1. In 1 Peter 3:15 we are taught to "be ready always to give an answer." 2. We are studying passages that supply "answers to questions about worship." 3. We need to study this information for our own benefit, and it will help us be prepared to answer questions that we may be asked. 4. Let us begin by answering the question, . . .
Discussion:
I. WHAT IS WORSHIP?
A. Worship: to prostrate oneself, to bow down before, to pay reverence to, to adore B. This is illustrated in Psalm 95:6. C. Now that we understand what worship is, let us determine . . .
II. WHO IS THE OBJECT OF WORSHIP?
A. Worship is not to be directed to certain individuals and objects, including: 1. Satan (Matthew 4:8-10) 2. man (Acts 10:25-26) 3. idols and images (Acts 17:29) 4. angels (Revelation 22:8-9). B. Worship is only to be directed to God (Matthew 4:10; John 4:23-24).
III. WHAT KIND OF WORSHIP DOES GOD REQUIRE?
A. The Lord's followers must worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). 1. "In spirit": to worship from the heart, to be sincere, to have the proper attitude and disposition 2. "In truth": according to God's will as it is revealed in the New Testament 3. This is extremely important because it is possible for a person to: a. put his heart into his worship without following God's will b. participate in the right acts without having his heart in what he does. 4. True worship is offered "in spirit"and"in truth." B. The fact that Jesus talked about "true worship" implies that there are types of worship that are not true. C. We need to examine ourselves regularly to determine if we are offering to God the type of worship that He desires.
IV. WHAT ARE THE ACTS OF WORSHIP?
A. The 5 activities of true worship include: 1. singing (Ephesians 5:19) 2. praying (1 Corinthians 14:15) 3. giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) 4. eating the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-25; Acts 20:7) 5. teaching the Scriptures (Acts 20:7). B. As we worship we must abide by the principles revealed in Colossians 3:16-17.
Conclusion:
1. We have allowed the Bible to answer 4 basic questions about worship. 2. Let us keep in mind that worship provides special opportunities for God's people to reverence Him and to praise His holy name. 3. When we worship God as He desires we are able to receive a number of blessings in return. a. Worship helps us to maintain a proper focus in our lives: God. b. Worship gives us spiritual strength, and it gives us direction for our lives. c. Worship helps to lift our spirits. d. Worship helps us to become like the One we worship. e. Worship provides opportunities for personal examination so we can make our lives right with God. 4. This last point is especially important because God will not accept our worship if our lives are not right with Him.
