Ekklesiology: Worship (6)

Every society to ever exist has worshipped something (Ecc. 3:11). God made us worshippers, and as such, we must attempt to worship God acceptably in all we say, do, and think.

What Is Worship?

Our English word, worship, is derived from the Old English worthscipe and originally had to do with attributing worth or value to someone or something. The Bible uses two terms or groups of words that are commonly translated as “worship.” The first term, latreo, refers to labor or service to God (Num. 3:7; 8:11; Rom. 12:2; Heb. 12:28). The second term, proskeneo, refers to the attitude or disposition one has regarding the object of worship (Mt. 18:26; Jn. 4:24; Ac. 24:11). It means to “bow” or “bend the knee.”

In the most basic sense, worship is a celebration of the worthiness of God (Ex. 15:11; Jn. 1:27; Rev. 5:9-12). In the Old Testament, worship had to do with bowing down, paying homage or performing ministerial service (Ex. 4:31; Gen. 24:48; Ex. 3:12). In the New Testament, worship had to do with showing reverence, respect or performing ministerial service (Mt. 2:2; Eph. 3:14; Mt. 8:2; Heb. 12:28).

Broad and Narrow Worship

From our word study above, we note worship is active (latreo) and wholly connected to our attitude (proskeneo). Jesus and Paul used these terms interchangeably (Mt. 4:10; Rom. 1:25). To the early church, worship was not some one-hour event that took place once a week. Rather, worship was an everyday part of life. Although scripture presents worship as a definite act of reverence paid to God through specific acts done in a specific location at a specific time, the Bible teaches another sense in which we continually worship God throughout life (Heb. 12:28; Rom. 12:1; Phil. 4:18; 1 Pet. 2:5).

In his Questions and Answers (pp.335-336), Guy N. Woods wrote: "There is not nearly as much difference between these concepts [i.e. serving God and worshiping God] as many today apparently believe ... When, for example, a basket of food is carried to a needy family, the action is grounded in the concept of service, but it is done out of regard for our relationship to God, and to this extent involves an act of worship. Therefore, we worship God, in serving others ... In the broader aspects of the matter we do indeed worship and serve God, if we are His faithful children, always and everywhere; but there is also a more narrow and restricted sense in which we are commanded to engage in specific acts in an assembled capacity…"

To summarize Woods, worship can be either broad or narrow. In a broad sense, worship is sacrificial and private. Broad worship can be seen as a way of life (Col. 3:17; Heb. 13:15). In a narrow sense, worship is collective and public. Narrow worship can be seen as an intentional act of the assembled people of God (1 Cor. 11–14).