The Biblical Meaning and Nature of Worship

Introduction

The Goal

The goal of the seminar is to elevate the skill level of your worship team to the point where it is no longer a distraction to the people it endeavors to lead into worship. This seminar is an attempt to present a clear statement of worship in its most general sense as expressed in the Bible, providing the framework within which to consider the role of those involved in planning and leading worship services.

The Motive

Recognition should not be considered the big payoff. A more noble and selfless motive for the ultimate goal of good worship musicianship is to draw attention to Someone other than self, to decrease in order that He might increase.

The Privilege

Music and worship is extremely important to the Lord. As worship musicians, it’s our profound privilege to take our place in history alongside those who have lifted up the name of the Lord for thousands of years.

A-The Meaning of Worship

What Is Worship?

The English word “worship” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon “weorthscripe”, meaning to ascribe worth, to pay homage, to reverence or venerate. Similarly, the Hebrew word most commonly translated “worship” in the Old Testament is “shâchâh” which literally means “to prostrate (oneself), bow down, fall down flat, do reverence”. The most commonly used Greek word is push proskuneo which literally means “to kiss the hand, to prostrate (oneself).” Both the Old and the New Testament terms convey the sense of paying homage to and honouring a ruler, since prostrating one’s self before and kissing the hand of another have both been signs of submission and fealty in various cultures throughout history.

This image conveys four things about worship:

Worship has an object. someone or something is esteemed as being of great worth, and a suitable object of devotion.

Worship involves an expression. The action that follows is the physical expression of devotion.

Worship expresses a hierarchy or dependence. The object of worship is deemed to be greater than the worshipper.

Worship has a context. Bowing down and kissing the hand of another obviously implies being in their presence.

Whatever we devote ourselves to, whatever occupies our thoughts, emotions, desires and decisions and governs the way we live our lives-whether sport, family, work, wealth, fame or pleasure-tat, in the very broadest sense of the word, is what we worship.

B- The Nature of Worship

1. What Does the Bible Teach About Worshiping God?

Historical background of the encounter recorded in John 4:20-24.

Where is the correct place to worship God? The physical location is not important. It is not “being in church” that defines what “true worship” is.

The issues of knowing and relationship is central to worship.

The father is actively seeking for worshippers-He has taken the initiative. The importance of worship is informed by revelation.

What does it mean to worship “in spirit”? Worship is not primarily about externals-it is not about the outward performance of religious duties and ceremony that is most important. Rather, it is the inner attitude and devotion that is of greatest concern.

A purely academic approach to knowing and to understanding God is an insufficient basis for what Jesus referred to as “true worship-it must be born out of a personal experience and encounter with God.

Summary of the Four Aspects of Worship:

The object of our worship is God Himself

The context of our worship is a relationship initiated by God

The dependence of our worship is that of created on Creator

The expression of our worship is a response to His revealed truth

2. Different Individual Responses to God’s Revelation of Himself:

Genesis 17:1-8 -God establishes covenant with Abraham

Exodus 34:4-8 -God declares His Name to Moses

Joshua 5:13-15 -Joshua’s encounter near Jericho

Matthew 14:25-33 -the Disciples’ encounter with Jesus in the storm

Luke 24:50-52 -the Ascension

Definitions of “Biblical Worship”

“Worship is our individual and corporate response to God’s revelation of Himself within the context of a covenant relationship.” Earl McNutt

“Worship is the response of all that we are to all that He is.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 NLT

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

3. Worship: Our Purpose and Destiny

We were created to worship God

Anything which detracts from giving God His worth, or that becomes more important in determining our actions and priorities, is a form of idolatry.

Idolatry, in essence, denies the truth of God by either denying His existence or character, or by short-changing His worth.

How can I worship honestly when I just don’t feel like it?

Recognition that God is worthy of worship and praise simply for who He is regardless of our feelings or circumstances, and expressing that truth in obedience to His command, has the effect of putting life back into a proper perspective.

