Do Not Harden Your Hearts

What this episode covers

The bulk of our passage this morning is a direct quote from Psalm 95. That psalm opens with a familiar call to worship. We’ve used it several times to open our own worship service. Psalm 95:1 ESV Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Some bible scholars suggest that this psalm was liturgical and frequently used during the preamble of the service. So, as the author begins to quote a portion of the psalm, the context of the entire psalm would have readily come to mind. Jesus is superior! He’s greater than the angels (Heb 1-2). He’s the better apostle, worthy of more glory than Moses (Heb 3:3). Speaking of Moses; he led a rebellious generation in the wilderness for forty years. Make sure you don’t have that same unbelieving heart in you! To walk by faith is to fight against the tendency to go astray. Read Hebrews 3:7-12. The Spirit of Worship (7a) The Holy Spirit spoke through the psalmist (Psalm 95:7-11). Yet, we will also see in Hebrews 4:7, the author will attribute this same passage to David. So which is true? Did the Holy Spirit write it or David? There is an important hermeneutical principle for us to take to heart. We should consider the situation of the author and the original audience because it helps to understand the specific scenario that brought about these words. However, we never want to read the bible in such a way that the words are completely detached from our own situation. All scripture is profitable for all believers in all times (2 Tim 3:16-17). The first chapter of the Westminster Confession of Faith attests God’s revealing of himself in a general way through creation, but it goes on to recognize the need for special revelation “which is necessary unto salvation.” That special revelation was accomplished through diverse means (prophecy, Urim and Thummim, casting lots, etc.), but eventually and primarily—the Lord saw fit to write it down “for the better preserving and propagating of the truth.” Some of our children who know their catechism will be familiar with this. Q. 15. Who wrote the Bible? A. Holy men who were taught by the Holy Spirit . When the word of God was written down, it was done by men who were guided by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21 ESV For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Since we know that the Holy Spirit is the author, we know that the word of God is perfect; it’s infallible, and inerrant. Any perceived conflict or contradiction between the human authors is just that, a perception. Errors in the bible have no basis in reality, because to suggest such a thing is to admit that God makes mistakes. It suggests that there is some authority or rule above God that judges him to be lacking integrity. We can also know with complete confidence that this psalm has relevance to us today. The Holy Spirit continues to speak to us through the word of God. Worship God in Spirit and Truth This passage was given in order to justify our worship. We should worship God because we belong to him. Worship is not defined by a physical posture, or a particular frame of mind, or a condition of the heart. Worship incorporates our whole person (body, soul, and spirit). It engages our mind and our affections. The word of God speaks to the heart of God’s people and we respond with hearts that are softened by the Holy Spirit. Communion with God—whether in song or prayer or meditation—is, as the psalmist says, deep calling to deep (Ps 42:7). When Jesus explained worship to the woman at the well, he gave the all-important qualification. John 4:24 ESV God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” › When we worship God according to his will, our hearts will be engaged… The Heart of Worship (7b-11) As we have done previously, we should consider the context of the whole psalm, since

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