Sermon on Psalm 95 Come Let Us Worship

Come Let Us Worship: A Call to Reverence and Obedience

Introduction:

We gather in the presence of our Almighty God to lift up our voices in worship and praise. As we enter into this sacred time, let us heed the invitation found in Psalm 95:1-2, which says, "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

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In the verses that follow, we will explore the significance of worship, recognizing the greatness of God as our Creator, exhorting one another to obedience and reverence, and reflecting on the importance of heeding His voice. May our hearts be stirred to worship Him in spirit and in truth, as we honor and glorify His holy name.

1: Invitation to Worship and Praise God (Psalm 95:1-2)

The psalmist extends a heartfelt invitation to worship and praise God in verses 1-2: "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

Worship is not merely a duty but a privilege and a delight. It is an expression of our love and gratitude towards the One who has redeemed us and sustains us. Let us approach God with joy and thanksgiving, lifting our voices in songs of praise and adoration.

2: Recognition of the Greatness of God as Creator (Psalm 95:3-5)

Verses 3-5 remind us of the greatness of God as our Creator: "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land."

As we worship, let us acknowledge God's sovereignty and power over all creation. He is the one who formed the earth and all that is in it, and He reigns supreme over the heavens and the earth. May our worship be filled with awe and reverence for the One who holds all things in His hands.

3: Exhortation to Obedience and Reverence to God (Psalm 95:6-7a)

The psalmist exhorts us to obedience and reverence towards God in verses 6-7a: "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."

True worship involves not only outward expressions of praise but also inward attitudes of humility and reverence. Let us bow down before the Lord, acknowledging His lordship over our lives and submitting ourselves to His will. He is our God, and we are His people, entrusted to His loving care.

4: Worship in Recognition of God’s Leadership (Psalm 95:7b-8)

Verse 7b-8 calls us to worship in recognition of God's leadership: "Today, if only you would hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness."

Our worship should be characterized by a willingness to heed God's voice and follow His guidance. Just as the Israelites hardened their hearts and rebelled against God in the wilderness, we are warned not to make the same mistake. Let us open our hearts to God's leading and respond in obedience and faith.

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5: The Warning against Hardness of Heart (Psalm 95:8-9)

Verses 8-9 serve as a warning against hardness of heart: "Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested me; they tried me, though they had seen what I did."

The psalmist recalls the rebellion of the Israelites in the wilderness, who doubted God's faithfulness and provision despite witnessing His miraculous deeds. Let us guard against hardness of heart and unbelief, lest we fall into the same trap of disobedience and rebellion. May we instead cultivate hearts that are tender and responsive to God's voice.

6: Remembrance of God's Judgments and Wonders in the Wilderness (Psalm 95:10-11)

In verses 10-11, the psalmist reminds us of God's judgments and wonders in the wilderness: "For forty years I was angry with that generation; I said, 'They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known my ways.' So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'"

The Israelites' disobedience and unbelief resulted in God's judgment, as He swore that they would not enter His rest. Let us learn from their example and heed God's warnings, remembering His faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of our trials and struggles.

7: Invitation to Reflection and Obedience Today (Psalm 95:7)

The psalmist extends an invitation to reflect on God's voice and respond with obedience in verse 7: "Today, if only you would hear his voice: 'Do not harden your hearts.'"

Today is the day of salvation, the opportune moment to heed God's voice and align our lives with His will. Let us not delay or procrastinate but instead, let us listen attentively to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and yield our hearts in obedience to God's commands.

8: The Importance of Obeying the Voice of God (Psalm 95:8)

Verse 8 emphasizes the importance of obeying the voice of God: "Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah, as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness."

The psalmist warns against the dangers of hardening our hearts and resisting God's voice, recalling the rebellion of the Israelites in the wilderness. Disobedience leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from God's presence. Let us instead cultivate soft and responsive hearts, eager to obey God's voice and walk in His ways.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the invitation to worship and praise God found in Psalm 95, may our hearts be stirred to respond with humility, reverence, and obedience. Let us approach God with joy and thanksgiving, acknowledging His greatness as our Creator and Shepherd. And let us guard against hardness of heart, remembering the lessons of the past and remaining steadfast in our faith.

May our worship be pleasing to God, as we bow down before Him in spirit and in truth, offering Him the praise and adoration that He deserves. And may we continue to heed His voice and follow His guidance, trusting in His faithfulness to lead us into His rest.