Week 34: Worship

• Key verse: John 4:24
• Four conflicts of worship
• Parting thoughts

Key verse

John 4:24 (NLT)

For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.

Four Conflicts of worship

This week I chose to use the four conflicts of worship that Pastor Ben Webb preached about as the basis of my discussion.

WE THINK WORSHIP = A GOOD FEELING

We chase peace, joy, love. But the better barometer of true worship is fear, the reverence of standing in the presence of a holy God.

“Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29 (NLT)

Worship is so much more than emotions. Well written music can bring us happiness and sorrow. That doesn’t mean we are worshipping. Worship can exist with or without emotions.

When we look at what Jesus did for us on the cross, we should be driven by the fear of God and the wonder of his grace. He demands absolute purity and justice. He sacrificed his only son to make a way for us to be in his presence despite our impurities and sins. This is fear and joy in worship. And that makes me emotional.

WE THINK WORSHIP = THE RIGHT WORDS OR ACTIONS.

We can raise our hands, sing every word, sit through the sermon and never actually worship. True worship isn’t lips moving, it’s spirit and truth.

“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24 (NLT)

Worship and praise takes many physical forms throughout Scripture. Raising hands, dancing naked, taking shoes off, and falling prostrate to name a few. All of these were a physical reaction to spiritual truth. If physical activity is what matters, then I would no longer be able to worship. Worship is deeper than physical activity.

I grew up in church. I have seen many people fake worship. Are you just singing along or listening absent-mindedly? Did you vote “present” at church. Put the phone away, set aside the to-do list, your child will be fine in the nursery. Let your spirit worship God! Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

WE THINK SUNDAY VALIDATES OUR WEEK.

How we live Monday-Saturday validates what happens in this room on Sunday, not the reverse. Worship isn’t a box we check, it’s a lifestyle.

“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2.21 (NLT)

Simply put, Sunday isn’t enough.

If we really worship God on Sunday, how can we set him aside for the rest of the week? God doesn’t disappear during the week, so we shouldn’t act like he did.

WE THINK WORSHIP ONLY HAPPENS AT CHURCH.

Worship happens in hospital rooms, on hiking trails, in your car, or at our kitchen table. Worship is continual and it’s everywhere.

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10.31 (NLT)

We should live our lives in spirit and truth. Every day in everything. Work, home, out with friends? Do it in a way that God is glorified. This doesn’t mean we can’t have fun or that everything needs to be spiritualized. But if it brings shame on God, don’t do it.

There should be many times outside of church that we have deeper times of worship. It can be in the car or in the woods. Seek those moments. When give ourselves to worship, God gives back.

Parting thoughts

I am thankful that physical activities and emotional expressions are not a requirement for true worship. I can still worship God in spirit. This should free all of you! It also means we should not pass judgment on someone who is worshipping differently from us. God sees the heart, we can’t. Besides, we should worship him in spirit and truth. Ignore the distraction. Worship God!

Pastor Ben Webb is doing some sermons on Core 52 topics. Check out his sermon on the four conflicts of worship.