Biblical Worship

Definitions

The English Word

Concise Oxford English Dictionary Worship

1 show reverence and adoration for (a deity).

2 feel great admiration or devotion for.

Theological Definition

Lexham Theological Wordbook Worship

Worship is the awed response to the saving acts and praiseworthy character of God.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Worship > Ww

Expression of reverence and adoration of God.

What do these definitions tell about the focus of our worship?

Doctrine

What does the Bible say about worship?

Not everything that is called worship is actually worship.

Cain and Abel

Nadab and Abihu

Ananias and Sapphira

When churches do not develop in their practice a biblical theology of worship they often fall prey to the world’s influence and become performative rather than worshipful.

True biblical worship must be reverent.

Hebrews 12:28 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,”

Throughout Scripture worship is connected with reverence

We must understand who is being worshipped.

True biblical worship is more than music.

Romans 12:1–2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

What is and isn’t worship is determined by God and not our tastes and preferences.

Even having all the externals in place doesn’t guarantee worship. Isaiah 29:13 “And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,”

The first-century church engaged in several devotional acts in their worship services, from which we can determine what comprises a truly biblical worship service: the communion supper was observed (Acts 20:7), prayers were offered up (1 Corinthians 14:15–16), songs were sung to the glory of God (Ephesians 5:19), a collection was taken (1 Corinthians 16:2), the Scriptures were read (Colossians 4:16), and the Word of God was proclaimed (Acts 20:7).

True biblical worship expresses biblical truths.

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

When the Bible gives us instructions about worship it always speaks to the heart. There are no instructions on what kind of instruments to use or not use and no particular style of music is recommended or forbidden.

We are commanded that our music is to be biblical, and filled with gratitude in our hearts.

John 4:24 “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.””

If we are going to revere, honor, praise, and adore God for who He is and what He has done what do we need to know? - Who God is and what He has done.

If we are going to revere, honor, praise, and adore God for who He is and what He has done what do we need to avoid? - Anything that takes focus away from God.

True biblical worship is facilitated in our heart by the Spirit.

Philippians 3:3 “For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—”

Who then is capable of genuine worship?