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The Worshipping Church What is God seeking in this world? Jesus said that He had come "to seek and to save that which was lost," namely us in our lost state of sin (Luke 19:10). But God is also seeking something else: true worshippers. Jesus gives us insight into this important aspect of the Christian life when He talked with the Samaritan woman at the well:
What Is True Worship? True worship is not merely the singing of songs to God, but it is the living of our lives in a way that pleases God. In fact, our singing and prayers are but the outward manifestations of a life lived daily for the glory of God. Hebrews 13:15–16 gives us a good overview of the kind of worship that God desires: "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." True worship includes:
True worship is not just the singing of our songs, but also the sharing of our resources. It is not just the lifting of our hands in praise, but also the giving from our hands to others. 1. The fruit of our lips is an act of true worship. Our sacrifice of praise to God is something that is unique and special to the church alone. No other religion sings like the Christian faith. Psalm 40:3 says, "He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord." And Psalm 22:3 reminds us that "God inhabits the praises of His people." When an unbeliever comes into a Spirit-empowered, biblically grounded worship service, it can dramatically impact his life. He will be spiritually touched by seeing and hearing God's people in loving communion with their Lord. In our previous study, I mentioned the story of Paul and Silas singing at midnight while in prison (see Acts 16:16–40). We read, "But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them" (v. 25). Instead of groans, songs issued from their mouths. Instead of cursing the men who had arrested them, they blessed God. Instead of complaining or calling on God to judge those who had inflicted their pain, Paul and Silas worshipped! The other prisoners listened because they knew that whatever was making Paul and Silas sing in their terrible condition had to be real. Certainly the jailer was listening, as he later asked them, "What must I do to be saved?" (v. 30). When you are in pain, the midnight hour may not feel like the best time for a worship service. Nevertheless, as it says in Job, "God my Maker . . . gives songs in the night"(Job 35:10). Psalm 42:8 says, "The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life."
Worship is a part of our prayer. A unique, spiritual dynamic takes place when we exalt the Lord and remind ourselves—as well as the enemy—of His power and goodness to us. We see this dynamic of worship in spiritual battle when David sang for King Saul. Whenever an evil spirit tormented King Saul, he called for David, who played his harp and worshipped the Lord. David's anointed music caused the spirit to leave Saul for a time. As David worshipped God, his songs of praise and adoration had an impact on the forces of darkness. 2. The giving of our money is an act of true worship. In Philippians, Paul thanks the believers for the gift they sent to him through Epaphroditus:
Martin Luther astutely observed, "There are three conversions necessary; the conversion of the heart, mind and the wallet." The way we live, serve, give and sing are all part of our overall worship of God. 3. The giving of our time and service is an act of true worship. The usher who helped you find your seat, the Sunday School teacher who is looking after and teaching your precious children, that counselor who prays with you, the parking lot attendant who helps you in and out of this facility—they are all worshipping God with their service. The Elements of True Worship "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). With these words, Jesus indicated the fundamental elements of true worship. 1. In Spirit You can be completely orthodox in your beliefs, yet fail to express your praise toward a God this wonderful. Yes, our worship of God should be based upon truth (see #2), and it should engage the mind and intellect. Yet, worship also engages the affections, the heart and emotion. That does not mean that worship will always be an emotional experience. Think about it: people express their emotions at weddings, football and baseball games, and political rallies. But if they do it at church, they are branded a fanatic! Yet, the Bible encourages us to openly express our praise to God. Psalm 63:3-4 says, "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." 2. In Truth Bible study and worship go hand in hand. When the two are separated, the problems begin. Colossians 3:16 says, "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Worshipping in truth means that we will avoid that which is unbiblical. If we cannot say, like Peter, "This is that which is spoken of," we should not engage in it. We should worship the God of the Scripture, the God of holiness, righteousness, love and mercy—not a God of our own making. God is looking for true worshippers today—
May we be those true worshippers today! |
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