In what ways can we ensure our worship aligns with biblical instructions? Setting the Context – Numbers 9:3 “ ‘You are to observe it at the appointed time, at twilight on the fourteenth day of this month, in accordance with all its statutes and ordinances.’ ” The Passover command reminds Israel—and us—that worship is never a free-form activity. God Himself sets the time, manner, and meaning. Foundational Principles Drawn from Numbers 9:3 • God establishes the calendar: worship follows His timetable, not ours. • God specifies the content: “all its statutes and ordinances” leave no room for personal editing. • Obedience is the act of worship; precision in following God’s word is an expression of love (John 14:15). Principle 1 – Worship on God’s Schedule • Leviticus 23 outlines “appointed times” (Hebrew mo’ed). Meeting when God invites us acknowledges His authority. • Hebrews 10:25 encourages believers not to neglect gathering together. Aligning our schedules with His priorities honors Him first. Principle 2 – Worship According to God’s Pattern • Exodus 25:40: “See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” Pattern matters. • 1 Chronicles 15:13 shows disaster when David initially ignored God’s prescribed method for transporting the ark. Principle 3 – Reverence and Purity • Psalm 24:3-4 links clean hands and a pure heart with ascending God’s hill. • 1 Peter 1:15-16 calls us to holiness in every facet of life, including worship practices. Principle 4 – Christ at the Center • 1 Corinthians 5:7: “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Scriptural worship focuses on the finished work of Jesus, the fulfillment of every feast and ordinance. • Colossians 3:16-17 urges singing, teaching, and doing everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Principle 5 – Order and Edification • 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 stresses intelligibility, mutual edification, and orderly conduct: “everything must be done in a fitting and orderly manner” (v. 40). • Nehemiah 8:8 illustrates clarity in reading and explaining Scripture so people grasp and respond. Practical Ways to Align Our Worship Today 1. Examine the Calendar – Prioritize the Lord’s Day (Acts 20:7). – Prepare hearts beforehand, just as Israel prepared for Passover (Exodus 12:3-11). 2. Preserve the Pattern – Build gatherings around the apostolic essentials: Scripture, prayer, fellowship, the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). – Resist innovations that eclipse these core elements. 3. Cultivate Holiness – Regular self-examination (1 Corinthians 11:28). – Confession and reconciliation before offering gifts (Matthew 5:23-24). 4. Keep Christ Central – Songs, sermons, and sacraments should highlight His death and resurrection. – Guard against man-centered performance; magnify the Lamb. 5. Maintain Order for Edification – Plan but stay sensitive to the Spirit’s leading. – Ensure every participant understands and is built up by what transpires. 6. Teach the Whole Counsel – Regular expository preaching (2 Timothy 4:2) grounds worship in truth. – Link Old Testament patterns, like Passover, to their New Testament fulfillment. 7. Engage the Congregation – Encourage active singing, united prayer, responsive readings (Ephesians 5:19). – Foster accountability so the body helps each member stay true to Scripture. By letting God’s Word set the terms—its timing, content, and focus—we offer worship that pleases Him and nourishes His people, just as He intended when He spoke through Moses in Numbers 9:3. |
    |