Redeemer Sedro Woolley

Afternoon Service: The Regulative Principle of Worship

Redeemer Sedro Woolley

In our new afternoon service Pastor David teaches on the regulative principle of worship using selected scriptures and references to our church’s confession [2LBC, ch. 22].


» Definition of the Regulative Principle:

The church must only do what God has commanded in His Word—nothing more and nothing less.


» Scripture is sufficient:

2 Timothy 3:16-17


» Biblical Examples of Acceptable and Unacceptable Worship:

Exodus 20:3-6

Genesis 3:21, 4:5-7, 

Deuteronomy 12:29-32

Leviticus 10:1-2, 2 Samuel 6:6-7

Hebrews 12:28-29


» New Covenant Practice

John 4:24,

Acts 2:41-42, Hebrews 10:24-25


» Defining Elements & Circumstances

» Basic Elements

  • Reading Scripture (Luke 4:16-19, Acts 15:21, 1 Tim. 4:13)
  • Call to worship (Ps. 122:1, 95:1-3)
  • Benediction (Num. 6:24-27, 2 Cor. 13:14)
  • Preaching and teaching the Word (Acts 20:20, 27, Rom. 10:17, Eph. 4:11-14, 2 Tim. 4:1-2)
  • Prayer (Acts 2:42, 12:5, 1 Cor. 11:3-5, 16, 14:14-19, 1 Timothy 2:1-2a)
  • Congregational singing (Ps. 100:1-5, Matt. 26:30, 1 Cor. 14:15, 26, Eph. 5:18b-19, Col. 3:16)
  • Baptism (Matt. 28:18-20)
  • The Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7a, 1 Cor. 11:18, 26)


» Other Elements *(may include)

  • Offerings/Giving Financially to Support Ministry (Mal. 3:8-10, Mark 12:41-44, 1 Cor. 16:1-2, 2 Cor. 9:1-7)
  • Confession of Sin & Assurance of Pardon (1 Jn. 1:9-10, 2:1-2)


» Summary of distinctions:

Exodus 3:5, Isaiah 6:3-5


» Will-Worship

Colossians 2:23 *(KJV)


» Practical applications / Conclusion