Did you miss part 1? We took a brief journey into the Old Testament use of the word “worship” and interestingly discovered a theme much broader than music. This isn’t a life-changing surprise to some who may still refer to worship as teaching, music, prayer, the Lord’s supper, and giving. However, the cultural trend seems to be actively moving toward defining worship primarily as the “slow songs at church.” Worship is broader than music, yet on the other end of the spectrum we cannot fully define worship only within the context of ritualistic services. My prayer is that the Father’s heart be revealed continually throughout this study.
THE NEW TESTAMENT
There are 12 Greek words translated to worship in the New Testament. Proskyneo – Strongs G4352 – is the word predominantly used.
προσκυνέω proskynéō, pros-koo-neh’-o; from G4314 and a probable derivative of G2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master’s hand); to fawn or crouch to, i.e. (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore):—worship.
Used 60x as Worship. (For a full list of Hebrew and Greek definitions download the Biblical Definitions of Worship reference guide.)
In the New Testament worship manifested in the form of:
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh – Remember the wise men? They brought gifts to demonstrate their worship and submission to the newborn King. Through the story of the widow giving her two mites (Mark 12:41-44) we know the cultural value of the gift is not relevant to pleasing God, but rather the cost to the giver, which produces an eternal currency called FAITH.
Tweet ThisAn alabaster box – Some scholars estimate the cost of the alabaster box was a year’s wages. The disciples ridiculed Mary for worshiping Jesus with the expensive box of perfume. They thought it should have been given to the poor instead. Jesus said, “For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always.” She anointed Jesus with a costly sacrifice, a Jewish burial ritual foreshadowing the divine events to unfold.
Temple rituals – The scripture often cites families journeying to the temple of Jerusalem to worship (John 12:20, Acts 8:27). What does this worship refer to? God’s people, both Jewish and non-Jewish, would made pilgrimage for three of His holy annual feasts. Worship also took place in the temple daily which included scripture readings, sacrifices, prayer, and various offerings.
Spirit and truth – The woman at the well in John chapter 4: Should we worship in the mountain temple in Samaria? Or is Jerusalem the correct temple? Because of Jesus it’s no longer about finding the right sacred building. True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit wherever they may find themselves. Acceptance of our worship is no longer about animal sacrifices. Jesus is the way, truth, and life!
Standing – Many fell at the feet of Jesus and worshiped in the New Testament. They also brought gifts and made their petitions known. Sometimes physically bowing isn’t possible. I love this reference to Jacob in Hebrews 11:21 “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” Worship is a posture of the heart that moves the flesh however necessary and whenever possible. We can’t confine worship to physically bowing down in a religious manner.
Teaching, Study, & Prayer – We submit ourselves to pastors and teachers who have exercised competence in applying the scriptures. A good friend of mine recently shared a fantastic post by Ravi Zacharias about the risk of elevating experience above the scriptures. I concur and would add that personal study and application are also leading components of worship that prevent us from practicing false doctrines.
Service – Satan tempted Jesus in the Judean wilderness and beseeched Jesus to bow down and worship him. Jesus answered and said to Satan, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Jesus emphasized the connection between worship and service. Attending a meeting and singing with other believers does not fully qualify as worship. The way we serve outside the context of the congregation reveals who our master is. Many will say, “Lord! Lord!” but will never see the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). Worship is submitting our will to the will of the Father.
MORE THAN A SONG
What a way to kick off a worship blog that primarily focuses on music and singing! I’m not trying to split hairs over semantics. We do well to sing to God with holy reverence, giving honor to Him with the fruit of our lips. Music is a God-given method to express worship through sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. “Therefore by Him (Jesus) let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15. Music will teach and exhort believers: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16. Music is a way to “lean into” God and commune with Him.
If worship is more than music and singing, then what else does it include?
Our lifestyles (sacred worship, family, employment and recreation) reveal who we worship. Get to know God and what He is passionate about:
Devotion: Get to know God more through dedicated times of study, prayer, remembrance, communion, assembling with other believers, singing praises, and sacrificial giving.
Ministry & Evangelism: Minister to the spiritually/physically poor by revealing the Kingdom of Heaven, feeding the hungry, assisting widows, and going/giving to missions. If you have two coats give one to your brother who is cold. Be ready to give an answer to why you have so much hope in Christ (1 Peter 3:15).
Family & Relationships: Live life in faith by submitting to the the ways of God’s Kingdom, resisting the world’s system. Teach your family the ways of God by example. Give tithes and offerings before you meet your own needs. Let your family hear you cry out to God with your concerns, then celebrate together as God answers those prayers. Commit to forgive those who have offended your family.
Employment: Work as unto God. Exercise integrity with a heart bowed down to best boss of all.
Entertainment – May our non-sacred pleasure through music, fellowship, art, and dance be God-centric. Take joy in things God takes joy in and despise that which God abhors.
CONCLUSION
Worship is a spiritual yielding, bowing low in humility, acknowledging glory and honor to God in every facet of life. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” The fruit of this spiritual humility will be evident through outward expression and discipline.
July 5, 2016
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