October 6, 2019
Before We Worship
The noted Old Testament scholar Derek Kidner sums up the teachings of Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 in this way:
“Whereas the prophets hurl their invective against the vicious and the hypocrites, this writer’s target is the well-meaning person who likes a good sing and turns up cheerfully enough to church; but who listens with half an ear, and never quite gets round to what he has volunteered to do for God. Such a man has forgotten where and who he is; above all, who God is. The reiterated word fool(s) is scathing, for to be casual with God is an evil (1), a sin (6) and a provocation which will not go unpunished (6b)…No amount of emphasis on grace can justify taking liberties with God, for the very concept of grace demands gratitude; and gratitude cannot be casual…Two proverbs drive home the point by linking the chatter of fools to the unreality of dreams. The link is a little elusive in verse 3, but less so in verse 7 where the dreams appear to be daydreams, reducing worship to verbal doodling. Verse 3 seems to mean that, by its very quantity, an excess of talk is bound to throw up folly, just as an excess of business ends in troubled dreams. Such a saying confronts us with the fact that fools are not a fixed type, but people behaving in a certain way. In the context of worship, that way is to pour out a stream of pious phrases which trifle with our Sovereign (2) and outrun our actual thinking and intending.”
Kidner’s words are wise and sobering. And they are especially well-suited to modern Christians who are nothing less than militant about being casual. We come to worship with casual attitude, sit through the duration of it with casual attitude, and leave with a casual attitude. We come to worship without much forethought or preparation. We half-participate in worship without much serious attention. And we leave without serious resolve to change. We trifle with God because we just don’t take him seriously.
Worship, however, is the most important and serious thing we will do all week. Indeed, it is the most significant thing we will do in our entire life. Worship, in other words, requires our most thoughtful anticipation, our most alert participation, and the most serious reflection upon its completion, so as not to make the words we have prayed and said during the worship service the vain babblings of a fool.
Let us grow in wisdom. For God takes no pleasure in the worship of fools. But to those who will draw near to listen, and to obey, God will give grace upon grace.
Call to Worship
‡ Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 (p. 555)
‡ Trinity Hymnal #642 “Be Thou My Vision”
‡ Trinity Hymnal #731 “Doxology”
Prayer of Invocation
The Reading and Exposition of the Law
Mathew 13:1–9, 18–23 (p. 818)
The Shorter Catechism Qs. 88–90
Prayer of Confession
The Proclamation of the Gospel
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV)
Trinity Hymnal #247 “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
Presentation of Gifts and Offering
Pastoral Prayer
The Proclamation of God’s Word
1 Peter 1:3–5 (p. 1014)
Bless God
Rev. Ken Han
The Sacrament of The Lord’s Supper
We participate in the Lord’s Supper weekly. We welcome to the Lord’s Table all baptized believers who have sincere faith in Jesus Christ, and regularly worship in a Reformed or evangelical church.
The Lord’s Supper is a sign and a seal of the new covenant blessings. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper with faith, it strengthens our bond with our covenant Lord, Jesus Christ. Thus we participate properly when we come to our Savior with faith and repentance as we renew our resolve to forsake sin and live for his glory.
The Lord’s Supper also renews our bonds with God’s covenant community, the body of believers in the local church. As we receive the Lord’s Supper, we renew our pledge to give ourselves away in loving service.
During the distribution of the bread we will sing TH #607 “Thy Loving-kindness, Lord, Is Good and Free” stanzas 1–2, and stanzas 3–4 during the distribution of the cup.
Trinity Hymnal #345 “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”
Benediction
+++
Growth Resources
Family Devotion for the Week
The September 22, 2019 sermon, John 1:14–18. “The God of Truth” is available on our church website. You can also catch up on older sermons from our Sermon page and subscribe to sermon podcast here.
Upcoming Events and Notices
Join us for “12 for 19” as we read 12 great books in the year 2019. In October we will read Barbara Duguid, “Extravagant Grace: God’s Glory Displayed in Our Weakness”.
October 6 (Lord’s Day): Catechism lessons for adults (Qs. 88–90) and children (Qs. 3–5) will meet after the worships service.
October 13 (Lord’s Day): Please join us for our monthly fellowship meal.
October 20 (Lord’s Day 6PM): Please join us for a time of devotion and fellowship. Also October 27, November 3, 17, 24. Please let pastor Ken know if you are able to host one (or more) of the meetings.
October 26 (Saturday 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM): All men are invited for a time of fellowship and prayer. Please let pastor Ken know if you would like to host this meeting.
Nursery Volunteers
October 6: TBA
October 13: TBA