Francis Chan - The Obsession of the Devoted Worshipper

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of being devoted worshippers of God, consumed by a deep love and obsession with Jesus Christ. We are reminded that our gatherings should be about experiencing His presence, not just attending a performance or event. The church is called to produce individuals who crave intimacy with God, not just consumers looking for their next fix.

Key Scripture References

• Luke 10:27 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This verse emphasizes the depth of devotion required to love God, a standard that is often lacking in our modern church culture.
• Matthew 22:37-40 - Jesus responds to the expert's question about the greatest commandment by quoting Deuteronomy and emphasizing the importance of loving God with all one's being. This passage highlights the biblical standard for devotion to God.
• Deuteronomy 6:5 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." This verse is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 22, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of loving God, including one's emotions, will, and actions.
• Isaiah 6:3 - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." This passage highlights the awe-inspiring presence of God, which should be our greatest desire in worship.
• Psalm 42:1-2 - The psalmist expresses a deep longing to experience God's presence, saying "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God." This passage illustrates the kind of devotion and yearning that should characterize our worship.
• Psalm 119:36 - The psalmist prays, "Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain." This verse highlights the tension between being devoted to God's presence or being consumed by personal desires.

Key Takeaways

• We must recognize that our gatherings should be about experiencing God's presence, not just attending a performance or event. When we focus on the music, speakers, and entertainment, we miss the point of worship.
• The church is called to produce individuals who crave intimacy with God, not just consumers looking for their next fix. We must prioritize depth over breadth in our spiritual lives.
• Our devotion to God should be all-encompassing, including our emotions, will, and actions. We must love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
• We have lost sight of the biblical standard for worship, which emphasizes experiencing God's presence rather than being entertained or satisfied by human performances.

This Week's Challenge

Take time this week to reflect on your relationship with God. Ask yourself:

* What are my motivations for attending church gatherings? Am I seeking entertainment or intimacy with God?

* How can I prioritize depth over breadth in my spiritual life, focusing on experiencing God's presence rather than just consuming information or performances?

Pray that God would help you develop a deeper love and obsession with Him, leading to a more authentic and meaningful worship experience.

Reflection Questions

• What are some ways you can prioritize intimacy with God in your daily life, beyond just attending church gatherings?
• How do you respond when someone says they didn't like the music or speaker at church? Do you encourage them to seek a deeper connection with God, or do you focus on finding a more entertaining experience?
• What are some ways you can cultivate a sense of awe and wonder for God's presence in your life, remembering that He is holy, holy, holy?