RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 6 September 2020 – Lesson 1
TOPIC: Praise And Worship [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 6 September 2020]
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MEMORY VERSE: “And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped.”. – 2 Chronicles 29:30b
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 95:1-6 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 6 September 2020)
1 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
3 For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
INTRODUCTION: Generally people view worship as slow and melodious songs that often requires the closing of eyes and lifting of hands in reference to God. While praise is considered as singing of songs, usually fast ones and dancing to God. However, these two words mean more than just singing, dancing, or raising of hands. Praise and worship have many things in common but they are not exactly the same. Understanding these two concepts can take us to a new realm in our relationship with God.
LESSON OUTLINES
- Praise And Worship Described
- Praise And Worship Compared
1. PRAISE AND WORSHIP DESCRIBED
There some Hebrew words in the Bible translated as PRAISE one is “Yadah” meaning: Praise (Gen. 29:35), give thanks (Psalm. 18:49), or confess (1Kings 8:35).” Another is “Zamar” meaning sing praise (Psalm 9:2; 92:1). The third is “halal” (the root of Hallelujah), meaning of praise, honor, or commend (Psalm 18:3; 150:6). This is also “barak” meaning to bless (Psalm 103:1-2). All this terms contain the idea of giving thanks and honor to one who is worthy of praise. In the Greek language, praise takes it’s root from the word “aineo” meaning to praise (Luke 2:13), and from “doxa” to give glory (Luke 17:18). Praise is the expression of one’s gratitude and respect towards the deity, especially in songs. Hence, Christian praise can be defined as the expression of gratitude and respect towards God, especially in songs (1Chro. 16:23-25). Praise is the joyful recounting of all God has done for us (Psalm 48:1-2; 100:1; 2Chro. 29:30). Praise is a prescription of God’s “Righteous” People (Psalm 22:23; 33:1) in fulfillment of their vows to their maker (Psalm 61:8). Praise is a good means of letting the world know about the greatness of God (Psalm 145:11).
The Hebrew word of worship is “Shachah” which means “to bow low or to prostrate oneself” (Gen. 18:2; Exodus 34:8; Psalm 29:2). The Greek word that is most often translated as worship in the New Testament is know as “proskunao” which means to “Fall down before or bow down before” or “to kiss like a dog licking his masters hand or to prostrate oneself in homage or reverence (John 4:25; Revelation 22:9; Matthew 2:11). To worship is to show reverence and adoration for a deity. Christian worship therefore, is an expression of reverence and adoration for God (Psalm 95:6-7, 89:7). It is usually the solemn acknowledgement and appreciation of the personality of God (Psalm 100:3). True worship is an attitude of the heart (Matthew 15:8-9; John 4:23-24). A person can go through the outward motions and not be worshiping (Psalm 51:16-17; Matt. 6:5-6). Therefore, to truly worship God, we must let go of ourselves. We must be be willing to humble ourselves before God and surrender every part of our lives to His control (2 Sam 7:18)
2. PRAISE AND WORSHIP COMPARED
Praise is part of worship and both are complementary in fellowship with God (Psalm 66:4) However there is a thin line between PRAISE and worship. Praise is ‘opening up’ (Psalm 100:4). Worship is ‘entering’ in (Psalm 86:9). Praise is ‘boldly declaring’ (Psalm 107:22). Worship is ‘humbly bowing’ in the presence of God (Psalm 95:6). Praise applauded what God has done (Isaiah 25:1), worship is honours God for who He is (Psalm 29:2). Worship should be reserved for God Alone (Luke 4:8; Matt 4:8-10) While praise can be given to anyone (1Sam 18:7-8). Just as praise is intertwined with thanksgiving, worship is intertwined with surrender (Psalm 30:12; 79:13). Praise as well as worship is a lifestyle, not just an occasional activity (Hebrew 13:15).
CONCLUSION: Praise and worship are part of the common goal of getting close to God, As we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8).
QUESTION:
- Describe praise and worship from your own understanding.
- What are the similarities and difference between praise and worship?
ASSIGNMENT: List five (5) differences between praise and worship.
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
