Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us at the next Sunday worship service:
In-Person
9:00am & 10:45am,
Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

What is Worship?

“True worship is a valuing or a treasuring of God above all things.” – John Piper.

There are many different definitions of what true worship is. Some believe that worship is the worship song that moves you on Sundays. Others believe worship is the amount of money you contribute to various ministries. Still others see volunteering on Sundays as an act or worship. All those and others are acts or expressions of worship, but I am not sure they define what true worship really is. I agree with John Piper: True worship is valuing or treasuring of God above all things.

True worship is God-centered worship. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how their worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from the heart and the way God has designed. Worship can include praying, reading God’s Word with an open heart, singing, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act, but is done properly when the heart and attitude of the person are in the right place.

Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.” This verse expresses the psalmist’s recognition of God’s unique value, as well as a passionate desire for God. But can we always say that? If we are completely honest, can we say that every day and in every circumstance? Probably not. There will be times in every Christian’s life when we truly hunger for God more than for anything else. But our hunger and thirst for God can be more up and down. We want God, and what God provides: peace, health, joy and love. All those things are gifts from God, but true worship is echoing the Psalmist’s confession, “Lord, I desire you more than anything!”

So how do we do that? Where does such a passion for God come from?  It comes from truly knowing God. The more we see God as He really is, the more we will hunger for Him. But a fervent desire for God comes, not just from knowing about God in truth, but also from knowing Him personally and intimately. The more we experience God as He is, the more we will long for His presence.

True worship is the acknowledgment of God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest form of praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. To do this, we must know God; we cannot be ignorant of Him (Acts 17:23). Worship is to glorify and exalt God.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you experience God’s presence in your life?
  2. What increases your desire for God? What competes with God for your ultimate desire?
  3. What can we do this week to increase our desire for God more than anything?

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