In John Chapman's sermon titled "From Redemption to Worship," the main theological topic revolves around the nature of worship as stemming from a profound understanding of redemption. He argues that true worship is a heartfelt response that arises from recognizing what God has accomplished for His people in Christ, particularly through the lens of Exodus 15, where Israel sings after being delivered from bondage. Key Scripture references include John 4:22-24, where Jesus emphasizes worshiping the Father in spirit and truth, and Exodus 15, which depicts Israel's song of praise following their deliverance. This sermon underscores the practical implication that genuine worship requires assurance of salvation and an understanding of Christ's redemptive work, which leads to authentic expressions of adoration and gratitude.
Key Quotes
“When we really understand what the Lord has done for us, who He is, and what He's done for us, then we really truly bow down and worship the Lord.”
“Worship is not in ignorance. Worship is born of knowledge. Knowledge of God, knowledge of Christ, and knowledge of ourselves, and knowledge of redemption.”
“Salvation is the complete work of Christ and we have nothing to do with it.”
“True worship flows from a heart assured of redemption, occupied with Christ alone, and walking in the power of the resurrected life of Christ while journeying through the wilderness to glory.”
True worship involves worshiping God in spirit and truth, as instructed by Jesus in John 4:24.
The Bible teaches that true worship is not dependent on location or ritual but is rooted in a heart relationship with God. Jesus, in John 4:24, states that 'God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.' This emphasizes that worship must align with a genuine understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. True worship cannot merely be a ritualistic act but must spring from a heart filled with love and devotion toward Christ, recognizing His work of redemption and grace in our lives.
John 4:24, Exodus 15:1-22
Understanding redemption is crucial for worship because it is the foundation that allows true worship to flow from a grateful heart.
Understanding our redemption in Christ is foundational to true worship. When we grasp the full extent of our salvation—from our bondage to sin to our freedom in Christ—we are moved to genuine worship. As mentioned in the sermon, 'true worship does not happen until we understand our full salvation in the Lord Jesus Christ.' Our salvation through Christ's sacrifice enables us to approach God with assurance, allowing us to truly offer our worship, knowing that we have been redeemed from the curse of the law and the power of sin. Hence, worship flows from a heart that acknowledges and is filled with the joy of salvation.
Romans 3:24, Hebrews 10:14, Exodus 15:2
Doubt can hinder our worship because it stems from unbelief about our relationship with Christ.
Doubt acts as a significant barrier to worship. It can lead to a lack of assurance in one's relationship with Christ, which impedes genuine worship. As the sermon points out, 'true worship is not going to come out of that kind of heart.' When one is plagued with doubt, they may question their love for Christ or their standing before Him, preventing them from entering into true worship. This doubt can be rooted in focusing too much on oneself and one's failures rather than on the completed work of Christ. Overcoming doubt requires looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, which cultivates a heart that is confident and ready to worship.
Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 73:1-2
We worship God in spirit and truth by centering our focus entirely on Christ and His redemptive work.
Worshiping God in spirit and truth involves a heart that is fully engaged and focused on Christ. It means laying aside all distractions, including our feelings and self-centered thoughts, and recognizing that our true worship is a response to who God is and what He has done for us. As stated in the sermon, worship should be entirely Christ-centered, devoid of any self-glory or personal experience. This approach requires us to dwell on His attributes, His sacrifices, and His ongoing work in our lives, which compels us to respond in gratitude and praise. When we shift our focus from ourselves to Christ, we enter into a deeper, transforming worship experience.
John 4:24, Exodus 15:1-22
Being complete in Christ means that through His work, we lack nothing in our redemption and relationship with God.
To be complete in Christ signifies that through His sacrificial death and resurrection, we have all we need for salvation and relationship with God. As emphasized in the sermon, 'He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.' This means that our standing before God is secure, as we are accepted in the Beloved and made righteous in Him. We cannot add to this perfection, nor do we need to. Recognizing our completeness in Christ allows us to worship freely, knowing that we are fully accepted, loved, and provided for. It liberates us from the burdens of doubt and self-effort, allowing our worship to be rooted in thankfulness for what He has accomplished.
Colossians 2:10, Ephesians 1:6
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