Will Worship — What Is It?
Categories: Bible Questions and Answers Tags: Bible Lessons on WorshipA querist asks, “From Colossians 2:23 – KJV, can you please give me a definition of what will worship is?”
The first portion of Colossians 2:23 – KJV states:
“Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship…..”
The “things” referred to in this verse are those discussed in Colossians 2:16-21 – KJV, having to do with the “commandments and doctrines of men” (Colossians 2:22 – KJV; cf. 1 Timothy 1:4 – KJV; Titus 1:14 – KJV).
In his Greek Lexicon, J.H. Thayer defines will worship as “worship which one devises and prescribes for himself, contrary to the contents and nature of faith which ought to be directed to Christ.”
The New King James Version renders the first part of this verse as:
“These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion…..” (Colossians 2:23 – NKJV).
Will worship is that worship devised in the mind of man that is in direct opposition to the worship that Christ prescribes in John 4:24 – NKJV — worship that is totally based on God’s truth (John 17:17 – NKJV; cf. Psalm 119:142 – NKJV; Psalm 119:151 – NKJV).
Some biblical examples of will worship are found in Matthew 6:1-8 – NKJV and Mark 7:1-13 – NKJV. Also note Leviticus 10:1 – NKJV; cf. Exodus 30:9 – NKJV.
Related Articles:
- Is Christian Worship Regulated by New Testament Law?
- The Divine Pattern of Acceptable Worship – Part 2