How can we ensure our praise and worship are directed solely to God? Herod’s Sobering Example “On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people.” (Acts 12:21) • The crowd’s cry: “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” (v. 22) • Herod receives the worship instead of redirecting it to the Lord. • “Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down…” (v. 23) The scene is a vivid reminder that glory belongs to God alone and that misdirected praise has serious consequences. Core Lessons from Acts 12:21–23 • Praise is a spiritual transaction; accepting it wrongly provokes divine jealousy. • Leadership position or gifting never entitles anyone to receive worship. • God acts swiftly to defend His glory; He will not share it with another (cf. Isaiah 42:8). Scriptural Anchors for God-Centered Worship • Deuteronomy 6:13 – “Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only…” • Psalm 115:1 – “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory…” • John 4:23–24 – True worshipers “worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” • Revelation 4:11 – Heaven models perpetual, God-focused praise. Practical Steps to Keep Worship God-Focused 1. Prepare the heart • Begin every gathering by consciously exalting God’s character (Psalm 100:4). • Confess distracting pride, anxiety, or performance-mindedness (1 Peter 5:6-7). 2. Guard attitudes during praise • Sing to an Audience of One—measure sincerity, not applause (Colossians 3:23-24). • Choose lyrics that exalt God’s attributes and redemptive work. • Keep posture humble—raised hands, bowed knees, or quiet stillness that points upward, not inward. 3. Center teaching and testimonies on Christ • Filter every illustration through “What does this reveal about God?” • Celebrate fruit, but emphasize the Spirit’s power behind it (Acts 14:27). 4. Cultivate accountability • Invite trusted believers to speak up if spotlight drifts toward individuals. • Evaluate services: “Did everyone leave talking more about Jesus than musicians, speakers, or production?” When Praise Comes Your Way • Redirect immediately: “Praise God for what He has done.” • Acknowledge dependence: “Apart from Him I can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Privately lay any compliments before the Lord in thanksgiving, refusing to store them as personal glory. Living a Life That Shouts “Glory to God!” • Let worship overflow into daily obedience—serving, giving, forgiving (Romans 12:1). • Keep reminding the soul: every good gift is “from above” (James 1:17); ownership and credit belong to the Giver. • Anticipate the day when, like the elders in Revelation 4, we will cast every crown at His feet—eternal proof that all praise has always been His. |
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