INTRODUCTION
   Each person needs to understand the vital and basic fundamental subject of worship.  Every Sunday
millions of people go to worship. The sad reality is that the majority of people are in abysmal ignorance
concerning what the Lord has said about the subject of worship.   Every person that desires to please
God should study frequently the topic of worship.

WORSHIP DEFINED
   While most of us know and can recite the five acts of congregational worship, we may know very little
about the basic concept of worship itself.
   Worship implies and carries the idea that one, "reverences and gives devotion to one that is worthy of
subject or tribute". The word "worship," in one form or another, appears approximately 200 times in the Bible.
   The English word "worship" or the Anglo-Saxon "worth-ship" implies an expression of worthiness, honor,
praise, or exaltation.   Someone said, "God's worth-ship demands my worship."
   The English word "worship" is used to translate a number of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek words.
Shachah, is the primary Old Testament word translated as worship. The meaning is to "prostrate oneself or
to bow down" before. Exodus 23:24, 2 Kings 17:35.
   The Greek word proskuneo, is the primary word for worship in the New Testament. This word occurs 60 times
in some form. This word is defined as, "to kiss toward one in a token of reverence." A clear example is seen in
the temptation of Christ by the devil, Mat 4:9-10.
    Worship has been defined in the following words.  Reverence or devotion for a deity; a religious
homage or veneration.  Let us look at how worship comes into focus when we understand these terms or words.
   Worship is defined as homage, a public avowal of allegiance by a vassal to his lord; an act done or thing
given to show the relationship between the lord or vassal; anything given or done to show reverence, honor,
or respect.
    Worship as veneration is defined as a feeling of deep respect and reverence; and act of showing piety or
obeisance, a gesture of respect or reverence, this carries the idea of bowing.
God clearly and plainly instructs man in regard to the vital subject of worship as seen throughout the Bible.
When realize the solemn and sacred respect that worship carries we will become more and more like the
one we worship.
 

THE NEED TO WORSHIP
   God created man with a conscience and the awareness for the need of worship.  Man often substituted
creatures for the creator in his worship, Romans 1: 25.  Humanity has a great need to worship which is
instilled all people no matter their nationality or gender.
   From the beginning of the Bible we read of the importance of worship. The Bible starts with man worshipping
after the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden, Gen. 3.  We next read about Cain and Abel as they worshipped
Jehovah, Gen. 4.  From the first account of Genesis until the close of the book of Revelation, man is seen as a
worshipper.  The conclusion of the Bible has the admonition from an angel for John to worship God, Rev. 22.
 
TYPES OF WORSHIP
    The Bible teaches that there are various types of worship.  We need to examine our worship and
see how it stands under the judgment of the word of God. We do not worship acceptable simply because
we are gathered at a church building.  Worship pleasing to God begins with attitude and following the
directives of God from his word.

TRUE WORSHIP
     The Lord speaks of worshipping in truth, John 4:24.  Jesus says that one "must" worship in
this way to be pleasing to the father.  True worship that is pleasing is done by faith, Hebrews 11:6.
The example of Abel proves that pleasing God is accomplished as one worships and sacrifices by
faith, Hebrews 11:4.
     True worship is accomplished when we worship in truth which comes from God's holy word, John 17:17.
To follow after the creeds and dogmas of men is the heighth of folly.  Faithful worship is based upon hearing
God's word that produces our faith, Romans 10:17.    True worship is in spirit and truth. The acceptable
worship is spiritual instead of carnal.  Spiritual worship in truth, is what God has always expected and demanded
from his people,  Deut.  6:4-6,  Joshua  22:5.
   Christians worship is spiritual in nature reflecting the emphasis of true worship.  Rituals and outward
piety alone is not true worship.  The spiritual word allows the spiritual part of man to worship. 2 Cor 3:1-6,
Rom 7:24-8:4.    For the Christian, true worship constitutes the highest privilege of an exalted experience.
   True worship will draw us closer to God, and strengthen our commitment to serve and obey His will.
Acceptable and pleasing worship will be preceded by an intense spiritual desire to praise, honor, and glorify
the God upon whom we are completely dependent.

