WORSHIP?? What Exactly Is It? | Part 1

What is worship? How do we know when we are doing it? What classifies something as part of worship? Who gets to decide? Where is the focus to be? Should services be for the lost? For Christians? Or, for God? Does the Bible give direction or are we free to devise our own ways of worshiping God? Throughout this series, we will give consideration to these and many more questions. But we must start by simply stating that our source for information and directives is God’s Word. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself. In its pages, He is revealed. Therefore, it is from the Bible that we must gather our understanding of worship. The Bible is our authority. The Bible is sufficient to guide us. Others may inform us but we need to look no further for authority. How the church’s thoughts and practices have interpreted these passages throughout the centuries can be of tremendous help and shed much light on how to apply the teaching of Scripture. But the church’s traditions are not equal to Scripture. Scripture alone, sola scriptura, is our authority. As we move forward, let us remember that though we may gain insight from many within the church, God’s Word is the final word. In order to start well we need to build a working definition of Biblical worship. This will help us travel together on this journey. It will enable us to have common ground for discussion, growth, and practice. It will unify us as one voice for His glory in our worship. As we move forward through Scripture I believe we will see that, J.I. Packer, A concise Theology: “Biblical worship is the due response of rational creatures to the self-revelation of their Creator. It honors and glorifies God by gratefully offering back to Him all the good gifts, and all the knowledge of His greatness and graciousness, that He has given. His servants praise Him for what He is, thank Him for what He has done, desire Him to increase in glory through continuing acts of mercy, judgment, and power, and trust Him with their prayers for their own and other’s wellbeing.” The due response of rational creatures to the self-revelation of their Creator. It honors and glorifies God by gratefully offering back to Him…that He has given. His servants praise Him for what He is, and thank Him for what He has done… [they] desire Him to increase in glory through continuing acts of mercy, judgment, and power… And [they] trust Him with their prayers for their own and other’s wellbeing.