“Worship” (noun and verb): the act of giving praise, honor, recognition or tribute to something or someone higher or greater than oneself; ascribing greatness to the object of worship; from the Old English “Worth-ship”
Mankind, in every generation, culture, and nation, has had an internal need or motivation to express worship of that which is revered. Everyone worships. Humans may worship the true God, or they may worship something inferior to God.
In a memorable conversation recorded in John 4, Jesus tells a woman from Samaria that His Father is seeking people who will worship Him “in Spirit and in truth.” The Bible reminds us that worship is essential for every believer. We are commanded and persuaded to praise God, to proclaim His majesty and greatness, to recognize His holiness, to thank Him for His blessings, and to honor Him above everything else (Exodus 20:3).
This issue of the Epistle will help you explore various dimensions of the proper worship of creatures for their Creator. We will reflect on private worship (personal communion with God) and public worship (God’s people gathering for corporate praise and mutual encouragement in faith). We will reflect on the generational practice of family worship (how faith and values are passed down). Family worship is something of a hybrid. It is privately done at home, but it is also corporate because it involves two or more in the family.
We are also reminded of the apostle Paul’s broadened definition in Romans 12:1, where he appeals to us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is true and proper worship. (We might label this “whole-life worship,” a synonym for faithful and consistent obedience to God’s Word).
Naturally, we can ask, “WHY does God need to be worshiped?” As revealed in Scripture, a basic understanding of who the one true Creator and Lord of the universe is confirms that He is self-sufficient and doesn’t need anything from us. He doesn’t need His ego stroked, and He doesn’t have insecurities that need to be comforted. He is totally and eternally in blessedness, joy, and completion.
The best theologians and Bible teachers have been of one mind that the purpose of divine worship is not to give something to God; it is that we need to worship Him. It is part of our nature, and something is missing when we omit the worship of our Lord. We see this on a human level in all our closest relationships. When we express our love, devotion, admiration, or gratitude to someone, that expression deepens our relationship. In the same way, when we praise and honor God, we are drawing closer to Him. We are consciously reminded of who He is and our need for Him. Praising God does not bribe or influence Him to do something; His mind and disposition of mercy and love toward us are not fickle. But in worship, our faith is strengthened. And we come to know Him better as we hear His Word and reflect on its meaning in our lives.
When I have the privilege of teaching young seminary students during our onsite mentoring, I give special attention to sharing what worship is and how to lead it effectively. Of all the tasks a pastor needs to master to lead a congregation effectively, the skill of worship leadership (including preaching) is the most essential.
As you read the following pages, I invite you to be open to learning and growing in your understanding of what it means to be a worshiping child of God.
by Pastor Doug Pratt