UNACCEPTABLE WORSHIP
   Many people have the idea that almost any type of ritual or acts of worship is pleasing to God.  Some
evidently believe that it is  impossible to worship God in an unacceptable manner. Anything and everything
is being accepted and called worship today.
    Jesus clearly taught that following the dogma and doctrines of men was vain and useless worship,
Matthew 15:9.   The word "vain" means there is no profit or gain in such.  A person can claim
to worship God but be disobedient to his word, Luke 6:46.  This type of worship is useless.
   Unacceptable or vain worship is seen where false teaching is permitted and accepted,  Mk 7:5-9, Gal 1:6,7.
Any worship unauthorized, or not instructed by the Lord and his apostles is a vain and unacceptable
worship.
   Sprinkling infants or adults is a vain act of worship.  Prayer beads, reciting creeds, praying to departed
saints, or burning incense is unauthorized and thus is vain worship.  Dedicating babies, burning candles, playing
instrumental music is completely and totally unauthorized by the word of God. Because these acts are unauthorized
and beyond the sphere of faith this is vain and unacceptable worship.
   Acceptable worship is based on and by the authority of Christ, Colossians 3:17, 2 John 9-11.
Worship authorized on the whims, desires, opinions of men, and human tradition is vain worship and clearly
unacceptable, Matthew 15:8-9.
    Unauthorized acts of worship although performed sincerely is not pleasing or accepted of God. Again
not everything sincerely offered to God is pleasing,  Rom 10:1-3.   The account of  Cain and Abel plainly
illustrates that one may offer in all sincerity something God has not approved and be wrong and unaccepted.
    The lack of sincerity also produces an equally worthless and vain worship.  Any  prayer or song offered
with little or no conviction and faith is likewise unacceptable and is vain worship, John 4:24.  A heartless form
of religion is despicable to God,  Rev 3:15-16.   The church of Laodicea was condemned because of their
apathy and lack of fire.
   Acceptable and true worship is not a spectator event. Our worship is not dependent upon the performance
of others, such as the preacher, teacher, song leader, or even the disposition of others in attendance. Worship
that is pleases God is contingent on the attitude and condition of our heart,  Psalms 122:1.

THE PATTERN OF WORSHIP
  Our worship is to based upon the word of God. The Bible certainly gives us the proper pattern that we
are to worship and serve by.  In  John 4:24, Jesus taught that worship under the law foreshadowed the
true worship of the New Testament church.
    Pleasing and true worship has a pattern which we are able to follow.  The pattern of worship which is true
and acceptable consists of five actions or acts that God has given for us to implement in our worship.
    The first century church was composed of  Christians which sang spiritual songs when they came together,
Ephesians 5:19,  Colossians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 14:15.
   The church of the first century that worshipped acceptably prayed in their worship to God both
individually and corporately together, Acts 2:42, Acts 12:5-12.
   The first century church and Christians that worship God acceptably partake of the communion that the
Lord Jesus Christ instituted.  This is his Supper,  Matthew 26:26-29.  The believers communed when they came
together each first day of the week.  Acts 20:7.
  The acceptable worship in the first century consisted of preaching and teaching God's word. This was
practiced in the public assemblies,  Acts 2:42, 20:7.
  First century Christians that worshipped acceptably gave generously into a common treasury to sustain
their works financially,  1 Cor. 16:1-2.
  We can worship acceptably under the direction of the word of God.  The Lord expects us to follow the
pattern of worship he has given to us, Matt. 15:9.  If we teach or practice any other worship then we will be
unaccepted and our worship will be vain and meaningless.
   The proper disposition of attitude is demanded for our worship to be pleasing and acceptable to God.
One may worship by the proper pattern and authority and still not be acceptable. An example of following
the pattern and being displeasing is if one does not discern the body of the Lord when taking the Lord supper,
1 Corinthians 11:28-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16.
A person could sing without understanding or without conviction, I Cor. 14:15.
One could give grudgingly or with an improper motivation and be displeasing to God. II Cor. 9:7.
A person could listen and then refuse to obey the preached word, James 1:22-25, 2:14- 26.
   At this point we should remember that one must be assembled with other brethren to fulfill these
acts of worship and service to the lord, Hebrews 10:23-26.
 

