Undignified - Part 2

True worship extends far beyond mere praise, requiring complete surrender to a holy and awesome God. While praise acknowledges God's actions, worship focuses on His very nature and demands our total submission. Many believers struggle with authentic worship due to concerns about dignity, vulnerability, or social perception. Understanding God's overwhelming holiness helps us realize that approaching Him is only possible through Jesus Christ, leading to a deeper, more genuine form of worship that transcends our comfort zones.

Key Verses:

2 Samuel 6:21-22, Romans 5:8, Luke 7:37-38, Luke 8:43-48, Isaiah 66:1

Key Takeaways:

Praise is for what God has done, while worship is for who God is.

God's holiness is all-consuming and we can only approach Him through Jesus.

Dignity that inhibits praise is sin.

Familiarity with God's presence can lead to losing our sense of awe.

We don't get to choose how to worship God - He has outlined it in Scripture.

Reflection Questions:

What's the difference between praise and worship according to the sermon?

How has our modern understanding of the word 'holy' been diminished, and why does that matter?

Why do you think men especially struggle with being expressive in worship?

How can dignity become a barrier to authentic worship?

What does the story of the woman with the issue of blood teach us about approaching Jesus?

In what ways have we become too familiar or comfortable with God's presence?

How do you typically express your worship to God, and what holds you back from being more expressive?

What steps can we take to regain our sense of awe in God's presence?

Practical Application:

This week, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone in worship. Whether it's raising your hands, kneeling in prayer, or singing out loud, choose one way to express your praise to God that you normally wouldn't do because of dignity or fear of what others might think.