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Spirit-FilledTrue Worship
by J. Ross Greer of The Place of Grace Ministries (about the ministry)
[Note: If you'd like to read more from J. Ross Greer, be sure to subscribe to his daily e-mail list A Word For The Church.]
15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Next to the John 4 passage, the above verses are critical to our understanding of true worship, for we only truly worship when we are Spirit-controlled.
What is the will of the Lord? It is that we be constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit. What are the results of a Spirit-controlled life? The entire text focuses upon changed family and work relationships, but for our purposes, we center upon the change in our worship.
What is the word of Christ? Many say it is the Scriptures as a whole, but that is foreign to the context. In light of the instructions that precede this statement, perhaps it could be the command to love one another as Christ has loved us. Whatever it is, the outworking is the same in our worship.
When we are controlled by the word of Christ and His Holy Spirit, worship naturally flows from our grateful hearts through speaking and singing psalms (The Psalms), hymns (God's character), and spiritual songs (new songs that tell of His work in our lives). Our worship is directed to the Father, but we also teach and encourage one another through proclaiming that which is true about our God.
Copyright 2002, The Place of Grace Ministries. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
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About The Place of Grace Ministries: In 1992, God interrupted the well-organized life of J. Ross Greer through a study called "Experiencing God". This encounter birthed a passionate vision for local churches that has become The Place of Grace Ministries. Through teaching, music, and writing, we call believers to return to the basic principles of God's Word and participate in the work of God. For questions or scheduling information, please contact us at: theplaceofgrace@att.net Or visit our web site at: http://home.att.net/~theplaceofgrace/theplaceofgrace.html |
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