New Testament Church Series

(XV) WORSHIP - An Outline

by J. Spender in 1984
Permission to transcribe and to distribute the messages in this series had been obtained from
the speaker who retains all rights to these messages.

I. Definition

Worship (derived from "worth") is the highest response of the believer's heart to the knowledge of God; the overflow of the heart by the Holy Spirit in praise for who God is and thanksgiving for what He has done.

II. Importance of the Study

  1. Many Christians and churches are not clear as to what true worship really is. This is apparent from the many things referred to as worship which are not worship.

  2. Worship involves learning to give and this is the key to blessing in the Christian life. Most church services are for "getting. "

  3. If worship truly is the highest expression of the believer's heart, it must be very important.

III. Usage of the Word "Worship" in Scripture

115 times in the O. T. - first mention Gen. 22
77 times in the N. T. - last mention Rev. 22
Most often in the book of Revelation - 24 times
Three chapters in which the word occurs most:
Daniel 3 - Nebuchadnezzar (type of Antichrist)
John 4 - The meaning of true worship
Revelation 13 - Antichrist

IV. Object of Worship

God the Father - John 4:23
God the Son - Heb. 1:6

V. Basis for Worship

  1. A revelation of Christ
  2. The finished work of Christ at Calvary
  3. The priesthood of the believer

VI. Power for Worship

The Holy Spirit - Phil. 3:3

VII. Some Important O. T. Passages and Their Lessons

  1. Gen. 22 - The heart of love for God; importance of faith and obedience; worship as an act of giving; an act which glorifies God.

  2. Ex. 25-30 - The Tabernacle and Priesthood: All parts of the tabernacle and its furniture speak of Christ. All offerings present Christ crucified in type and teach us that He is the substance of our worship. The ceremonies connected with priesthood prepared the priest to serve with gifts and sacrifices, so the believer-priest is saved to draw near with his gift of worship and his service.

  3. Deut. 26 - Lesson on giving to God. Nothing for God in the wilderness. No worship possible from the heart living in the world.

  4. Psalms - Many Psalms speak of the conditions for worship: humility, the fear of the Lord, "clean hands", no idols in the life, no sin being cherished in the heart.

  5. Book of Daniel (and Revelation): Satan's great desire to be like the "Most High" and so receive worship from man. Methods used: temptation and deceit.

VIII. Some Important N. T. Passages and Their Lessons

  1. Matt. 2: 1- 12 worship involves effort

  2. John 4: 1 - 30 worship must be "in spirit and in truth"

  3. John 12:1-8 true worship is costly

  4. I Cor. 11 The Lord's Supper. In answer to the question often asked, "Why is worship not commanded in I Cor. 11 in connection with the Lord's Supper ?" a chart based on Acts 2:42 may be helpful:

    A Teaching Meeting Focuses on Truth Resulting in Learning.

    A Fellowship Meeting Focuses on Other Believers Resulting in Edification.

    A Breaking of Bread Meeting Focuses on Lord Jesus Resulting in Worship.

    A Prayer Meeting Focuses on Needs Resulting in Answered Prayer.

    It can be readily seen that worship is a result, not a cause. When the heart of the believer is rightly focused, results are certain. God sets before us the importance of gathering together and then promises to meet with us. Worship is inevitable as we discern Him in our midst.

  5. Hebrews - The believer can draw near, enter, and present his offering of worship to God, cf. I Peter 2:5. Also, it is important to distinguish between the place of meeting (anywhere) and the place of worship (in the holiest: i.e., heaven).

  6. Book of the Revelation - Worship: the occupation of the redeemed in heaven.

IX. Practical Application

Illustration: Piano with 88 keys, tuned and waiting to be played; the work of the Spirit of God who leads the saints in worship to God.

X. Hindrances to Worship

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