“Guard Your Steps: Living a Life of Obedient Worship”
Summary
In this sermon, we delve into the teachings of Solomon from Ecclesiastes Chapter 5, focusing on the importance of fearing God and living a life of obedient worship. Solomon instructs us to guard our steps, approach God with humility, and offer not just words but actions that reflect our devotion. The sermon emphasizes the dangers of creating a God of our own making—one that aligns with our comfort, convenience, or compromises—and instead calls us to worship the true God as He has revealed Himself. Through examples and personal reflections, we are encouraged to listen before speaking, fulfill our vows to God, and fear Him by actively doing His will.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we have heard, we ask for hearts open to Your truth. Help us to set aside our preconceptions and desires, that we may truly understand and embrace who You are. Guide our discussion, that it may be fruitful and draw us closer to You. May we be attentive to Your voice and willing to act on the wisdom You impart. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Ice Breaker
If you could pick one word to describe your past week, what would it be and why?
Key Verses
- Ecclesiastes 5:1 (NIV): “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.”
- James 1:22 (NIV): “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Questions
- How does the concept of “guarding your steps” apply to your approach to worship and daily life?
- In what ways might we be tempted to create a God of our own making, and how can we resist this?
- What does it mean to you to “fear God,” and how does this fear influence your relationship with Him?
- How can we practice being quick to listen and slow to speak in our interactions with God and others?
- Can you share a time when you had to trust God outside of your comfort zone?
- What vows or commitments to God are you currently striving to fulfill?
- How can we ensure that our worship is not just a routine but a true act of humble obedience?
- Discuss the balance between fearing God and experiencing His love and grace. How do we hold these in tension?
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to “guard your steps” by consciously approaching every situation with an attitude of obedience and reverence for God. Before making decisions or taking action, take a moment to pray and listen for God’s guidance. Strive to live out your faith through tangible acts of service and love, reflecting the obedient worship that Solomon speaks of.
Key Takeaways
Title: Guard Your Obedience
Guarding our obedience means protecting our time with the Lord and ensuring our worship is genuine. It involves approaching God with a heart of humility and a willingness to listen before we speak. By doing so, we honor God with our true devotion rather than empty rituals.
Title: Listen Before Speaking
Solomon advises us to be silent before God and to listen. In our prayer life and worship, we should prioritize hearing from God over presenting our own agendas. This posture of listening first allows us to align our hearts with God’s will and respond accordingly.
Title: Fear God Through Action
Fearing God is not about being terrified but having a reverent awe of His majesty and authority. This fear should motivate us to live out our faith through actions that demonstrate our love and commitment to Him. It’s about being doers of the word, not just hearers.
Title: Worship the True God
We must resist the temptation to worship a God of our own making—one that suits our preferences or excuses our sins. Instead, we worship the true God who is revealed in Scripture, embracing His holiness, justice, and love as the foundation of our worship.
Ending Prayer
Lord Almighty, as we conclude our time together, we thank You for the wisdom imparted through Solomon’s words. May the discussions we’ve had resonate in our hearts and spur us to live lives of obedient worship. Help us to guard our steps, to listen for Your voice, and to act in fear and reverence of Your holy name. Strengthen us to fulfill our vows and commitments to You, and may our worship be pleasing in Your sight. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
