Defining Worship
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on Worship
The task of defining worship is made easier when we understand what worship is. Worship is the expression of loving reverence and honor bestowed upon a being “worthy” of such reverence and honor. With reference to God, worship has to do with God’s “worth.”
In fact, the word “worship” originates from the Old English word, “weorthscipe” which literally means “worth + ship.” In a practical sense, worship is the expression of tribute to God’s “worth” — His praiseworthy nature (Psalm 145:3; Psalm 147:5), His attributes and works (Psalm 66:1-12). Because God is indeed “worthy” of our praise, we as worshippers praise God, glorify God, and honor God.
For a biblical example of worship, we can turn to Revelation 4:9-11, where we see the beasts and the twenty-four elders worshipping, casting their crowns before the throne saying:
“You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You crated all things, And by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11).
We can also turn to Revelation 5:13, where we see pictured, innumerable hosts in heaven and earth as well as the twenty-four elders worshipping God.
Note the wording:
“Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
Why was the Lamb of God to “receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing”? (Revelation 5:12).
Because He was “worthy” to receive such (Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9). And because He was “worthy,” all creatures in heaven and on earth were found worshipping the Lamb of God (Revelation 5:9-14).
From time to time, we sing a hymn entitled, “Worthy Art Thou.” The lyrics are based on Revelation 5:12 and are as follows:
“Worthy of praise is Christ our Redeemer;
Worthy of glory, honor and pow’r!
Worthy of all our soul’s adoration,
Worthy art Thou! Worthy art Thou!Lift up the voice in praise and devotion,
Saints of all earth before Him should bow;
Angels in heaven worship Him, saying,
Worthy art Thou! Worthy art Thou!Lord, may we come before Thee with singing,
Filled with Thy Spirit, wisdom and pow’r;
May we ascribe Thee with glory and honor,
Worthy art Thou! Worthy art Thou!Worthy of riches, blessings and honor,
Worthy of wisdom, glory and pow’r!
Worthy of earth and heaven’s thanksgiving,
Worthy art Thou! Worthy art Thou!”
Brethren, the sheer joy of singing hymns of praise and devotion, only comes about when we fully appreciate and express the “worthiness” of God and the Lamb, thus giving all praise, glory, and honor to them.
In our worship, let us truly express our “joy” to the Lord for what He has done for us (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:1-11).