truth on worship
Getting to truth on worship matters. If you believe in God, then you probably believe He expects and desires worship.
It's logical to conclude that a sovereign God cares about the circumstances of worship that is offered to Him. In fact, He told us in his Word. We've collected the basics to answer the when, where, how and who on worship.
featured scripture-block
Moses giving instruction to the people before entering the Promised Land. He tells them they will not worship God in the way that the surrounding nations worship (e.g. idols), but rather in a place and way appointed by God.
the bible truth on worship
Followers of Christ are to worship God1,4,5,6, and God alone3,4,5,7. While Scripture is clear about who Christians are to worship, they are also clear that worship to God can be done in vain2 and to false gods3,4. We should be careful to remember who we worship, why we worship Him1,4,5. What we think is worship may not be acceptable6 or pleasing to God2,3.
We see by example that saints came together on the first day of the week, Sunday, to worship God and break bread1. Importantly, we don’t see any other example or time when Christians gathered to worship.
Instead, we see Paul seeking out the church in certain cities he visited and staying for seven days, presumably to worship on the appointed day2. We also see him gathering with Jews observing their Sabbath with the express purpose of teaching the gospel to many at once3.
Where we worship God matters. Coming together at a specific location was a central factor in the Old Testament under the Mosaic Covenant3,4,5,6,7. So much so, that even when the nation was divided, some people still honored God’s desire to be worshipped His way and in His place7.
God had designated the tabernacle3 and later the temple7 as specific and required places of worship. They were marked by His very presence3,4,5. The people clearly understood this in Moses’ time3, David’s time6, and on through to the divided kingdom7 and into Jesus’ day in the first century1.
As Jesus ushers in a new covenant in the pages of the New Testament, He points to a time where worship location will no longer matter1, but God doesn’t change, and His presence will still mark the location – wherever two or more are gathered2. Paul affirms this spacial and relational aspect for worship activities8, not the least of which is to encourage each other and stimulate for good works9.
Fundamentally, worship to God should be in spirit and in truth1 – assembling in the name of Jesus Christ8 (e.g. in Christian fellowship) and presence of the Holy Spirit. Further, according to Scripture, our worship to God on the first day of the week should include:
- partaking of the Lord’s Supper2,7
- giving for specific need(s)3
- singing songs of praise to/for God5
- reading of Scripture6
- teaching/preaching6,7 (by the men11)
- prayers10
Finally, when we come together in worship to God, it should be with the forethought and planning that accounts for the needs and encouragement of others4,6. Women are to remain silent11 in keeping with order9 and subjection5,11. Worship isn’t about our own spiritual fulfillment or enjoyment (although it should achieve both). It is first in honor and glory to God and Jesus as Lord8, and second to encourage fellow saints in Christ to press on4.
getting to the truth on worship is pretty important
don’t you agree?
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