Examining Our Worship: Reverence for God?

Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24) This is a well known passage among brethren. When defending New Testament worship against denominational influences we are usually quick to quote this verse….and for good reason! As we examine Jesus’ statement we see two required elements in worship: worshipping God in spirit, and worshipping Him in truth. Anything else is unacceptable to God and a waste of time.

What is involved in worshipping God in truth? The New Testament specifies five acts of public worship.

Teaching. (Acts 20:7; John 6:45)

Praying. (Acts 2:42)

Singing. (Eph. 5:19)

Eating the Lord’s Supper. (Acts 20:7)

Giving. (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

It is imperative that we continue to worship according to the New Testament pattern. Failure to do so renders our worship in vain. Remember this scripture? 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'" (Mt. 15:9)

When Jesus speaks of worshipping God in spirit what does He mean? Is He referring to some type of charismatic influence? No. You see, God desires Christians to worship Him from the heart. I found one definition of worship that read, “the expression of the adoration of one’s heart.” Christians must come to services remembering they are worshipping the Creator, the Lord God of heaven. We worship the God who made the world and all things in it, (who) is Lord of heaven and earth. (Acts 17:24) Worship is a serious matter!

In our worship, we are revering God. I like Gene Taylor’s writing on reverence toward God:

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Christians must refrain from displaying an irreverent attitude when worshipping God. Irreverence is a growing problem in some places. This can be seen in several areas. For example:

A failure to prepare the mind mentally for worship. Ask: Do I know what I am doing and why? Some have suggested that reading a passage of Scripture or praying a silent prayer for strength or focus before the service begins can help immensely.

A lack of rest the night before.

A failure to concentrate on what is going on. Worldly thoughts and considerations must be put out of the mind.

Chronic tardiness—which indicates a lack of preparation and prior thought.

Talking and passing notes during the worship service. We might also include the one who makes faces and laughs at the baby sitting two rows in front of him.

Napping.

Infrequent attendance at worship. This is the person who never experiences the great joy that comes with worshipping God!

Parents who fail to discipline their children during the worship service. Children must be taught there are times when they must be quiet!

There are probably other areas of irreverent behavior we could list, but these will suffice. Reverence is an individual responsibility. “A person will only be reverent when he realizes the love of God is upon the obedient but that the wrath of God is upon the disobedient.”

Men who have the privilege of serving in the worship service must never forget the need for reverence to God. Remember, you are serving for the glory of God! You are leading your fellow brothers and sisters as they worship the Creator. Each man must evaluate his motives to make sure his service is sincere. One should not serve just to be seen by others in the congregation.

Did you note in the previous paragraph that serving in worship is a privilege? It is not a right. Serving in the worship service is serious business! For example, song leaders need to remember their responsibilities. It is easy to find oneself in a “rut” singing the same hymns over and over again. Take the time to lead a variety of hymns. The song leader often sets the tone for the entire worship service! Those who lead in prayer need to remember that prayer is much, much more than repeating a collection of a few “recycled” words and phrases every time one leads the congregation in prayer. Public prayer must be thought out, and come from the heart. Reverence for God must be seen in every act of worship! "Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created." (Rev. 4:11)