A Few Thoughts On Hebrews 10:14

Hebrews 10:14 WEL For by one sacrifice, he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews

B1 Was written by an unknown author, but the Holy Spirit is the originator.

B2 Was written to show the greatness of Jesus Christ.

C1 He is greater than the angels. He is the Son of God.

C2 He is greater than the words of man and angels. He is the Word of God.

C3 He, who is greater than all of creation, was found in the fashion, that is, flesh of a human.

C4 He, who created all, is the Messiah, the Savior, the Author of Salvation.

C5 He is greater than Moses. Moses spoke and wrote about Him.

C6 He is the Prince of Peace. He gives peace with God to those who obey in faith. He gives no peace to those who disobey, those who do not believe.

C7 He is the High Priest of all High Priests. He is greater than all.

C8 He was appointed and anointed High Priest by God Himself, because of His greatness.

C9 His work as High Priest is greater, more glorious, and final.

C10 He is greater than us and has warned us not to deconvert, to stop believing, or to disobey Him. He gives grace every day, so that we do not. But, if we reject Him and stop believing, there is a final rejection where it becomes too impossible for us to repent.

C11 He gives greater help and assistance than any other priest.

C12 He is a priest in the order of Melchizedek who was greater than Abraham.

C13 He is even greater than Melchizedek.

C14 His priesthood never ends.

C15 His covenant, His agreement with us, never fails. It never ends.

C16 He is so great, because He never sinned in thoughts, desires, words, or deeds.

C17 He is priest in a greater Temple. The Temple written about here is the true Temple in Heaven.

C18 He details this greatest of all Covenants.

C19 He is greater than all sacrifices. His blood is sinless and holy.

C20 His sacrificial gift in the Temple of Heaven at that holy altar is more perfect and holy than any gift ever offered.

C21 All sacrifices on earth need to be offered daily. His sacrificial offering is greater than any of these, for it was given one time. It does not need to be offered ever again.

C22 His faith is greater than all the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11).

C23 His life is greater than any life. He overcame everything. He is greater than anyone and so He is able to help us every day.

C24 He gives strength to finish our life faithfully.

C25 He has a kingdom that cannot be shaken, overpowered, or conquered.

C26 He decrees those who believe to also be under-priests. Both sisters and brothers can offer the sacrifices of praise and giving.

C27 He promises to never abandon us.

B3 It is in this context our passage is written.

C1 Hebrews 10:14 WEL For by one sacrifice, he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

C2 A sacrifice

D1 Given, that is offered, only one time. It was the perfect, satisfying sacrifice. The Lord Jesus suffered for our sins, carried our sins, was punished for our sins, abandoned by His Father for our sins, and died for our sins. One offering. One sacrifice. One burial. One resurrection. All for us. Any can believe, for the Holy Spirit awakens our heart, opens our eyes, gives understanding to our minds of our sinful condition, the sentence for our sin, and the helplessness of our life and effort.

D2 One time only, for it was the greatest of all offerings, of all sacrifices. 1 Peter 3:18 NKJV For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.

C3 A perfecting

D1 The Greek word is τελειόω teleióō.

E1 It means here to bring to a goal, to finish what was needed. It is complete.

E2 We lack the character that God requires for any to enter heaven.

E3 Jesus Christ’s work as High Priest and Passover Lamb has brought to every human that hope of forgiveness, fellowship, and an eternal home in heaven—if we believe His plan and place our trust into Jesus Christ.

E4 Jesus’s complete work also gives us a perfect hope in this life. His promise is sure.

D2 An acceptable sacrifice: Ephesians 5:2 NKJV And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

D3 A sacrifice to reconcile humans and God: Romans 5:10 WEL For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by his Son's death, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved by his life.

D4 All sins atoned for. All sins forgiven and fellowship restored: 1 John 1:7 MKJV But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Note: Q: Why were we created? A: We were created for fellowship with God and to serve Him forever (John 12:26, etc.).

D5 All sins are forgiven in such a complete manner that we are considered without sin in His sight. This is because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:9 MKJV Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

D6 We are perfected to serve Him: Titus 2:14 GNB He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.

D7 This perfecting is a one time event. It was after the fact of sins for the believers living before Messiah came, and before the fact of our sins who live after He came. It is forever!

