STUDY No. 39 - THE NATURE OF WORSHIP

Worship is an act of adoration strictly due to GOD alone. Idolatry consists of transferring of that worship to the creature which is due only to the Creator.

Public worship, where it has not degenerated into mere forms of mindless emotion, is both the Christian's privilege and responsibility. It enlivens devotion, promotes zeal, affords opportunity to receive instruction and obtain consolation. It consists of confession, repentance, praise, prayer and thanksgiving, and other often missing factors.

There has been a growing tendency in some churches to emphasise the praise in the 'songs and choruses' aspect of worship, but it should be remembered that there are other parts (as stated above) as well.

Read carefully:

 2 Chronicles 6  Matthew 6: 1-15
1 Corinthians 11: 23-34
  Hebrews 10: 19-25

THE QUALIFICATIONS AND INVITATION TO WORSHIP

Only priests can worship (1 Peter 2:1-5). Those who are spiritually dead are not able to worship (Ephesians 2:1-10). True Christians however are called priests (see Hebrews 10:19-22 and Revelation 5:10).

THE OBJECT OF OUR WORSHIP

John 4:23 tells us clearly WHO we are to worship. Notice the relationship. Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed to Whom? (John 17:1-3 and Matt 11:25, 26). Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray...
"Our Father which art in heaven..."
There are however occasions in Scripture when we see our Lord Jesus Christ being called upon or praised (Acts 9: 5 and Acts 7: 59, 60).

THE INSPIRER OF OUR WORSHIP

This is of course the Holy Spirit Himself. (Phil. 3: 3).
It is the Holy Spirit who aids our worship, our praise and our prayers. (Romans 8: 26, 27).

He alone can move us to pray, praise and worship according to the will of God. He will always encourage that worship which is acceptable to God. (John 4: 23, 24). The highest acts of worship are found often in silence between the Lord and a believer - when ALONE.
Consider some reasons why this is true!

THE PLACE AND MANNER OF WORSHIP

Many think of a special building as the only suitable place for worship. Whilst this can be of help to some, in actual fact we can worship anywhere. It must however be "within the veil" (see Hebrews 9:1-14).

The IMPORTANT THING is to recognise we are in the presence of GOD (Ecclesiastes 5:  1-7 and Revelation 7: 11& 8: 1). Sometimes the worship of a company is best expressed in holy silence, perhaps after the singing of a devotional hymn.

The tendency in some gatherings to sing the same chorus many times or encourage freedom to clap, stamp or even dance can appeal to "the flesh" and stir emotions, even manifestations which are not pleasing to God. The more we really respect a person, the less likely we are to become unduly familiar or noisy in their presence.

Do we raise our hands, clap them, place hands together or hold each others' hands?
See:

Psalm 63: 4
Psalm 47: 1
1 Timothy 2: 8

Do we start a chorus, make occasional comments such as "Praise the Lord"?
See:

Psalm 39: 1
Matthew 26: 30
2 Corinthians 9: 7, 8
Colossians 3: 16

Should we allow ourselves to faint in our worship? To become so emotionally involved that we fall backwards, laugh uncontrollably or make animal noises?

If not - why not?         If so - why?

Just two thoughts with regard to these extremes in some churches today:

  1. Matthew 22: 37, 38 teaches us that love to God is expressed by the whole man - the heart, soul and mind.
  2. Reverence is often lacking today in worship. See the following:
Leviticus 19: 30
Psalm 89: 6
Luke 20:13, 14
Hebrews 12: 28, 29

THE ESSENTIAL PART OF WORSHIP

There is of course a place for praise, prayer, singing, body language expressions; but reverence and control are always in order (1 Corinthians 14: 40).

We are no longer required to offer animals; nevertheless we do make an offering.
See:

Romans 12:1
1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
2 Corinthians 8: 5
Hebrews 10: 21-25
Hebrews 13:   16

We may enjoy the praise (and why not, if it is not offensive or disturbing to others), but the Lord is requiring the sacrifices.

"Ready for all Thy perfect Will, My acts of faith and love repeat;
Till death Thy endless mercies seal, And make the sacrifice complete."
That expresses worship.

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