Worship has been defined in a number of ways, but generally speaking, it is defined as offering devotion, expressing love, submission, respect, praise, trust, and reverence to God in line with His will. Apart from our Sunday morning activities and the songs we sing in church, worship demonstrates our relationship with God and ensures our spiritual development. Lets look at
Various Aspects of Worship
The Main Purpose of Worship – The main purpose of worship is to acknowledge how great God is, showing him reverence and adoration. We lift our hearts and voices and praise him above everything else. Worship is not limited to a specific place or time but rather its a lifestyle that shows surrender and praise. Worship should be all about God so then it can transform us. This kind of change takes place from within us, affecting our very nature. 1 Pet.1:23. An example being Paul in the Bible. Acts 7
What are the 9 Ways of Worship?
- Kneeling/Bowing Ps 95:6; Matt 2:10-12;
- Raising hands,
- Walking about quietly or in a loud voice
- Singing/Using instruments/Clapping
- Honouring God
- Meditation/Bible study
- Using scriptures to pray/prayer/withdrawing in secret to pray – Matt 6:6
- Lord’s supper
- Tithing
In short, anything or act that draws us close to God is an act of worship.
This is confirmed by the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:1
12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service.
Many are the testimonies of people who’ve had their healing or been blessed edified, gained insight into problems after listening to gospel music or singing a song that spontaneously came to mind. Religious music creates a situation where people can express their ideas and beliefs.
It is also a gift that draws us to God by the words are used. As in the following verses.
“For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name” (Psalm 18:49).
The Role of Music
In worship music can be used. Music stirs the emotions and does not take language and cultural differences into account.
However in worshipping God we have to bear a few things in mind.
Our worship must show that we know him, and it must be consistent with scripture. Therefore we do it our way, not necessarily doing it the way others do it.
The Spiritual Aspect of Worship
There is also the spiritual aspect as stated in John 4:23-24
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.
Also worship must show the following
“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” (Colossians 3:16)
Worship is continuous practice of increasing our knowledge of God and on how to serve him better.
Why is Worship Important for Christians?
- Worship shows that we have someone we look up to and he deserves our adoration, praise, honour and recognition.
- It blinds us together as one i n Christ
- God is honoured when we worship him
- It is a witness to our belief in God
- God is pleased with worship
- Gives deliverance during period of trials
What does God do when we Worship Him?
- God appears in our midst to bless – Ps 22:3
- Changes us and draws us closer to him
- God is pleased when we worship him
Ways to Worship God
- Give ourselves to him
- Obey him
- Do everything as unto him
- Be devoted to him
- Tell others about him
- Serve by giving ourselves and resources for the benefit of his kingdom
- In acts of kindness towards others
Purpose of Worshipping God
- Edification
- Purification
- Learning of God
- Learning of ourselves
- Learning of others
- Know God better
- Strengthens our faith
Worship as a Weapon
- Worship brought victory to Paul and Silas in prison. Acts 16
- In Ephesians 6, Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God: truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, the hope of our salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. Eph 6:10;14-18;
- Irrespective of his circumstances Job worshipped God till he prevailed.
Dangers in Worship
We are warned against idolatry – not to worship other gods’ Deuteronomy 11:16 – that is putting something else before or above God
Worshipping God with music should not be equated with doing the same for idols as happened in Daniel 3: 4 ff. “…
Daniel 3: 4
“…you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
We can see that Worship in all its forms is an incentive for christian spiritual growth. It helps believers move forward in maturity in the Lord.
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