The Practice of Worship in the Church

Truths to Discover

How should we express our worship to God as a church?

Scripture gives at least nine ways we should worship God by expressing an attitude of awe and reverence, a heart of submission, and a readiness to serve and obey.

These expressions should occur “in spirit and truth,” coming from a true heart of devotion to God and corresponding with what he has revealed in his Word (John 4:24).

Prayer

This should be a frequent practice and top priority for the church as a means of praising God, depending on him, and submitting to his will (Acts 2:42; 1 Tim 2:1-2).

Scripture Reading

Reading God’s Word aloud and with others in the church worships God by giving focused attention to what he has said (Col 4:16; 1 Thess 5:27; 1 Tim 4:13).

Bible Preaching

Biblical preaching explains and applies what God has said to our lives, enabling us to understand and obey God’s will more accurately and completely (2 Tim 2:15; 4:2).

Observing the Ordinances

We treat Christ as Lord by obeying two specific commands: baptism (Matt 28:19 < Acts 2:42) and regular participation in the Lord’s Table (Luke 22:17-20 < 1 Cor 11:23-26).

Words of Encouragement

When we correct some wrong thinking, provide some comfort, or inspire someone towards better behavior, we are worshiping God by magnifying and carrying out his will (1 Thess 3:2; 2 Thess 3:12; Tit 2:15; Heb 10:24-25).

Confessing Faults

By acknowledging our sins and shortcomings to God and to one another as needed, (Matt 5:23-24; Jam 5:16; 1 John 1:9)

Testimony

This practice involves telling others about how God at work in your life so that God receives the glory for what he has done (Eph 5:20; Col 3:17).

Financial Giving

Regular and sacrificial giving supports the work of God, meets the needs of God’s people, and demonstrates submission to God’s authority and ownership (Acts 2:44-45; 6:1; 1 Cor 16:2; 2 Cor 8:1-8; 9:6-7, 10-13; Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:9-10, 17-18).

Music

This should be a frequent practice for the entire congregation as a way of expressing and responding to biblical truth about God (Eph 5:18-20; Col 3:16; 1 Cor 14:15).

These nine things provide tangible, necessary ways for believers to magnify and respond to the truth about God – who he is and what he has done.

How should we express our worship of God to one another?

Though worship requires a vertical focus (upward towards God), it includes a horizontal aspect as well (us towards one another). As we serve God, we build up one another (Eph 4:12-16; Eph 5:18), just as the greatest command (“love God”) is inseparable from “love our neighbor” (Mark 12:30-31). Another horizontal outcome of biblical worship is pointing nonbelievers to God (Acts 2:47). We should worship in a way that nonbelievers can understand and respond to God’s greatness and goodness (Psa 126:2; 1 Cor 14:23-25).

What does Ephesians 5:17-21 teach us about worship as a church?

• Do so in accord with and response to God’s Word (“understand the will of the Lord”)
• Do so differently than an idol temple, secular party, or pub (“not drunk with wine”).
• Do so in dependence on the Spirit of God (“be filled with the Spirit”).
• Verbalize our worship with spoken words (“speaking to one another”).
• Express these words through music (“in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”).
• Express these words from our heart (“making melody in your heart”).
• Focus our worship on the Lord (“to the Lord”).
• Express personal gratitude to God (“giving thanks…to God”).
• Submit to one another rather than elevate yourself (“submitting to one another”).

Questions to Discuss

• Which means of worship do we tend to minimize or neglect?
• What may be some appropriate ways to worship God?
• What worship practices of other religions are excluded from biblical worship?
• How can we ensure that our worship magnifies God for nonbelievers?
• What truth about worship from Eph 5:17-21 grabs your attention and why?