If we put aside our feelings and base our worship on the truth about God, our feelings will follow along and we experience the formation of Christ-like character in our lives.

Worship can and should be a dynamic experience in which we encounter the Living God.

When we worship God with our whole lives and being, we experience spiritual formation within. Job 42:5

“Worship is not a response to how we feel. Worship is a response to Jesus’s worth regardless of how we feel.”

4. Expressions of Worship

The expression of our worship can take many different forms, both in terms of our individual response and corporate worship services.

On an individual basis it can be the way we make decisions, the priorities we set for our lives and the way we deal with others as much as prayer, giving, singing, reading or any of the other ways in which we respond to God.

In a corporate setting, we see many examples throughout Scripture including praise, adoration, fasting and prayer. many references in the psalms to singing, dancing, meditating, using various instruments, raising hands, and bowing down.

Worship includes the concept of service, which implies practical action on our part both individually and corporately as an outward expression of our inward devotion. Deuteronomy 6:13 “You must fear the Lord your God and serve him...” Romans 12:1 “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

C-Healthy Worship Expectations

In order to develop healthy worship strategies (expectations), we need to answer lots of questions in the following vein: What do we expect when we come together to offer our praises to God? What does the experience of corporate worship look like to me? How do I know I’m truly connecting with God? Should I expect to feel anything during worship? How does the experience of corporate worship affect my personal daily walk with God?

These questions are provocative, and should cause us to closely examine our approach to praise. The answers will help us to know whether we’re reaching our goals as lifestyle worshipers, lead worshipers, worship programmers, or worship musicians.

Answers to these worship questions will also help to forge our future worship expectations. Because of God’s faithful answers to our questions, during our worship times we can expect to see lives changed, people saved, people healed, relationships restored, God glorified and honored, body unity facilitated, repentance provoked, and forgiveness offered (both vertical and horizontal).

God’s Response to Worship

Psalm 22:3. Here God lived in the praises of His people!

II Chronicles 20. God caused their enemies to turn against one another, annihilating all three of the armies who had gathered to defeat King Jehoshaphat.

Acts 16. The Lord caused an earthquake, broke them out of jail, and saved the jailer and his whole family.

Does God respond to the praises of His people? A resounding yes! Should we expect to experience God’s response as we worship Him in the 21st century?

D-Empowerment, Engagement, and Excellence

1. Spiritually empowered: Ephesians 3:16.

To be spiritually empowered is to be energized and equipped by the very Spirit of God. Energized means we’re enthused, stirred up, and passionate, because His Spirit is in us. We can hardly wait for the next opportunity to stand in the congregation, and lead others into His high praises.

2. Relationally engaged: Psalm 34:1-3

The essence of Christianity is Divinely inspired relationship. In right fellowship, we experience a healthy blend of vertical and horizontal engagement. We move from singular (me) to plural (us) to Divine (His), then land again on the all-inclusive (together).

3. Musically excellent: Psalm 33:3

Our ever-developing skills in worship set us free from the distractions of stage fright and performance anxieties.

D-Seven Uses of Music and Worship in Scripture

1. To Minister

As ministers, we need to be where the needs are. I Chronicles 6:31-32.

2. To Prophesy

I Chronicles 25:1. Their inspired improvisation set the stage for the hearts of the people to be turned to worshiping God.

3. To Invite

II Chronicles 5:12-14. When we invite the Lord’s presence through our unity, He is faithful to show up!

4. To Evangelize

Acts 16:25-34. You never know who besides the Lord might be listening! It is always OK to obey the urge to praise.

5. To Teach

Colossians 3:16. Sing the Scriptures and you won’t forget them!

6. To Bear Spiritual Fruit

Hebrews 13:15, I Thessalonians 5:18. A grateful heart opens the door to deeper fellowship with Him. Praises from the lips begin with thanksgiving in the heart.

7. To Praise God Forever!

Revelation 7:9, 10. What a privilege to carry in our hearts the knowledge that we are part of that never-ending stream of praises to our God.