The Object of Your Worship
Matthew 4:7-11

When writing of many American Christians, Gordon Dahl said that they:  “...tend to worship their work, to work at their play, and to play at their worship.  As a result...their lifestyles resemble a cast of characters in search of a plot.”
Gordon Dahl's quote suggests a picture of worship.  God is an audience of One!  We, the worshipers, are the cast.  Worship leaders, musicians and min­isters are the coaches.  The plot is the glory of God and his triumph and vic­tory.  The story line is human history.
The true worship of God is the highest goal of the Church.  From it flow the other aspects of the Christian life.  In worship we adore God and ascribe worth and value to him.
Scripture is central in preparing us to worship, teaching us the acts and character of God.  Then, what we experience in worship is its complement.  Our experience makes God's truth personal to us.

Reflection
In our worship, as in drama, symbols are frequently used.  Stylistic elements in form and music, both old and new, give the security of tradition or the freshness of new expression.  Each unique Christian brings his or her own needs, joys and aspirations to worship.  True worship is giving up to the Lord all that we are, all that we have, and all that demands our highest loyalty.  If you're not sure what demands your loyalty, ask yourself what it is that draws most of your time, resources, and attention.
In false worship, the object of worship is not worthy of our loyalty.  Men find it easy to affix loyalty to possessions and accomplishments.  It has been said, “The guy who dies with the most toys wins.” Accumulation, loyalty, and attention all speak of worship.

Accountability and Application
If you were standing before God, what would you say in honor or thanks­giving to him?  Take time now to say it out loud in your group or write it down.  What idols do you need to confront in your life?  Ask God to make you willing to let go.

PRAYER:   God, you are worthy.  Jesus Christ, I honor you.  Holy Spirit, thank you for indwelling me.  Let all my deepest loyalty be to you.  Pull me away from any distractions that prohibit me from worshiping.
Matthew 4 (English Standard Version)
The Temptation of Jesus
[1]Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.   [2]And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.  [3]And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."  [4]But he answered,  "It is written,

   "'Man shall not live by bread alone,
   but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
 [5]Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple [6]and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,

    "'He will command his angels concerning you,' and
   "'On their hands they will bear you up,
   lest you strike your foot against a stone.'"
[7]Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'"  [8]Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9]And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me." [10]Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan!  For it is written,

   "'You shall worship the Lord your God
   and him only shall you serve.'"
[11]Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.