C3 A work in our lives who are being sanctified

D1 We have been sanctified. This is justification. This is a one time full and complete sanctification whereby we are considered sinless because of His sacrifice. We have been saved.

D2 We are being sanctified. This is progressive sanctification. Our life here, however, is a period of learning, testing, learning, and testing. God teaches, we learn. God tests, we learn. This is what is termed progressive sanctification. So, this passage states, “...those, who are being sanctified.” We are learn to live and think in God’s ways. We are being saved.

D3 We will be sanctified. This is also another one time full and complete sanctification for us at death. We will never sin again. Romans 6:7 NRSV For whoever has died is freed from sin. We will be saved.

D4 For further reading: The Necessity of Sanctification

He Is Risen!

Romans 1:1-7 WEL Paul, Jesus Christ's servant, called upon to be an apostle, separated for God's Gospel. 2 [The Gospel] that he had promised through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 Concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who came from the offspring of David, according to the flesh, 4 [And] pointed out to be the Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness by [his] resurrection from the dead. 5 We have received grace and apostleship through him [to bring] into obedience to the faith those among all nations for his name. 6 You also are among those called by Jesus Christ. 7 Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to all of you who are in Rome, beloved by God, [and] called to be saints.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 WEL Moreover, brothers, I making the Gospel known to you which I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand, 2 Also you are saved by this, if you firmly hold on to what I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For the first thing I passed on to you was what I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, 4 And that he was buried, then rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 And that he was seen by Cephas then the twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at one time, of whom the greater part remain to this present hour, but some have fallen asleep, 7 After that he was seen by James then by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, he was seen by me also, as of one born at the wrong time.

And indeed, all of 1 Corinthians 15 is important.

The Gospel of Jesus is meaningless, unless Jesus really resurrected from the dead.

The Gospel is centered on Jesus Christ.

B1 The Gospel was promised.

C1 The Gospel is the Good News.

C2 The Gospel has been, is, and always will be the same.

C3 The Gospel was preached to Adam and Eve and as well as the last book of the Bible by the angel (Revelation 14:6 (PickNT) And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having an everlasting gospel to be proclaimed to those who reside on the earth—to every ethnic nation and tribe and language and people—

C4 It is to believe God. This is found in Romans 4:3 WEL What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited as righteousness to him." It is a quoted from Genesis 15:6 and repeated in Galatians 3:6 and James 2:23.

C5 We have to believe God that we are lawbreakers, sinful, worthy of death and hell, and are not good in God’s opinion. We have to believe that Jesus is Messiah and call on His name.

D1 John 3:16-19 NKJV For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

D2 Romans 10:13 NRSV For, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

D3 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 WEL Moreover, brothers, I making the Gospel known to you which I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand, 2 Also you are saved by this, if you firmly hold on to what I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For the first thing I passed on to you was what I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, 4 And that he was buried, then rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,

D4 Luke 18:13-14 NRSV But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.

B2 The prophets relayed this Gospel message to the people of the day plus the promise to us.

B3 This Gospel message is in the Scriptures. The Scriptures Paul referring to is what we call the Old Testament.

B4 Messiah would have to be King David’s descendants.

B5 Messiah would be a man.

B6 Messiah would also be God.

B7 Messiah is the Son of David and the Son of God (Psalms 2:7 NRSV I will tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my son; today I have begotten you). Most interpret this as referring to EITHER the incarnation or the resurrection. I believe both are referred to.

C1 Incarnation: Luke 1:32-35 NRSV He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." 34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

C2 Resurrection: Acts 13:32-33 NRSV And we bring you the good news that what God promised to our ancestors 33 he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you.'

B8 According to the Spirit of Holiness, Jesus never sinned. He had no need for punishment.

B9 The resurrection is an important witness that He is God and never sinned.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 WEL Moreover, brothers, I making the Gospel known to you which I preached to you, which you also received and in which you stand, 2 Also you are saved by this, if you firmly hold on to what I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For the first thing I passed on to you was what I also received, how that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures, 4 And that he was buried, then rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 And that he was seen by Cephas then the twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than five hundred brothers at one time, of whom the greater part remain to this present hour, but some have fallen asleep, 7 After that he was seen by James then by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, he was seen by me also, as of one born at the wrong time.

The Gospel’s truths are centered on the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

B1 This Gospel is the only gospel to save us.

