WORSHIPPERS

But the hour is coming, and now is, when the TRUE WORSHIPPERS will WORSHIP the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him – John 4:23

Next to the Word is the Kingdom-first habit of Worship. It is a dominant theme from Genesis to Revelation because the God who created all things and redeemed us in Christ is worthy to receive all honour, praise, and adoration (Exo.15: 1-21, Rev 4:11; 5:9-10, 12). That God seeks “true worshippers” infers that there are “false” or “fake” worshippers. This may be in terms of who or what they worship, why, and how. True worship is directed at our Father-God, flows from the Spirit, and is based on Truth – the Word! Jesus told the devil: “Away with you,  Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Mt.4:10). Satan knows about worship, was once a worshipper, but now desires to be worshipped, and is all out to counterfeit the true worship of God. What is Worship?  Who is a true worshipper?

Even though we use the word worship in conversation, testimonies, and songs, clearer understanding would be profitable. Nowadays some churches have “call to worship”; others conduct “worship services” that usually consist mainly of singing songs and listening to a sermon. Some have or hire “worship leaders” whose task is to lead the singing at meetings. All well and good: when we focus our attention on the Lord, singing to Him from the depths of our heart, giving devotion and attention to Him and His Word, instead of other things, it can be true worship. But worship is certainly more than these. What then is Worship? In the Bible, three groups of words convey ideas of worship: as homage or humble submission to God; as service to others; and as reverence or respect for God.

The most common word for worship literally means “bend over” or “bow down.” It describes a gesture and attitude of homage, respect or submission (Exo.20:4-6). “Bending over to the Lord” in New Testament (NT) light, implies responding with repentance and faith to the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:36-39). This involves praying in His name; calling on His name; and obeying him (Jh.14:13-14; 1Cor.1:2; Heb.13:15). Another group of terms means “serve” or “service.” Israel was saved from slavery in Egypt in order to serve or offer sacrifices to God (Exo.8:1, 8). In response to what God has done for us in Christ, we must present our bodies to Him as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Rom.12:1). In particular, we are to offer to God through Jesus “a sacrifice of praise…the fruit of lips, giving thanks to His name” (Heb.13:15).

A third group of words that sometimes describes worship may mean fear, reverence, or respect for God. These indicate the need to keep His commands (Dt.5:29; Eccl.12:13); obey His voice (Hag.1:12); walk in His ways (Dt.10:12); turn from evil (Job 28:28; Pro.3:7); and serve Him (Jos.24:14). In the Old Testament, sacrifice and other rituals expressed reverence for God, but faithfulness and obedience to the covenant demands of God in every sphere of life also distinguished true from false worship (Mal.3:16; 4:2). We who have been “redeemed…with the precious blood of Christ” have been set free “to serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (1 Pet.1:17-19; Heb.12:28). Are you a True Worshipper of God?