What is Worship?

At church Sunday my pastor, Randy had another wonderful message.  It was on worship.  As always he makes me think and search myself.  I want to share some of his thoughts with you.

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Worship is not just on Sunday morning -

We think worship is coming together on Sunday morning with other believers to praise God.  It is that, but much more.  When we leave the church, we then should scatter for action.  Do we leave church saying, “Let’s go out and worship.”  If Monday – Saturday were spent focusing our attention on God, our worship on Sunday morning would be much more meaningful.  The worship service is a big part of worshiping God – preaching, giving, baptizing, communion, praying together, reading scripture, music, and singing.  We need to make it a priority to come together to worship.  However, worship is where we put our focus and attention of what is important to us. 

Every thing is from, through and for God and we are to live as living sacrifices. 

Romans 11:36 -“For from him and through him and to him are all things.” 

Romans 12:1 -“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”

We all worship something.  What or where is the # 1 thing you give most of your attention?  Where we spend most of our time, money and energy is worship.  Is it shopping, TV, golf, sports, sports events, hobbies, food, our children?  If we focus on these things more and put them before than God, that’s idolatry.   

Romans 1:25 “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

God wants our worship -

We take a good thing and make it an idol.  What are your idols that compete with God?  Who makes the decisions for you?  Who sets your schedule?  Where or who does your approval come from?  Who gets your first fruits?  Do you tithe?  What do we long for or desire?  What’s your god? 

Exodus 20:3-5a “You shall have no other gods before me.  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them…”

Worship is – offering our life to God and doing specific acts of adoration and praise.

Biblical principles for corporate worship -

God centered – We don’t have to feel good about everything that happens at the service.  It's not about us.
Gospel focused – It should always be about the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Seeker sensible – Be respectful to other people.  Maybe they are not use to coming to church.

Unselfish – It’s not what I want all the time.  It probably ministers to someone else.

Missionial – It should bring the message of Christ in some way.

Why is worship so important?

It is a commandment and we’re made for it.  We become like what we worship. 

If we love money we become greedy.

If we love power we become corrupt.

If we love religion we become religious and self-righteous.

If we love Jesus we become like Christ.  Anything else is idolatry.

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”         

What false gods are you seeking instead of the one true God?  What consumes your thoughts, time, energy, and emotions?  Is it God Himself, or is it some idol which leaves you with nothing to give to the Lord?  We all have idols today.  I hope this has helped you identify your idols.  I know it opened my eyes.