Worship as Discipleship

Definitions

From the outset of this discussion lets define our terminology:

What is a general working definition of Discipleship?

The process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus Christ, with all the spiritual discipline and benefits which this brings.

The process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus Christ, with all the spiritual discipline and benefits which this brings.

Discipleship is the process of devoting oneself to a teacher to learn from and become more like them. For the Christian, this refers to the process of learning the teachings of Jesus and following after his example in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit. Discipleship not only involves the process of becoming a disciple but of making other disciples through teaching and evangelism.

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

Byrley, C. (2014). Discipleship. D. Mangum, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & R. Hurst (Eds.), Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.“The process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus Christ. ”

The process of becoming a committed follower of Jesus Christ

Examples:

— Older women are to train younger women.

— Older women are to train younger women. — Paul trained Timothy to train others to train others. — Fathers are to train their children. — Missionaries are to teach the nations everything Jesus commanded. — All Christians are to exhort each other every day to avoid sin and to stir each other up to love and good works (see also ). — All Christians are to use their gifts to serve others. — Priscilla and Aquila, on the spur of the moment it seems, explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos.

Titus 2:4 CSB

so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children,

— Paul trained Timothy to train others to train others.

2 Timothy 2:2 CSB

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 CSB

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2 CSB

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

— Fathers are to train their children.

Ephesians 6:4 CSB

Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

— Missionaries are to teach the nations everything Jesus commanded.

Matthew 28:20 CSB

teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

— All Christians are to exhort each other every day to avoid sin and to stir each other up to love and good works (see also ).

Hebrews 3:13 CSB

But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.

— All Christians are to use their gifts to serve others.

1 Peter 4:10 CSB

Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.

— Priscilla and Aquila, on the spur of the moment it seems, explained the way of God more accurately to Apollos.

Acts 18:24–26 CSB

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was competent in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately about Jesus, although he knew only John’s baptism. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God to him more accurately.

What is a general working definition of Biblical Worship?

Biblical worship is the response of God’s redeemed people to His self-revelation that exalts God’s glory in Christ in our minds, affections, and wills, in the power of the Holy Spirit. (A response of believers to who God is.)

Biblical worship is the response of God’s redeemed people to His

Examples:

A response of believers to who God is.

self-revelation that exalts God’s glory in Christ in our minds, affections, and

; - God charged His people to leave the battle to Him, because the people trusted and praised God they were delivered.

2 Chronicles 20:21–22 CSB

Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of his holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: Give thanks to the Lord, for his faithful love endures forever. The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.

2 Chronicles 20:14–17 CSB

14 In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), 15 and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’ ”

wills, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Chronicles 20:21–22 CSB

21 Then he consulted with the people and appointed some to sing for the Lord and some to praise the splendor of his holiness. When they went out in front of the armed forces, they kept singing: Give thanks to the Lord, for his faithful love endures forever. 22 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush against the Ammonites, Moabites, and the inhabitants of Mount Seir who came to fight against Judah, and they were defeated.

2 Chronicles 20:14–17 CSB

In the middle of the congregation, the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel (son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants), and he said, “Listen carefully, all Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. Tomorrow, go down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.’ ”

- People were responding to the teaching, elements of remembrance, an to prayer and they were filled with awe and reverence.

Acts 2:42–46 CSB

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. 44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. 45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts,

Setting the Record Straight

What Biblical Worship is NOT:

Worship is NOT about you and me. It is NOT about “getting our needs met”. It is NOT about the performance of a dynamic preacher or singers. It is solely about God.