Do we truly understand what "worship" is? Ask any preacher and he will be glad to explain all about "worship". Which brings me back to my original question, do we understand what "worship" is?
Jesus said that teh Father desires for "true worshippers" to worship Him "in spirit and truth" (hey James i wonder if the DA is present in the Greek text? GS rule, does it apply?)
Preachers, who are "true worshippers?"
True worshippers must worship in spirit and truth. While many are confused as to what "in spirit and truth" means--let us stay with the subject of worship. Turn your television to any religious channel and you will see many diferrent displays of what people refer to as "worship". There is excitement and enthusiasm. People are shouting, raising their hands, some even jump out of their seats. They call this "worship", but, this does not coincide with the biblical definition of "worship".
The Bible defines "worship" as an act of reverence or obeisance. The most popular definition of a certain Greek word translated "worship" means to kiss or to bow down--to bow before your master--as a dog licks his master's hand.
Okay preachers that all i have to say. Maybe some of you can explain "worship" to me; I am sure you can.
LLL
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John 14:14"A spirit (is) the one God and the ones who worship Him in spirit and in truth it is necessary to worship to worship." No DA on either one. I'd probably lump them together like mashed potatoes and gravy, though our GS rule concerning the lettuce and tomatoes only refers to having one, or both DAs.
ReplyDeleteAs to worship, I'm with you.
Acts 10:25 is worship of a man, but notice the man fell down. Also Revelation 5:14 they fall down and worship. Other scriptures that tie falling down to worship include Isaiah 46:6, Daniel 3:5, 10, 15, Matthew 4:9. Worship obviously includes a humility.
As to what I think true worships, trace the places where people fell down before God, take what they have in common, and you'll find worship. Moses put off his shoes in Exodus 3 and Acts 7:33 in humility. Isaiah bowed his heart in humility in Isaiah chapter 6. Ezekiel had a similar experience in Ezekiel 1:28-2:7 and MANY places where Ezekiel fell on his face before the Lord in that book, then John did the same thing in Revelation. They mostly have a few things in common.
#1 - They sought the Lord and saw Him glorious.
#2 - This caused them to recognize their sinfulness and so humble themselves.
#3 - The Lord spoke and they heard Him.
#4 - They did what the Lord said.
So we should follow the same principle that has been taught over and over again throughout the scriptures.
Worship begins with seeking to see God, seeing how righteous He is, realizing your sin and repenting, then listening to what God wants you to do and finally saying "Here am I, send me."
If we follow that pattern, we worship. Of course worshiping includes in spirit (saved people in the right place at the right time seeking not their will but God's desire) and in truth (according to God's Word.)
The final outcome of the places we see worship in scripture... people change and let God do something great in their lives.
Amen Brethren!
ReplyDeleteJust for debate can you worship without praising God and can you praise God and not worship him? I now some who believe both sides of the coin while others believe praise and worship or two separate acts. Let hear it Reverend Snyder!
I suppose you could praise without worshiping, but you can't worship without praising. Just a guess those. Humility from seeing God should always bring praise in our hearts. You can praise him for things other than his righteousness though, such as his blessings of finances or health. If you pray, "Father, thank You for this food, and for the finances to purchase it. You are so good to me. Amen" You have praised him, yet not humbled yourself or worshiped.
ReplyDeleteI'd say we can praise him separately from worship, but every time we worship, a result we should see is praise.
This is just a best guess from my understanding, so don't think I'm sure enough to stand on it.
One thing that disagrees with my argument, though, is this. A testimony service is just thanking the Lord for what He's done. Is this not also part of worship? If not, should we have testimony services during our regularly scheduled worship service time?
Amen! Worship to me can be summed up in one thought. Realization of who I am (sinner, dirt, such a worm as I) and who God is (Holy, Righteous and Sovereign). This realization should bring humility, obedience and reverence. As for praising God, I believe He wants us to show our praise for Him in our love and obedience rather than putting on a show.
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