B2 We have to be steadfast in the faith. God gives grace to help us.

B3 Christ did not die for His sins; He died for our sins.

B4 Just as the Scriptures say.

B5 He was buried.

B6 He did rise from the dead.

B7 If there is no resurrection of Jesus, then He is a liar, a sinner, and not God’s son.

B9 But He did rise as seen by many witnesses. First were the women. Second was the men. Later individuals and groups. A total of well over 500 people saw Him after His death, burial, and resurrection.

B10 Those who saw Him would be required to have seen Him before death, too. If not, how would they know it was Him? It is most reasonable to understand 1 Corinthians to have been written in the first century C.E.

B11 For more information about the resurrection of Jesus Christ see Dr. Gary Habermas’ site. There are some free books, papers, and videos if you search.

What is most glorious of our faith?

B1 Jesus rose from death. This is not resuscitation but resurrection.

B2 We honor our Savior for His suffering for our sins, shed His blood for our sins, died for our sins, and rose for our justification.

B3 We now want to live for Him, glorifying Him, and obeying Him in following the ~1,000 rules in the New Testament. This is walking in the Spirit. If the fruit of the Spirit is not seen, then we are fakes.

B4 Here are a few quotes:

C1 The risen life of Jesus is the nourishment and strengthening and blessing and life of a Christian—Alexander MacLaren

C2 Philosophically, there is no system on earth suited to destroy man’s sinful disposition and to change his heart, but Christianity; and, historically, nothing else has ever done it—D. Thomas, D.D.

C3 In that gospel these Corinthians were now “standing.” Their ancient superstitions had passed away, and they “stood” upon the rock—“Jesus Christ,” and the hope of a resurrection. That reception of his apostolic message was not only the pledge of blessedness in the great hereafter, it indicated their present security. Now they were safe. The strong swimmer, battling with the waves of a stormy sea, may be living, and not without hope; but not until his feet touch the beach may he whisper to himself, “Now I am safe!” So these Corinthians had been “saved,” but their Christian work was not then over. The saved Christian is not to stand still and think of doing nothing more. “Keep in memory” might rather be translated “firmly maintain.” Without this they had “believed in vain—J. Cochrane, A.M.

B5 Rejoice! He is risen.

C1 He Is Risen

C2 Christ the Lord is Risen

C3 Christ is Risen

New Christian Handbook Part 9 and Link

I'll be posting a part each day, then when done will post a link to a downloadable pdf that is CC BY NC ND

The New Christian’s Handbook Part 9

Download the PDF

Pray at the start

Read the material

Answer the questions

Pray again

Basic Christian Life

Prayer

B1 What is prayer?

C1 Talking to God, our God, in Jesus’s name.

C2 Examples

D1 By evil spirits: Matthew 8:30-32 NKJV Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the demons begged Him, saying, "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine." 32 And He said to them, "Go." So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water. [Edited by me]

E1 The evil spirits: demons begged Him, saying

E2 Their prayer: "If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine."

E3 The Lord Jesus gave them their request, but they were destroyed along with the pigs. God gives no blessing to evil.

D2 By both evil and good people: Luke 18:9-14 NKJV Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." [Edited by me]

E1 The “holy” man, the Pharisee, talked to God, but he was rejected and not justified by God.

E2 The truthful man, the tax collector, talked to God, but he was accepted and justified.

D3 By good people:

E1 Formal prayer by King Solomon: see 1 Kings 8:12-53.

E2 Informal prayer by Peter: Matthew 14:30 NIV But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

B2 Principles

C1 Prayer is talking with God.

C2 God cannot be manipulated with special language, ritual, following some author’s plan, flattery, talking for a long time, etc.

C3 God will not answer us at all if we

D1 Treat our wife badly (1 Peter 3:7)

D2 Refuse to forgive someone (that is, not to seek revenge. If they have commited a crime, they must, MUST, be reported, for there is no such thing as forgive and forget. Forgive and forget is used by abusers to silence people) Matthew 18:35, Colossians 3:13, etc.

D3 To satisfy our evil lusts (James 4:3)

D4 If we are evil (Proverbs 15:29)

D5 If we have unconfessed sin (Isaiah 59:2, John 9:31, Psalm 66:18)

D6 Hate the Bible and refuse to obey anything in it (Israel has the ~613 laws of the Old Testament, while Christians have over 1,000 rules in the New Testament, for example, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 NLT Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. [Emphasis is mine. In the passage, in there are 14 rules]

D7 If we doubt His existence or His ability to answer (James 1:6-7).

