Rooted in WorshipSample

Urgency in Worship

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 12:28-29

I was filling my cup with Mountain Dew at a local convenience store when I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pulled out the phone and saw a familiar name on the screen. It seemed odd to get a call so soon because I had just said goodbye to this person a few minutes before driving to the store. The short conversation went like this:

“Hello”

“You need to come see this.”

“See what”

“The forest is on fire…”

I left the cup sitting on the counter and rushed outside. As I looked above the tree line, I could see a tower of smoke rising in the sky. I jumped in the truck and drove like a madman back to the forest where my group had been camping for the last few days.

By the time I arrived, the flames were as high as the truck. Seeing the fire all around caused me to feel a focus and urgency that I will never forget! For a few minutes, the situation seemed hopeless. Then, suddenly, through the flames, I could see the outline of firefighters walking in the midst of the blaze. They made quick work of the fire and then gave me a stern lecture about the importance of fire safety. I had heard the same lecture many times as a kid, but this time, the lesson was attached to a real and dangerous inferno. I left with a new sense of awe and respect for fire.

Over the past four weeks, we have focused on being Rooted in Worship. Our hope is that, through this experience, you are moving toward an all-encompassing lifestyle of worship. There is a danger, though, as this study ends. The danger is that you will come down from a spiritual mountaintop and return to life as “normal.” If you are not careful, spiritual erosion will begin to occur, bringing distraction, idols, temptation, and defeat right back to the forefront of your life.

The author of Hebrews addressed this risk by encouraging urgency and action in our worship. The book of Hebrews teaches about idolatry, the sacrifice of Jesus, a personal relationship with the Lord, holiness, the work of the Holy Spirit, and many other topics we have studied together. However, interwoven throughout all of these topics in Hebrews, the author encourages clear and consistent action steps. Lifestyle worship is active worship.

Here is a quick overview of the actions worshipers are called to:

“…pay the most careful attention… to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1)

“…fix your thoughts on Jesus…” (Hebrews 3:1)

“…encourage one another daily…” (Hebrews 3:13)

“…hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (Hebrews 4:14)

“…approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…” (Hebrews 4:16)

“…move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…” (Hebrews 6:1)

“…imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6:12)

“…draw near to God…” (Hebrews 10:22)

“…hold unswervingly to the hope we profess…” (Hebrews 10:23)

“…spur one another on toward love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24)

“…throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

“…worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)

The message of Hebrews is clear—worship requires action! Worship is not just love; worship is love expressed. Expressing love requires action. As disciples of Jesus, we have reason for action, focus, and urgency in our worship. Why? because Jesus is coming soon!

Jesus made this clear in the book of Revelation when he said,

“…Yes, I am coming soon...” (Revelation 22:20)

John’s response indicates that he was not only prepared but excited for Jesus to come! When Jesus said he was coming soon, John responded, “…Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).

Take a moment to think about the following questions:

Am I excited for Jesus to come?

What would I do differently today if I knew that Jesus was returning tonight at 11:59 pm?

How would this kind of urgency and focus affect my work, relationships, stewardship, devotional time, prayers, praises, and how I share the gospel?

Urgency brings focus and priority to the things that matter. God made you for worship- to express your love to him and to be a recipient of his love. Be proactive in creating a lifestyle that is Rooted in Worship each day.

Ways you can express your love to the Lord each day:

1. Start every day by abiding with the Lord. Read the Bible, pray, celebrate God Sightings, and praise him.

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your life daily.

3. Always obey God and leave the consequences to him.

4. Do what honors God and do it as soon as possible.

5. Do all you do as unto the Lord!

Jesus is coming soon!

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!

Today concludes the Rooted in Worship Bible Plan. The final reflection and scripture readings follow this conclusion. We want to thank you for joining us on this journey! This plan was created by a team of writers and editors from Discovery Church, including Sarah Olsen, Sherry Barron, Crystal Macek, Nicole Zeeb, Sherry Hires, Timo Moegling, Berry Johnston, and Cody Stanley. Please share any God Sightings and stories of life impact from this plan with us at info@discoverychurch.org. If you have found this plan helpful and enjoyable, please consider sharing it with a friend. For continued growth opportunities in your faith, visit the Discovery Pathway at www.discoverypathway.org .

Reflection:

What have been the most significant things God has revealed to you through Rooted in Worship?

What actions will you take to develop a lifestyle of worship?

Is there someone that you know would benefit from this plan? Share the plan with them today!