cover of episode Call to Worship
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Tim Keller 在这节讲道中深入探讨了诗篇 147 篇，解释了对敬拜的呼召。他指出，敬拜不仅仅是履行宗教仪式，更是对上帝的回应，是将我们灵魂的夸耀建立在对上帝的认识和爱之上。他分析了诗篇中关于敬拜的“做什么”、“为什么做”、“怎么做”以及“何时做”四个方面，并结合圣经其他章节和现实生活中的例子，阐述了敬拜的意义和重要性。他强调，敬拜上帝不仅合乎上帝的属性，也满足了我们内心的需要，帮助我们摆脱自我中心，体验上帝的美好和爱。他指出，上帝的不变之爱是基于祂的恩典，而非人的力量或行为，只有认识到这一点，才能真正将上帝视为爱人而非工具。最后，他鼓励听众持续参与敬拜，最终体验到上帝的美好和赞美。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

What is the main command in the call to worship according to Psalm 147?

The main command is to 'Praise the Lord' (hallelujah in Hebrew), which means to boast in Yahweh.

Why is praising God considered fitting and pleasant?

Praising God is fitting because it recognizes His beauty, which is essential to true worship. It is pleasant because it aligns with both God's nature and our own need for beauty to heal and satisfy our souls.

How does finding God beautiful transform our relationship with Him?

Finding God beautiful shifts our relationship from seeing Him as a business associate (useful) to seeing Him as a lover (beautiful). This transformation happens when we place our hope in His unfailing love rather than in our own strength or achievements.

What does the example of the kestrel teach about experiencing beauty?

The kestrel example shows that beauty can break us out of self-centeredness and anxiety, providing a momentary but profound liberation from our internal struggles.

Why does God delight in those who fear Him and hope in His unfailing love?

God delights in those who fear Him because they depend completely on Him and trust in His unconditional, covenant love (kesev), which is based on His grace, not human strength or morality.

How does the story of Jacob relate to the call to worship?

Jacob's life illustrates the struggle to find true blessing and significance, which ultimately leads to realizing that all we seek is found in God. His story reminds us that breaking through to true praise may take a lifetime, but God will ultimately lead us there.

What is the significance of God's promise in Hebrews 13:5?

God's promise, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you,' is significant because it is the only truly unconditional promise. It reassures us that His love is based on His grace, not our performance, and is fulfilled through Jesus Christ on the cross.

Why does the psalm refer to God's people as 'Jacob' rather than 'Abraham' or 'Isaac'?

Referring to God's people as 'Jacob' is humbling and comforting, reminding us that we are not perfect like Abraham or Isaac. It acknowledges our struggles and the lifelong process of learning to praise God fully.

How does the gospel help us see God as beautiful?

The gospel reveals God's beauty by showing His infinite cost to Himself in loving us unconditionally through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This transforms our view of Him from a useful fact to a beautiful, loving Savior.

What is the ultimate purpose of worship according to this sermon?

The ultimate purpose of worship is to recognize and ground our identity, confidence, and hope in God's love and beauty, which transforms us and aligns us with His glory.

Chapters
This chapter explores the meaning of the call to worship, focusing on Psalm 147. It examines what we are called to do (praise the Lord), why we are called to do it (because it is good, pleasant, and fitting), and what the Hebrew word 'hallelujah' truly signifies.
  • The call to worship is a command to 'hallelujah,' which means to boast in Yahweh.
  • Praising God is fitting because it reflects God's beauty and our deep need for it.
  • Finding God beautiful, not just useful, is essential for true worship.

Shownotes Transcript

Every week we gather for worship, and we move through the same order of service. But after a while, do we realize what we’re doing?

We’re going to look at each of the elements of our services, so we can understand them and catch ourselves when we’re going through the motions. This week let’s look at the call to worship: what does it mean to be called to worship? 

In Psalm 147, we can see 1) what we’re called to do, 2) why we’re called to do it, 3) how we’re called to do it, and 4) when we’re called to do it.

This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on August 24, 2008. Series: Liturgy: What we do in Worship. Scripture: Psalm 147:1-20.

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