C4 He will answer our prayer in his time and IF it is His will (1 John 5:14). Some prayers He will answer for sure as:

D1 Asking for forgiveness of sins (1 John 1:9)

D2 If we ask for wisdom (James 1:5). He does not say WHEN he will answer, but that He WILL answer.

D3 For salvation (Romans 10:13)

B3 Questions

C1 What is prayer?

C2 Do we have to follow a formula?

C3 Does God always answer prayer? (This is a trick question).

C4 Name some reasons God does not answer prayer?

C5 If prayer becomes boring, what should we do?

C6 Is praying with others important?

B4 For further study on prayer see here. Here is a general list of prayer verses.

B5 Answer to Does God always answer prayer? Yes, the answer is yes, no, wait, or a different way and time than we expect.

Fellowship

B1 Question: Why did God create us? Answer: To have fellowship with God and serve Him forever. (Fellowship: 1 John 1:3, Hebrews 10:25, 1 Corinthians 1:9, also see here and here. Serve Him: Colossians 3:23-24, John 12:26, 1 Thessalonians 1:9, also see here).

B2 Are some types of fellowship wrong? Consider

C1 1 Corinthians 10:20 NKJV Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

C2 2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

C3 Ephesians 5:11 NKJV And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

B3 Some things about fellowship (Manser Theme #7025) Study the passages in one of the following topics and share something you have learned. 7025 — church, unity and fellowship of

C1 The church is one in essence, because it is founded on one gospel, united to one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. Its unity is under constant threat because of the tendency to division that is inherent in fallen humanity, and needs to be continually maintained and actively expressed in fellowship.

C2 The unity of the church

D1 The church is one Romans 12:5 See also 1 Corinthians 12:12, 1 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:25

D2 The church transcends all barriers Colossians 3:11 See also John 10:16; Acts 10:28-29, Acts 10:47; Acts 15:8-9; Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:14-16; 3:6 The great divide threatening the first Christians was between Jew and Gentile, but the church was able to unite the two into one body in Christ.

D3 The church’s unity reflects the unity within the Trinity Ephesians 4:4-6 The unity of the church is built around the persons of the Trinity: one Spirit, one Lord, one Father. See also John 17:11; Romans 3:29-30; Romans 10:12-13; Galatians 3:27-28

D4 The church’s unity is the work of the Trinity Ephesians 2:16-18 See also John 11:52; Acts 10:45-47; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:22; Ephesians 4:3

D5 The purpose of the church’s unity

E1 To lead others to faith John 17:23 See also John 17:21

E2 To lead believers to maturity Ephesians 4:13

D6 The nature of the church’s unity Philippians 2:1-2 Emphasis is placed on an inner unity of mind and spirit rather than external uniformity. See also 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 2:2

D7 Appeals for unity in the church Ephesians 4:3 See also Romans 12:10; Romans 15:5, Romans 15:7; 1 Corinthians 12:25; Colossians 3:14; 1 Peter 3:8

D8 The church’s unity is expressed in fellowship

E1 Fellowship with God 1 Corinthians 1:9 See also 2 Corinthians 13:14; Philippians 2:1; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 1:3,

E2 Fellowship expressed by meeting together Acts 2:46 See also Acts 2:1, Acts 2:42; Acts 5:12; Acts 6:2; 1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:25

E3 Fellowship expressed through sharing resources Acts 2:44-45 See also Acts 4:32, Acts 4:34-37; Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:2-5, 2 Corinthians 13-14; 2 Corinthians 9:13; Philippians 4:14-18

E4 Fellowship through suffering Revelation 1:9 See also Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:7; Philippians 3:10; Philippians 4:14; Hebrews 10:33-34; Hebrews 13:3

E5 Fellowship through shared spiritual blessings 1 Corinthians 9:23 See also Romans 11:17; Philippians 1:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Peter 5:1; Jude 1:3

D9 Specific actions which express fellowship and unity in the church

E1 Sharing in the Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 See also Acts 2:46; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:33

E2 Baptism as an expression of unity Ephesians 4:4-6 See also 1 Corinthians 12:13

