Foothills Christian Church
Weekend Services
Four Core Traits of a Disciple of Christ
Four Core Traits of a Disciple of Christ
1. Obedience to God
John 14:15 ESV
Four Core Traits of a Disciple of Christ
2. Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 ESV
Four Core Traits of a Disciple of Christ
3. Extending God’s Love
Matthew 22:39 ESV
Four Core Traits of a Disciple of Christ
4. Worship
John 4:23 ESV
Today will explore God’s desire of our worship!
‘Let Judah go up (first)’ in battle- Judges 1:2 & 20:18
‘Judah’; the root meaning is ‘to throw out your hands in praise’
Lifting our hand in praise to God is symbolic of
1. Exalting Him
2. Surrendering to Him
3. Being in awe of Him
King Jehoshaphat and Judah give us a model of worship going up first (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)
Jerusalem and the Kingdom of Judah were on the verge of being overwhelmed by 3 large armies!
Psalms 27:5-6 NIV
Jehoshaphat was afraid, but he called the people together to seek the Lord
2 Chronicles 20:3 ESV
The authority of assembling in unity!
Acts 4:23-24 ESV
The authority of assembling in unity!
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
In Unity, They worshipped God and proclaimed who He is.
1. 2 Chronicles 20:5: ‘You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations’
2. ‘God inhabits the praises of His people’- Psalm 22:3
3. Our worship of God make a resting place for His presence!
They recognized their dependence on God
2 Chronicles 20:12: ‘For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’
They proclaimed the Lord was their champion! Who’s your champion?
The Battle belongs to the Lord!
When God spoke they were transformed from fear to faith!
2 Chronicles 20:17 ‘‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's.”
On Pentecost Day God’s Spirit transformed the 120 disciples from fear to faith!
Always pay attention to what God is saying
2 Chronicles 20:20: ‘Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.’
Romans 8:14: ‘For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.’
Always pay attention to what God is saying!
We're not all called to be prophets, but we are called to be prophetic!
Our Worship goes First!
2 Chronicles 20:21: ‘And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.”’
As with Jericho
When we worship God the devil is thoroughly discombobulated!
2 Chronicles 20:22-23: ‘And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another.’
God rewards those who seek Him!
2 Chronicles. 20.25: The spoil was so great they were three days in gathering it up.
‘And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him’
They realized God, Himself, was their Song
2 Chronicles 20.28-30: ‘They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the LORD. 29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.’
As we seek the Lord for all of our needs the worship of God must go up first!
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”
What is Your Song?
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the peoples, proclaim that His name is exalted. 5 “Sing praises to the LORD, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. 6 Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Isaiah 12:2-6
The Foothills 20/20 Worship Challenge:
‘you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in all that you undertake’ Deuteronomy 12.18b
From today until Thanksgiving Day try to be intentional about giving thanks to God for every focused activity you do daily, before you begin it!
* Thank Him for being with you
* Thank Him for your opportunities and abilities
* Thank Him for the people in your life
* Thank Him for your provision
* Thank Him for His protection
* Thank Him for the good plans He has for you.
Foothills Text Line:
Text PRAYER to 619-375-0805
Text DECISION to 619-375-0805