Sunday, March 19th

Have you ever wondered about the amazing effect of music? Music has the ability to move the human soul—to lift it somewhere beyond the present moment. Its transcendence is remarkable. But what does God say about music? What does the Creator of everything think about our musical creativity, and how does worship relate to all of this?

Work through the following Scriptures and questions on your own, and get together with your running partner, Life Group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What are your favorite types of music? What genre of music or particular artists seem to really “move” you?
2. Can you recall a time in your life when music brought you closer to others? What was the experience like? How do you think you might have similar experiences that could help build community with Christ-followers?
3. Read Psalm 86:9-10. This week we learned that we all have an “instrument” that can bring glory to God. What is a gift or skill you currently use or could use to show love to God and the people around you?
4. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12, 20-21, and 27. We heard in the message this week that although we may all have different gifts, they are all worthwhile. Have you ever been made to feel like your “instrument”/music/art/etc. didn’t matter or wasn’t valuable? What truths from God have helped/can help you overcome these negative messages?
5. Music has been referred to as a tool of communication. It is a universal language that builds connections and creates moments. How do you think music can play an important part in a faith journey?
6. Read John 4:23. Worship is not simply about music and singing. God wants us to be authentic in our worship, and there are many ways that we can display such authenticity. What are some ways you worship God? What are some steps you plan to take to expand the ways you worship and seek out a “life of worship”?

KEY SCRIPTURE

Psalm 86:9-10 — All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

1 Corinthians 12:12, 20-21, and 27 — There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ…As it is, there are many parts. But there is only one body. The eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!”….You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.

John 4:23 — But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.

DIGGING DEEPER

10 Ways to Worship Without Music

As we learn about what worship truly means, we will see that it does not only involve music. There are many aspects of our lives that can be worshipful.

Check out this on online article  that discusses this important topic further. It includes examples such as:

• Reading your Bible
• Having an attitude of thankfulness
• Tithing
• Serving Others

Spiritual Outcome — Worship God

Gateway’s Spiritual Growth Path offers a great opportunity for spiritual growth through studying God’s teachings. One spiritual outcome available on the Spiritual Growth Path that relates well with what we’ve been discussing in the current series is Worship God. In the exercises for this outcome, you will read through important passages of Scripture and answer questions such as, “Does Jesus inspire worship from you?” and “How do the actions of your life display worship of God?”