E3 Extending hospitality Acts 28:7; Romans 12:13; Romans 16:23; 1 Timothy 5:10; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 8

E4 Greeting one another Acts 18:27; Romans 16:3-16; 1 Corinthians 16:19-20; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:17

E5 Welcoming former opponents Acts 9:26-27; Galatians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 2:5-8

C3 Divisions in the church

D1 Causes of division in the NT church

D2 Personal ambition: Mark 9:34; Mark 10:35-41 pp Matthew 20:20-24

D3 Ethnic tension: Acts 6:1

D4 Differences of opinion: Acts 15:37-40; Philippians 4:2

D5 Troublesome heretical leaders: Romans 16:17; Jude 19

D6 Partisan spirit: 1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 1 Corinthians 6:1-6 litigation and disputes

D7 Greed: 1 Corinthians 11:18, 1 Corinthians 11:20-21; James 4:1-3

C4 Warnings against divisions in the church 1 Corinthians 1:10 See also Romans 12:16; Romans 16:17; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:31; James 4:11

D1 Acceptable differences in the church

E1 In secondary matters of conscience, Christians are to respect rather than judge each other. These things need not impair the essential unity that is in Christ: Romans 14:1-3, 5-6; 1 Corinthians 8:9-13

E2 In varieties of spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 1 Corinthians 12:14-25; Galatians 2:7

D2 Necessary divisions in the church

E1 Between the true gospel and heretical alternatives: 2 Corinthians 11:2-6, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Galatians 1:6-9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:16-19; 1 Timothy 4:1-6; 1 John 2:18-19; 2 John 9-11; Jude 1:18-20

E2 Between those truly committed to Jesus Christ, and those apparently part of the church but living sinful lives: 1 Corinthians 5:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:2-9; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Peter 2:1-3; Revelation 2:20, 24; Revelation 3:1, 4

E3 Over essential gospel principles: Acts 15:2, Acts 15:5-6, Acts 15:19; Galatians 2:11

1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Adam Clarke writes concerning this passage:

...they had these privileges that they might show forth the praises of Him who had thus called them; αρετας, the virtues, those perfections of the wisdom, justice, truth, and goodness of God, that shone most illustriously in the Christian dispensation. These they were to exhibit in a holy and useful life, being transformed into the image of God, and walking as Christ himself walked.

A Few Thoughts on Worship

Bible words

B1 Hebrew שָׁחָה which has the idea of bowing down (Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon) to a superior. It is recognizing the authority and position of another.

C1 Of people bowing before God: Genesis 22:5 NKJV And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.

C2 Of people bowing before a king: 1 Samuel 24:8 NKJV David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, "My lord the king!" And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed down.

B2 Greek: προσκυνέω proskynéō which has a similar idea.

C1 Literally to kiss the hand of a superior and/or to kneel before in greatest respect and acknowledgement of superiority.

C2 1 Corinthians 14:25 GNB their secret thoughts will be brought into the open, and they will bow down and worship God, confessing, "Truly God is here among you!"

C3 An example: Ephesians 3:14-15 GNB For this reason I fall on my knees before the Father,  15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. (The word worship is not here, but this is the action and attitude).

What is it

B1 Fellowship: 1 John 1:3 NKJV That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

C1 Why were we created? Answer: To have fellowship with God and serve Him forever.

C2 God does not need fellowship. God enjoys fellowship. The word “fellowship” in most of the verses below are translated “walk” in more literal versions. GNB is a commentary version.

D1 Noah: Genesis 6:9 GNB (9-10) This is the story of Noah. He had three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Noah had no faults and was the only good man of his time. He lived in fellowship with God.

D2 Enoch: Genesis 5:22 GNB After that, Enoch lived in fellowship with God for 300 years and had other children.

D3 Apostles: Matthew 20:17 GNB As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and spoke to them privately, as they walked along.

D4 Believers:

E1 Revelation 21:3-4 GNB I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: "Now God's home is with people! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God.  4 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.

E2 Isaiah 57:15 GNB "I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope.

E3 Micah 6:8 GNB No, the LORD has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.

E4 John 14:23 GNB Jesus answered him, "Those who love me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and my Father and I will come to them and live with them.

C3 As a shepherd, God leads us:

D1 John 10:4 GNB When he has brought them out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.

