Each time we are introduced to a different spiritual discipline on this blog, it is our practice to hold it up to Scripture. Before we even name it a spiritual discipline, we look to see if it is taught or modeled in the pages of the Bible.
Once the discipline has passed our test, we then dig in to discover more about it. I don’t know about you, but I love learning all I can about these spiritual disciplines, these vehicles, for growing ever increasingly into the image of Christ.
As mentioned last week, we first met and tested the spiritual discipline of worship in February 2024. Presently, we are enjoying learning more about this powerful discipline.
The Language
In the Bible, we find several different Hebrew and Greek words that are translated into our English word “worship.”
Some of the Hebrew words include shachah which means “bow, lie down, prostrate, or homage;” abad the meaning of which is “serve;” kara whose meaning is “bow, bend, or kneel;” and barak which means “bless.”
A few of the Greek words translated as “worship” include proskuneo meaning “to worship or to show homage by kneeling or prostration;” latreia which means “sacred service or adoration;” and sebomai which is “to revere or worship.”
The Central Concepts of Worship
While we have no biblical definition for the word “worship,” these words and their meanings help to provide us with the central concepts of worship – homage, service, and reverence.
For example, all the “postures” – bowing, bending, kneeling, falling prostrate – are indications of homage. These postures express surrender or submission to God. Homage is expressed recognition of God’s majesty and holiness. It demonstrates a desire to acknowledge Him as King.
At least one word in our list (and there are more) from both the Hebrew and the Greek literally means “to serve.” We give homage to God, who is our King, through our faithfulness and obedience. We serve from a place of devotion to Him, not in expectation of anything in return.
Additionally, as we scan our list, we notice a group of words that indicate veneration or respect. In Acts 16:14, this term is used to describe the worship of Lydia. The verse goes on to say that when Lydia heard Paul speak, her heart was opened to the Lord, and she then attended to the things of which Paul spoke. This example indicates that our reverence will be expressed by keeping God’s commands, walking in His ways, turning away from evil, and serving Him.
Acts of Worship
Not only can we better understand worship through a study of the Hebrew and Greek terms used for it in the Bible, but we can also better understand worship by studying acts of its demonstration recorded in its pages.
Many acts of worship can be found in the pages of Scripture. Let’s look at just a couple to see what we can learn.
Let’s look to 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 for our first examination of a true act of worship. The words of blessing and honor that pour from David’s mouth in this passage come from his recognition of who God is. What we learn from this example is that true worship is a response to our recognition of who God is.
Our second examination will be given to Job 1:20-22. In this passage we see that after losing all his property and all his children, Job worships in recognition of the hand of God. True worship then, recognizes both God’s character and His deeds.
Let’s take time for one more examination of a true act of worship. This one can be found in Revelation 5:11-14. At the close of this passage where the elders fall down and worship after hearing “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea” cry out in praise to God, we see clearly that true acts of worship are an “awe” response at the presence of God.
These, of course, are only three examples of true worship found in the Bible. There are many others that not only provide us with a picture of what true worship is but also lead us to recognize the cause of the worship.
True Worship
As we seek to better understand the spiritual discipline of worship, our examination of the language and acts of worship in the Bible are quite helpful.
First, we see from it that in acts of true worship, God alone is the object. Therefore, worship is not about us in any way, fashion, form, or thought. Worship has no ulterior motive. Never, no, never, is it about what we will get from it.
Secondly, we learn that true worship is a connection to God – our spirit to His Spirit. So, worship is a spiritual act not a physical act.
Thirdly, we can conclude that God does not initiate our worship. True worship is a response to all that God is and does. Thus, worship is a verb – a response action.
Lastly, true worship is both a means and an end. It is an end because it is for God’s glory. It is also a means – a means to growing into the image of Christ.
As you engage in the spiritual discipline of worship, may the object of your worship always be God your Father, Creator and Redeemer, glorious and majestic. And may your worship be true as you respond to all He is and all He does with all your mind, soul, strength, and spirit. For His glory. Amen.
