significance; childlike humility opens the door to encountering God.