A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT WORSHIP

   There are misconceptions concerning the meaning of worship. Some believe and teach that worship
and service are the same.  There are those that teach that all that we do in life is worship.  One preacher
said he worships the Lord when he is good to his wife.  Though this is a Christian duty it is not an act
of worship to God.  A Christian says, "be a good employee or a good employer and you offer that as an
expression of worship to God".
    An important thing to remember and to consider is that all worship is service, but not all service is worship.
The Bible clearly makes a distinction between worshiping and serving,  Deut. 11:16, Mat 4:10.
The word of God speaks of going to worship, showing that not all of our life is worship, Gen 22:5, Acts 8:27.
Paul went up to worship Acts 24:11.
   These passages show that worship is an action or specific thing one does to pay homage to the master.
Nobody could worship 24 hours a day as those that teach all our life is worship. To worship God one
plans, purposes, and uses intent.  True worship displays a surrendered will compliant to God.

THE OBJECT OF OUR WORSHIP

   The object of our worship is to be none other than God.  The devil desired worship as he tempted our Lord
in the wilderness. The devil wanted Jesus to, "bow down and worship him", Matthew 4:8-9.   Jesus refused
and quoted Deut. 6:13 saying, "You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only," Matt. 4:10.
God alone is the object of our devotion and worship.
   The world is filled with those that worship idols.  This was a reoccurring sin in Israel, Exodus 20:3-5,
Num. 25:1-3.   Before we condemn the Jews harshly we can see idolatry in the church.  Paul teaches us
that "covetousness is idolatry", Col. 3:5.   We can make money and material possessions our object of worship.
Disciples in the New Testament had to forsake and give their idols up to become Christians, Acts 17:22-31,
1 Thess. 1:9,  1 Jn. 5:21.  We must give up anything that takes priority above the Lord in our lives also.
    Not all idols which men bow before are statues of pagan deities.  Some people will bow before men in
long robes and worship them, Matthew 23:9, Acts 10:25-26.   Some tried to worship angels and were
rebuked, Rev. 22:8-9.    Some worship for simply an emotional rather than spiritual experience. I cringe
when I hear someone say, "I don't get anything out of worship." This is a display of a selfish motivation in worship.
The blessings we receive from worship are a by-product of our worship and not the focus. In worship we come
to do and give, not just to receive.   The desire to "get something" out of worship leads to artificial, superficial,
and unscriptural actions designed to make worship a contemporary experience, rather than the solemn and serious
service that is called worship. I cannot worship to "see what I get out of it.," This is self centered not God centered.
The proper motivation of worship is based on a desire to offer praise, thanksgiving, and glory to my Lord and
King, Rev. 4:8-l1.
    Satan wants our worship to become meaningless. He wants our worship to be empty and void.  It becomes
that way when we find ourselves going through a thoughtless ritualistic pattern.  The solution to thoughtless
worship is not changing God's pattern, not turning down the lights, chanting,nlighting candles, but in having the
proper spiritual attitude as we approach God in worship. True worship is not determined by what you get
out of it, but by what you put into it.
 

