SUMMER QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL 2013
THEME: “COME LET US WORSHIP THE LORD…”
Unit One: A Prophet’s View of Worship
Unit Two: A Priest’s View of Worship
Unit Three: A Plenipotentiary’s View of Worship
“COME LET US WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS”
Sunday School Lesson No. I – June 2, 2013
Presented by Rev. Frank A. Davis, III, Pastor-Teacher
Lesson Text: Isaiah 6:1-8
Required Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13
Motto Text: Isaiah 6:3, “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the
whole earth is full of his glory.”
Reliable Resources: Logos Bible Software; Union Gospel Press Expositor and Illuminator; Precepts for Living (UMI); Worship by A. P. Gibbs; The Outline Bible, H. L. Wilmington; Word Search 10 Electronic Library
INTRODUCTION
Beloved, we are now entering the “Worship Zone”…often mentioned on the lips of church attendees, but seldom truly reached in the place where we really should worship the Lord! A. P. Gibbs in his book entitled “Worship” gives the following quotes on the subject of worship: “Worship is the overflow of a grateful heart, under a sense of divine favor…Worship is the outpouring of a soul at rest in the presence of God...Worship is the occupation of the heart, not with its needs or even with its blessings, but with God.” Others share concerning worship: “Worship is to bow down; O. T. ideas of reverential attitude of mind or body or both giving adoration, obedience or service to God.”
According to Gibbs, worship is first mentioned by Abraham in Genesis 22. There are a handful of facts we can learn about it: “First, that worship is based on a revelation from God. See vv. 1-2.”
“Secondly, we discover that worship is conditioned by faith in, and obedience to that Divine revelation (v. 3).”
“Thirdly, we gather that worship involves a costly presentation to God (v. 2)… David realized this aspect of worship and declared: ‘Neither will I offer burnt sacrifices unto the Lord my God of that which dost cost me nothing.’ II Sam. 24:24.”
“Fourthly, we learn that worship necessitates a deliberate separation unto God. (v. 5).”
“Fifthly, we perceive that worship predicates the absolute renunciation of self, in all its varied forms.” Worship means the total denial of self. Read Luke 9:23, ‘…daily taking up the cross!’” Finally, Gibbs declares two more thoughts concerning Abraham and his worship…
“Sixthly, we are impressed with the fact that worship glorifies God. (vv. 16-18)
Lastly, we discern that worship results in blessing to the worshipper.”
Anticipated Power Points by H. L. Wilmington:
· “Vision. Isaiah 6:1-4
· Vexation. Isaiah 6:5
· Visitation. Isaiah 6:6-7
· Voice. Isaiah 6:8”
“COME LET US WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS”
LESSON EXPOSITION
I. The Vision of Holiness. Isaiah 6:1-4
After 52 years of prosperity and plenty during the years of King Uzziah, Judah and Isaiah saw the death of their king. The nation’s earthly throne was now vacant as Uzziah was dead. To whom would Judah now look for leadership and direction? The answer was truly revealed to Isaiah…Jehovah! But why did Isaiah see the Lord so clearly in the vision? More than likely, it was because the larger than life King Uzziah was so highly looked upon that people, even prophets, could lose sight of God because of human worth. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Surely, God’s holy, awesome presence has no rival. Verses 1b-3 dilutes any dependency on human beings. Truly the scene is totally awesome as the throne room of Jehovah is revealed: The description of Isaiah’s vision of Jehovah in the Temple mirrors Job’s vision in Revelation 4 – 5. There is no room for anyone else on God’s throne or to rival His authority!
Verse 2 describes the seraphim and their responsibilities. They appear to be similar to the four living creatures of Revelation 4:6 and the cherubim of Ezekiel 10:1ff according to John MacArthur. Furthermore, MacArthur references the six wings, four of which they used to show honor by covering their eyes, not to look upon the glory of Jehovah, and two to cover their feet in humility even while they served. Of the six wings, 2/3 of them were used for worship and reverent respect and 1/3 were used in the service of the Lord. What a lesson for us as we serve the Lord!
Holy, Holy, Holy is the antiphonal shout of their worshipful praise! It kept even these most holy, heavenly beings on point as they worshipped and served the Lord. Shouldn’t we do the same? Also, the triune declaration of holiness honors the triune God… “God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.” Heaven gives earth and the entire universe a picture of true worship and praise! Beloved, is that what our worship looks and sounds like on Sunday? Beloved, not only do the animate beings of Heaven worship, but even the doors, walls, and everything therein, move at the presence of the Almighty (vs. 4).
II. The Vexation of Holiness. Isaiah 6:5
When one is in the Divine presence of perfect holiness and light, it totally exposes the dimness of everything about it. Isaiah was undressed by the holiness of God and sought to confess his shortcomings and needs to be totally in line with the perfection of God!
III. The Visitation of Holiness. Isaiah 6:6-7
“If we confess our sins,…” I John 1:9. Isaiah’s confession brought God’s sanctifying visitation that cleansed his tongue for service. Surely He would do the same for us! God’s word is like a fire and He will empower His true prophets to represent Him. (Read Jeremiah 23:28-32).
IV. The Voice of Holiness. Isaiah 6:8
God calls and Isaiah could answer and go forth to speak the truth of God’s word, even though his hearers would be contrary to the way of the Lord (vv. 9-12). Beloved, because Isaiah dared to enter into the holy worship of Jehovah, he was given the privilege to serve the Lord in holiness!
Closing:
Let us lean on the great hymn of the Church that we may catch the vision, vexation, visitati’on and hear the voice of the Lord in worship and service. “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our soul shall rise to Thee; Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!”
Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA & Little Bethel Baptist Church, Amite, LA
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 19768, New Orleans, LA 70179 - Phone: (504) 486-7876
Website: www.thestudyhour.com (See and hear lesson taught via Video)
Radio Broadcasts: WLNO AM 1060, Saturday 8:30 a.m.; Sunday 5:30 a.m.
WHNO TV-Channel 20, Sunday, 6:30 a.m.
LOOKING AHEAD: June 9, 2013 Isaiah 12:1-6
Pastor Davis invites you to attend the Sunday School class that he teaches at Bibleway on Wednesdays at noon.