Description
(Luke 14:1-14)
The Pharisees kept close watch on Jesus and even invited him to the house of a prominent Pharisee for dinner. As Jesus dined, he taught about the consequences and rewards of honor. In this particular parable, Jesus illustrated that there will always be someone more important than you. Instead of elevating yourself to a place of honor, sit with the humble and be like them. Invite those who cannot repay you to dine with you, join you in a bountiful banquet, and the Lord will reward you.
We Lift Our Hearts in Worship
[Preservice options include video countdowns, worship song videos, welcomes), CDs, or live music.]
Welcome & Time of Greeting
Time of Praise and Worship
Our God
Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Jonas Myrin, & Matt Redman, ©2010 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Said And Done Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Vamos Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) SHOUT! Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
I Will Lift My Eyes
Bebo Norman | Jason Ingram, ©2006 Appstreet Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Peertunes, Ltd. (Admin. by peermusic) Windsor Way Music (Admin. by peermusic)
Unashamed
Doug McKelvey, Jon Neufeld, & Tim Neufeld, ©2006 Birdwing Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) Fieldstar Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Songs Only Dogs Can Hear (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.)
[Traditional Options]
Arise, O Christian People
LSB 354
Christ is Made the Sure Foundation
BH91 356; CH 403; CHH 275; EH 518; ELW 645; HS98 865; HWC 276; HFG 557; LBW 367; LSB 909; NCH 400; PH 416,417; STTL 671; WC 699; UMH 559; WOV 747
Creator Spirit by Whose Aid
LBW 64; LSB 500; LW 167
Invocation
Pastor / Worship Leader
Welcome everyone to this place. We are honored that you chose this place of worship today. Whether you are young or old, you are welcome here. No matter your employment status, you are welcome here. Whether you are dressed up or just broke up, worn out or acting out, happy to be here or can’t wait for this to be over, here these words. We welcome you. The Lord welcomes you to come as you are.
Worshipers
We are here in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. We are here to worship the Lord.
Opening Prayer / Theme Introduction
Pastor / Worship Leader
Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, to you we pray.
Worshipers
We are humbled that you would even consider us.
Pastor / Worship Leader
You look past what we wear into the depths of our souls. You know us inside and out, everything about us, and you love us. Teach us to walk in the way of humility as you modeled for us on earth. Bring us to our knees before we stand. We’ve got a lot to learn as humans always do. We don’t want to stumble; we desire to be humble and follow after you. In Jesus’ name we worship and pray, amen.
Time of Confession and Forgiveness
[Alternate location: following Message]
Pastor / Worship Leader
More often than not, I find myself in a place desiring recognition, power, and success as defined by this world. I must admit that pride tempts me just like shiny gold or a sparkling jewel can steal the attention of the eyes.
Worshipers
We, too, admit that we are at fault. Pride creeps in, and we allow it to sit on the thrones in our hearts.
Pastor / Worship Leader
Father, we know that Satan fell because of pride. We confess this terrible sin of pride and surrender it to you.
Worshipers
God, we ask you to dethrone the pride in our hearts. We ask you to take Your rightful place as the Lord of All in our hearts now. Forgive us our sins.
Pastor / Worship Leader
We ask you to keep us humble through the power of your Holy Spirit. Counsel us, guide us, and keep us focused on the eternal prize in Heaven with You.
Worshipers
Thank you, Father. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the forgiver of sins, Amen.
We Hear God’s Word
[Read aloud both the introduction and Scripture]
First Reading Proverbs 25:2-10
When before a king, do not make yourself higher than you ought. Learn the place of humility.
It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. 3 As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable. 4 Remove the dross from the silver,
and a silversmith can produce a vessel; 5 remove wicked officials from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established through righteousness. 6 Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; 7 it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles. What you have seen with your eyes 8 do not bring hastily to court, for what will you do in the end if your neighbor puts you to shame? 9 If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, 10 or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.