BENEFITS OF WORSHIP

   Somebody says, "if God is the object of worship and he receives adoration and praise, then what benefit
is accrued unto me as a child of God that faithfully worships him?  The very mission and benefits that come
to the christian can be summarized as things which are spiritual and not carnal in nature and scope.
   True worship expands our faith and knowledge as we study and worship God.  Our faith is built up and the
singing encourages us to greater heights of service.  We inwardly examine our lives and upwardly look at the
sacrifice of Christ when taking the Lord supper then we aquire humility.  The cheerful and generous contributions
we make for the Lord's collection allows us to put material things into perspective with the spiritual things of life.
   Acceptable and pleasing worship ascribes honor and devotion to God. We magnify and make him the God
we serve and love,  Psalms 29:1-3.  When we worship we submit and prepare our being to draw nigh unto
God,  Mat 15:8,  James 4:8.  Our worship has an effect on other worshippers, they are strengthened and
edified by all those that participate in worship to God, 1 Cor. 14:26.
  Benefits will certainly come if I have the desire to let God break me, mold me, and make me a vessel of honor.
The assembly with Christ and my brethren allows one into God's presence to worship, Matthew 18:20, 2 Tim.2:21.
Worship indeed is a grand fellowship, a joy that is mine, as I worship and lean on the everlasting arms of God.
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT WORSHIP
 
  God is worshipped out of fear and our reverence for His mighty and holy name. God alone is uniquely
worthy of praise, adoration, and service, Psalms 89:7, Rev 15:4.  We worship God out of a desire to
please the great creator of the universe,  John 4:23, Rev 4:11.  Christians worship God out of thankfulness
for what God has done, Psalms 42:4,  Heb 13:15.   The Christian longs for the fellowship and communion
that worship offers when we come into his presence, Mat 18:20, Mat 26:28-29.  We are motivated to serve
and worship our God that loves us so very much. Our love of God leads us to worship, John 14:15, 1 John 4:19.
    If we focus our worship with these thoughts we will be pleasing to God and be accepted in his sight.  Our
public worship should never be entered into lightly and frivolously.  Every Christian should be prepared for
public worship.  Every act of worship should be designed to exalt and magnify God.
    Self examination is vital before we worship.  We should always ask ourselves,  Am I coming before God
to worship Him with a sincere heart? John 4:24.  Will I draw nearer to God in holiness? 1 John 1:6-10.
   Worship is to be centered in the knowledge that I come to God to worship.  We know that we have
this priviledge of worship available because Jesus died for man on the cross of Calvary, Matt. 27:51.
Acceptable worship of God requires that my relationships with others be right as I seek to give worship unto
the God of heaven,  Matt. 5:23- 24,  1 John 4:20.
 

CONDITIONS OF WORSHIP
   To worship acceptably man must be in the right relationship with God before worship is pleasing to God.
Faith and obedience to God allows us to be accepted and permitted to worship before God, Hebrews 11:6.
The Bible declares that Abraham believed in the Lord and he counted it to him for righteousness, Gen. 15:6.
A person is acceptable in the sight of God today by being obedient to God through faith, accepting the blood
atonement of Jesus Christ.   A person does this by obeying the gospel commands.
   We cannot contact Christ blood simply by asking Him to come into our hearts?  We cannot contact Christ blood
by praying the "sinner's prayer".   We must be willing to allow the Bible to settle how we contact Christ blood.
Only when one is "in Christ" can there be redemption, the  forgiveness of sins, and salvation.
    Man contacts the blood of Christ, and get "in Christ",  by baptism as taught by the word of God, Rom. 6:3-4.
We become a "new creature" 2 Cor. 5:17.      If one has not contacted the blood of Christ through
baptism then they cannot worship God acceptably.  Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus that "all spiritual
blessings are found in Christ Jesus", Eph. 1:3.   In order for us to be pleasing unto God one must be in Christ
Jesus.  The only way to get into Christ is to be buried with Him in baptism in order for us to receive eternal life,
granted by the heavenly father,  I John 5:11.
    Unfortunately men and women today attempt to worship God in the wrong  relationship. Some attempt to
worship God as members of human denominations, plants not planted by the Lord which will be "rooted up",
Matthew 15:13.  Teaching and  practicing as their doctrines the commandments of mere men renders their
worship vain, Matthew 15:8- 9.
    One that has not been "reconciled unto God in the one body by the cross of Christ" is unable to worship
God and Christ in Christ's name. Those that have not obeyed the terms of salvation cannot render acceptable
worship to God,  Ephesians 3:21, 1 Peter 3:12.