ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! (Psalm 95:1-6 ESV)

… Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, (Hebrews 12:28 ESV)

The MERRIAM-WEBSTER DICTIONARY defines “worship” as 1) “the act of showing respect and love for … God especially by praying with other people who believe in the same God: the act of worshipping God;” 2) “reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power; also: an act of expressing such reverence;” 3) “to take part in worship or an act of worship.” Such definitions, however, fall short in their accuracy because worship is both an attitude and an act. Worship must connect the mind and heart with the truth of God and His marvelous grace as made known in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible.

Jesus Christ is the object of our worship. Jesus confirmed His love for us, even though we were still sinners and unbelievers, by dying on the cross to provide us the free gifts of salvation, justification, and everlasting life. When we understand the depth of the love He demonstrated, we are inspired to love and glorify Him. This is acceptable worship to God because it is driven by love.

Worship is to be God-centered, not worshiper centered. Worship is not entertaining ourselves. Worship focuses our hearts and minds on praising and glorifying God. With minds transformed, hearts renewed, and our wills fully submitted to God, we are enabled by His redemption to worship and declare the glory of His Name. (Colossians 3:14-17 ESV)

Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth! (Psalm 96:9 ESV)

Worship is not optional for the Christian. It is required. Our calling requires that we fear God and serve Him sincerely and faithfully. This is important because it shows that worship is to take place on God’s terms, not our terms or feelings. Worship is affirming, with our words and lives, that God matters more than anything else to us, that we desire Him above all others, that He is our treasure. We worship what we value most and there our hearts will be. (Luke 12:34 ESV)

God has given us a kingdom which cannot be taken away. Therefore, let us demonstrate our gratitude by offering up to Him sincere and appropriate worship accompanied by devotion, adoring reverence, and awe. (Hebrews 12:28 ESV)

O Lord, help us to remember that worship is not about us, rather it is all about You.