Worship
is as misunderstood a doctrine as any other within the church. Contrary to
popular belief, worship does not begin and end with the singing portion of the
church services. Worship is also not limited to only bowing in reverence before
God. To begin with, worship is only determined by God Himself, and not
everything we do is acceptable to God as worship just because we are sincere or
it makes us feel good.
is as misunderstood a doctrine as any other within the church. Contrary to
popular belief, worship does not begin and end with the singing portion of the
church services. Worship is also not limited to only bowing in reverence before
God. To begin with, worship is only determined by God Himself, and not
everything we do is acceptable to God as worship just because we are sincere or
it makes us feel good.
Hebrews 12:28 tells us that we must “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly
fear” (NKJV). The Greek word translated “serve” here is a form of the word
“worship” and is used 21 times in the New Testament in the contexts of service
and worship. Another form of the word “worship” is the Greek word therapeuo—from
which we get the English word “therapy”—and this is most often seen translated
“heal” in reference to the healing of others. In the New Testament,
this word is seen in every case of Jesus’ healings.
fear” (NKJV). The Greek word translated “serve” here is a form of the word
“worship” and is used 21 times in the New Testament in the contexts of service
and worship. Another form of the word “worship” is the Greek word therapeuo—from
which we get the English word “therapy”—and this is most often seen translated
“heal” in reference to the healing of others. In the New Testament,
this word is seen in every case of Jesus’ healings.
Other
Greek words translated “worship” are prokeneuo meaning “paying homage” (1 Corinthians 14:25), sebazomai, meaning “to render religious
honor” (Romans 1:25), and sebomai meaning “to revere or adore” (Acts 16:14). We see this same word used by Jesus to describe the vain,
hypocritical worship of God (Matthew 15:9), leading us to the conclusion that not all “worship” is acceptable to
God.
Greek words translated “worship” are prokeneuo meaning “paying homage” (1 Corinthians 14:25), sebazomai, meaning “to render religious
honor” (Romans 1:25), and sebomai meaning “to revere or adore” (Acts 16:14). We see this same word used by Jesus to describe the vain,
hypocritical worship of God (Matthew 15:9), leading us to the conclusion that not all “worship” is acceptable to
God.
But true biblical worship is to be first and
foremost reverent (Hebrews 12:28). This means it is to be done with the understanding of who it is being
worshiped. God is holy, just, righteous, perfect, powerful, loving, wrathful
etc. Those who wish to worship biblically must worship God as He is revealed in
Scripture. Second, we must worship in truth (John 4:24). This means that it needs to line up according to the truths in
Scripture. Adding our own version of worship and “expressing ourselves” is not
true worship if it does not accord with the Word of God. Personal expressions
of worship are not indicated anywhere in Scripture and can lead to activities
that are not God-honoring. Third, true worship is worship in Spirit. Because
God is Spirit, true worship is a pure, holy, spiritual worship, the offering of
the soul and the homage of the heart rather than merely that of the lips.
Finally, true worship will always produce a change in the heart of the
worshipper, causing a greater desire to love and obey the God we worship. If
worship does not propel us into greater obedience, it isn’t worship. Unless we
come out of it with a greater commitment to obedience, it isn’t worship. Jesus
said those who love Him will keep His commandments. If we say we love and
worship Him, but do not obey Him, our worship is worthless.
foremost reverent (Hebrews 12:28). This means it is to be done with the understanding of who it is being
worshiped. God is holy, just, righteous, perfect, powerful, loving, wrathful
etc. Those who wish to worship biblically must worship God as He is revealed in
Scripture. Second, we must worship in truth (John 4:24). This means that it needs to line up according to the truths in
Scripture. Adding our own version of worship and “expressing ourselves” is not
true worship if it does not accord with the Word of God. Personal expressions
of worship are not indicated anywhere in Scripture and can lead to activities
that are not God-honoring. Third, true worship is worship in Spirit. Because
God is Spirit, true worship is a pure, holy, spiritual worship, the offering of
the soul and the homage of the heart rather than merely that of the lips.
Finally, true worship will always produce a change in the heart of the
worshipper, causing a greater desire to love and obey the God we worship. If
worship does not propel us into greater obedience, it isn’t worship. Unless we
come out of it with a greater commitment to obedience, it isn’t worship. Jesus
said those who love Him will keep His commandments. If we say we love and
worship Him, but do not obey Him, our worship is worthless.
True
biblical worship of the one true and living God is to be a lifestyle, not a
moment in time (1 Corinthians 10:31). Just as they will be in eternity, our lives now
are to be lives of total worship of God. When we eat, sleep, work, serve, and
live from sunup to sundown, all that we do is to be in a spirit of worship of
God. We are not to offer temporary, experience-oriented worship on Sunday, and
then lead a secular life the rest of the week. True worship is offered to God
from the depths of our inner being in praise and prayer, in song, in giving,
and in living, but always based upon His revealed truth.
biblical worship of the one true and living God is to be a lifestyle, not a
moment in time (1 Corinthians 10:31). Just as they will be in eternity, our lives now
are to be lives of total worship of God. When we eat, sleep, work, serve, and
live from sunup to sundown, all that we do is to be in a spirit of worship of
God. We are not to offer temporary, experience-oriented worship on Sunday, and
then lead a secular life the rest of the week. True worship is offered to God
from the depths of our inner being in praise and prayer, in song, in giving,
and in living, but always based upon His revealed truth.