D2 Isaiah 40:10-11 GNB The Sovereign LORD is coming to rule with power, bringing with him the people he has rescued.  11 He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.

B2 In spirit and truth: John 4:23-24 WEL "But the time is coming, and now is, when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is looking for such as this to worship him. 24 "God is spirit, and for those who worship him, it is necessary to worship in spirit and truth."

C1 There is outward worship

D1 This worship is merely in form and ritual.

D2 It is described as

E1 Isaiah 29:13 (This is quoted in Matthew 15:8)

F1 Isaiah 29:13 NKJV Therefore the Lord said: "Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men.

F2 In another version: Isaiah 29:13 GNB The Lord said, "These people claim to worship me, but their words are meaningless, and their hearts are somewhere else. Their religion is nothing but human rules and traditions, which they have simply memorized.

C2 There is inward worship

D1 Reverence (often translated “fear”): Psalm 2:11 NASB Worship the LORD with reverence And rejoice with trembling.

D2 Holiness We have all sinned. We must confess them and ask forgiveness, then we can worship God. Psalm 96:9 NET Worship the LORD in holy attire! Tremble before him, all the earth!

D3 Our sacrifices

E1 In righteousness, that is, with right intent, motivation: Psalm 4:5 CSB Offer sacrifices in righteousness and trust in the LORD.

E2 Our bodies, that is, to live God’s way according to His rules and to honor and glorify Him: Romans 12:1-2 GW  Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you.  2 Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect.

E3 Our words: Hebrews 13:15 NRSV Through him, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.

E4 Our gifts of help: Hebrews 13:16 NRSV Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (We do this first for our own family, then our church family, then the greater church family around the globe, then others). (See also Philippians 4:18).

E5 Our prayers: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NRSV First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone,  2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.

E6 To preach the Gospel:

F1 John 20:21 GNB Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I send you.

F2 Matthew 28:19-20 NKJV Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

E7 To stand for the faith: Jude 1:3 NKJV Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

E8 To teach unbelievers what the Christian faith is and to teach believers good doctrine (what we believe and live): Matthew 28:20 GW Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. "And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.

B3 In faith: Hebrews 11:6 GNB No one can please God without faith, for whoever comes to God must have faith that God exists and rewards those who seek him.

C1 We have a reasonable, evidential faith, not blind faith.

C2 God gives the grace. Faith is an everyday occurrence.

C3 God is perfectly trustworthy: Psalms 9:10 GNB Those who know you, LORD, will trust you; you do not abandon anyone who comes to you.

C4 God is the only source of 100% truth: Titus 1:2 GW My message is based on the confidence of eternal life. God, who never lies, promised this eternal life before the world began.

C5 His love is enduring despite the trials, testings, and tribulations we face: Romans 8:37-39 GW The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.  38 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love which Christ Jesus our Lord shows us. We can't be separated by death or life, by angels or rulers, by anything in the present or anything in the future, by forces  39 or powers in the world above or in the world below, or by anything else in creation.

B4 By being alert, that is, not being in the silence: 1 Peter 5:8 GW Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour.

C1 Someone who is passive, bypassing their brain, and into the silence will be deceived, for they cannot decide what is true or false. Our ability to judge has been silenced as well.

C2 Demons, yes, the devil himself can appear to be light: 2 Corinthians 11:14 GNB Well, no wonder! Even Satan can disguise himself to look like an angel of light!

C3 Be alert to resist: James 4:7 NRSV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

C4 If not alert, awake, and active, will we be ready for Jesus’s coming?

D1 Matthew 25:13 NRSV Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

D2 Revelation 3:3 GNB Remember, then, what you were taught and what you heard; obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not wake up, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come.

C5 We may not be able to recognize and resist temptation: Matthew 26:41 GNB Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

C6 An example: Luke 12:35-36 GNB Be ready for whatever comes, dressed for action and with your lamps lit,  36 like servants who are waiting for their master to come back from a wedding feast. When he comes and knocks, they will open the door for him at once.

Revelation 4:9-11 GNB The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so,  10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,  11 "Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life.

Worship is not a repetitious exercise of rituals and formulas. These create a veil that actually prevents us from enjoying the presence of the Lord. Worship is the heart poured out in gratitude and awe, expressing our appreciation of who He is and what He has done for us by His grace through Jesus Christ—Dave Hunt