The Manifestations of Spirit-Filling: Worship (2)

The common Old Testament word for worship (shachah) means “to bow down, to prostrate one’s self.” The common New Testament (pros­kuneo; English, “prostrate”) means “to kiss toward, to kiss the hand, to bow down, to prostrate oneself.” None of these words are “holy” in themselves. They can refer to any recipient of worship, but we place them in the context of the worship of God, bowing down before Him to give honor, respect, praise, and adoration. While literally bowing down or lying down is not demanded, the idea of doing so in [our] heart[s] (Eph. 5:19b) most certainly is.

Scripture is permeated by the precept of worship. How can we possibly miss it? How can we build entire “ministries” that are totally man-centered and hold church services that are geared entirely to people’s needs?

Worship is at the very core of the commandments God gave to Moses (Ex. 20:2-5). Worship is illustrated by the seraphim (literally, “burning ones”) in Isaiah 6:1-3. Worship is the core truth of the Psalms (95:6-7; 5:7; 29:2; 45:11; 66:4; 86:9; 96:9; 99:5, 9; 132:7; 138:2). The first concern of the Magi when they came to visit Jesus was worship (Matt. 2:2). At Jesus temptation by Satan, the central issue of the greatest spiritual battle ever fought was worship (Matt. 4:8-10). Mary of Bethany’s desire was worship (Jn. 12:1-3). Immediately after telling her about salvation, the Lord Jesus told the Samaritan woman about worship (Jn. 4:20-24). The key issue that Paul emphasized to the Athenians was worship (Acts 17:23). Paul makes it clear that the defining characteristic of the true Christian is worship (Phil. 3:3). The activity in Heaven for all eternity will be worship (Rev. 4:10-11). Let us look briefly at four basic principles of worship.

First, worship demands reverence, the first absolute essential. The New Testament word for “reverence” (entrepo) is a most remarkable one. It literally means “to turn into one’s self, to put self to shame, to feel respect or deference toward someone else.” It is graphically used, for example, in the Parable of the Wicked Vinedressers (Matt. 21:37; Mk. 12:6; Lk. 20:13). A vineyard owner hired men to tend his vineyard but they were wicked. When the owner sent servants to collect the harvest, the tenants beat them, stoned them, and even killing some. He finally sent his son, thinking the tenants would “reverence” him, but instead they killed Him. The parable is, of course, about the Lord Jesus and servants of God who came before Him. 

That is, sadly, the scene in some churches. We simply do not reverence the Lord. Instead of putting ourselves to shame and completely bearing ourselves to God, we entertain ourselves and get what we want, and He is, therefore, mistreated. How can we worship when we are laughing at the “Christian” comedian or performing a stage play? 

Even something that seems as insignificant and meaningless as talking before the service begins mistreats our Lord. This is not a time for socializing but silence. This is a time of preparation, a time for purging our minds and mouths of the things of self and concentrate on the things of God. This is the first and foremost reason we come to church.

Second, worship involves Scripture reading. An integral part of the public meetings of God’s people throughout the Biblical record is the public reading of the Scriptures (Ex. 24:7; Josh. 8:34; II Kings 23:1-3; Neh. 8:1-8; 9:1-3; Acts 13:15; Col. 4:16; I Thes. 5:27; I Tim. 4:13; etc.). Some dismiss these many verses by saying, “The reason the Scriptures had to be read then was because people did not have their own copies of the Scriptures.” While that has some truth in it, it’s a flimsy reason, indeed, to throw out public Scripture reading. There is nothing more powerful than the spoken word, especially when that spoken word is the Word of God. 

Third, worship includes music. In addition to what we observed about music, may we add here that “Prelude” and “Postlude” music is important. Music helps to quiet us and prepare us for worship and helps us to reflect on the service as we prepare to leave.

Fourth, worship is directly linked to the Preaching of the Word. This is the climax; everything points to this and has prepared for this. There is nothing of equal importance than the preaching of God’s Word. We could sing all day, but until we preach the Word, we haven’t worshipped. Nothing praises God as does the proclaiming of His Word as absolute Truth. Tragically, deep, doctrinal preaching is on a steep decline; countless things are substituted for it. But God has told us that expository preaching is the method He will use for our growth, learning, and encouragement. The preaching in our worship services should worship God and feed His people. When God’s people are truly worshipping, they won’t want to be entertained but will want to listen to and obey the preaching of the Word.