True Worship

Worship is defined as the reverent devotion and allegiance pledged to God. It comes from the Old English word “worthship,” which denotes the worthiness of the one receiving the special honor or devotion.

Developing a habit of worship is so much more than just singing. Worship is living in a way that brings glory to God. It is our response to all that God is and does.

John 4: 23 – 24 says, “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.”

God seeks true worshipers. And how could we be true worshippers?

A. Worship in Heart - True worship is not giving God lip service. It is an issue of our hearts being completely devoted to God.
1. Worship takes place in the heart
2. Not orchestrated by man or instrument

B. Worship in Spirit – True worship is to offer you body as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Romans 12::1 talks of this as spiritual act of worship.
1. With understanding. To worship with understanding, we must be able to comprehend what is said and done. We must appreciate the significance of each act of worship and think about what we are doing as we worship
2. Orderly. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "God is not the author of confusion..." and later in the same chapter, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40). We should have an expedient order to our worship services, so that all may know what to expect and do at the appropriate times.
3. Reverent. Our manner of worship should reflect our respect for God and other worshippers. We are gathered to worship and praise Almighty God; therefore, we should act, speak and dress in the very best way of which we are capable. We should bring the best before God and show the highest degree of respect for Him.
4. Sincere. It should spring from a holy life. We should look forward to the moment when we can assemble with the saints and worship God. Also, our worship is not done to be seen of men, but is offered to please God. Further, our worship should reflect a life of holiness. One cannot continue to live a sinful life and at the same time offer holy worship to God.
5. Edifying. Our worship should be edifying to one another as we assemble to provoke one another unto love and good works. Any act of worship which is not directed to God is misdirected and is not in spirit.

C. Worship in Truth - To worship in truth is to worship based on God’s Word. The Bible is the final authority on who God is, and how we are to approach Him.
1. Teaching and preaching the Word
2. Giving
3. Partaking the Lord’s Supper
4. Prayer
5. Singing

God will accept only one kind of worship: true worship!