“Things I Learned About Worship At The Gym” (Ready to Worship S16E7)

November 25, 2022

Host: Wade Webster | Released Friday, November 25, 2022

This season on Ready to Worship, we are discussing some things that we have learned or can learn about worship from the gym. I am convinced that in just a short time, we will all be in better shape for worship. In the first lesson, we noticed that we usually feel better afterwards. In the second lesson, we noticed that going helps us make better choices. In the third lesson, we noticed that it is about growth and not about comparison. In this lesson, we will see that worship meets a number of needs.

People go to the gym for a host of reasons. Some are trying to get into better shape. Others are trying to prevent illness and injury. Some are trying to relieve stress. Others are trying to improve balance and coordination. Some are trying to keep their heart healthy. Others are maintaining fitness. Some are rehabbing an injury. Others are toning and fine tuning. Some are receiving instruction and guidance. Others are targeting trouble areas. Finally, some are building muscle.

Just as a number of physical needs are met at the gym, a number of spiritual needs are met at worship. Some need to get into shape spiritually. They have looked into the mirror of God’s word and do not like what they see (Jam. 1:25). They are determined to change and to get back into shape spiritually (Rev. 2:5). Others are being proactive. They are trying to prevent illness and injury. They are trying to stay in good spiritual health. The psalmist declared, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11; cf. Prov. 4:23). Some need to relieve stress. They are casting their burdens and cares on Christ. David wrote, “Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psa. 55:22; cf. 1 Pet. 5:7). Others just need to maintain. They are in good shape spiritually. In Titus, Paul wrote, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men” (Tit. 3:8). Some have been injured by their own actions or by the actions of others. They need to rehab an injury (Jer. 30:17). Others need further instruction and guidance (Mt. 11:29; 1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Cor. 11:1). Some need help with trouble areas. For example, some of the Hebrew saints were in need of endurance. We read, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36). Others need to make minor adjustments. They need to go on to perfection or completion. In the book of Hebrews, we read, “Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God” (Heb. 6:1). Finally, some are simply trying to get stronger. To the saints at Ephesus, Paul wrote, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:10-13).

As we get Ready to Worship this week, let’s keep in mind the various needs of worshippers. God designed worship to meet our needs and to exalt His name.