In Spirit and In Truth
The Fundamentals of Biblical Worship
The Result of Biblical Worship: Transcendence
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is finding fulfilment through our communication with God. Of special note is the transcendence we experience as we engage in worship as God intends for us.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the result of worship as God intends.
- Feel: Value the growth and change we experience as we worship.
- Do: Apply the principles God provides for us to grow closer to Him.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. In the lesson, several perceptions of worship were listed as NOT being the result or goal of our worship. How should we view these and why?
We sometimes allow the world to influence our worship. We focus on external or environmental concerns such as: finishing on time, process over content by focusing on doing something well or right and focus on tangible items to measure (numbers of people, amount of contribution, etc.).
These are important and have a place, but these are not our goal. Our goal is to grow into who God wants us to be, faithful servants like Christ.
2. Explain the meaning of transcendence as it relates to spiritual growth and our relationship with God and our worship.
Transcendence means to go beyond what we consider normal or limiting. Note: Most limits are self-imposed due to a lack of understanding or misunderstanding. God provides us with the capacity for unlimited spiritual growth. We can and must continue to grow. See: Romans 12:1-2, II Peter 3:18, I Peter 2:2, I Corinthians 3:2.
As we grow spiritually, we become more Christ like and willing to serve God. It creates a possible cycle of spiritual growth; the closer our relationship the greater our joy, the more we grow.
3. Ask class members to share a time when they received new or additional insight when reading a passage of scripture. What was the new understanding and what was their reaction?
The intent of this question is the help us see these moments as transcendent experiences where we grow spiritually. Be willing to share an example of your experience in this area.
Look for responses where scripture hasn't changed but due to events or circumstances in life, we see a passage from a different viewpoint. Encourage participants to see these as opportunities to worship and search the Scriptures even more.
4. How does fear hold us back from transcendence?
There are many responses but a fear of going into something new or different commonly holds us back. Perhaps we're comfortable and reluctant to move beyond where we are. Intellectually, we know about God but must develop the emotional and spiritual elements of that relationship as well. Some are fearful to do this. There should never come a time in this life when we do not make an effort to grow spiritually.
5. Discuss how the following elements of submission that bring us to transcendence.
True obedience – This means obedience to what we know and are convinced of now. For example, God's true church as revealed in scripture (not denominations), God's plan for adding us to His Kingdom (belief, repentance, baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of our sins, faithful living).
True discipleship – This goes beyond faithful attendance to worship and other such activities. It means experiencing and helping others experience transcendence through seeing God living and acting in our lives. The purpose of discipleship is to bring others to Christ by seeing Him in us. This includes the initial teaching of the gospel and continued nurturing of their spiritual growth.
True living sacrifice – The cost of transcendence is to give oneself over completely to God. This especially includes separation from those things we hold precious and may be reluctant to give over to God. (See Matthew 22:37, Luke 14:25-33; Matthew 19:16-22).
6. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
We should eagerly desire transcendent moments in our spiritual growth. When we experience them they spur us on to seeking a deeper relationship with God. We should also eagerly desire to help others achieve these moments beginning with their initial understanding and acceptance of God's will for them to become His disciples and then to continue to grow spiritually.