Steward Worship: Life and Death
Carrying Faith Forward
October 21, 2018
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Psalm 115 urges Christians to steward worship as a life-long practice—rejecting lifeless idols, living transformed by Christ’s grace, and preparing ourselves and our children to worship the living God who renews, blesses, and grants true freedom to follow him.
Summary
Using Psalm 115 as its foundation, the sermon challenges believers to expand their understanding of worship beyond a weekly gathering to a whole-life stewardship: we must avoid worshiping dead idols (which dehumanize and lead to spiritual death), acknowledge how easily we can chase emptiness like the prodigal, and instead trust the Lord who remembers and blesses his people. True Christianity is defined not merely by affiliation but by worshiping Jesus and being transformed by his grace; this transformation produces life, freedom to follow God's will, and a commitment to prepare and disciple the next generation so our worship here and now points toward our eternal calling.
Key Points
- Psalm 115 as the scriptural starting point: trust the Lord who is our hope, help, and shield
- Worship stewardship is whole-life, not only the 60–90 minutes of a service
- A Christian is someone who worships Jesus and is transformed by his grace, not merely a social or political label
- Idols are lifeless (have mouths but cannot speak); worshiping them makes us spiritually dead
- Many of us have chased empty pursuits (a 'chase after the wind'), but God can renew and restore—like raising dry bones
- Worshiping the living God brings life and true freedom to follow his will
- Practical stewardship includes preparing for worship, esteeming corporate worship, and training/discipling children and youth
- Our vocation is to worship, honor, and glorify Jesus now and into eternity
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