Today we begin a series focusing upon knowing, loving and worshipping God. Our study begins with a simple definition of worship and what the scriptures teach about worship. Since the first priority or our church is “UP-reach” we must clearly understand what that means and what “Up-reach” should look like. 

WORSHIP

Noun– the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.
“the worship of God” – Synonyms – reverence, revering, worshipping, veneration, venerating, adoration, adoring, – devotion, praise, thanksgiving, praising, praying to, glorification, glorifying, glory, exaltation, exalting, extolment, extolling, homage, respect, honor, honoring, esteem… laudation, magnification

Verb– To show reverence and adoration for (deity); honor with religious rites. Synonyms revere, reverence, venerate, pay homage to, honor, adore, praise, pray to, bow down before, glorify, exalt, extol, be devoted to, dote on, love, hold dear, cherish, treasure, admire, esteem, adulate, idolize, deify, hero-worship, celebrate, have a high regard for, hold in high regard, hold in esteem, hold in awe, look up to, be wild about, put on a pedestal, magnify, laud.   Antonyms – loathe, despise

Today we will verify the scripture’s clear teaching that only the One True God is worthy to be the object of our worship. Anything else is idolatry. 

EXAMPLE: You must fear the Lord your God and serve him… “You must not worship any of the gods of neighboring nations, for the Lord your God, who lives among you, is a jealous God… 

Deuteronomy 6:13-15 (NLT) 

When the Bible says that God is a “jealous” God it is not inferring that God is insecure or immature. God is rightfully jealous over His people as a husband or wife is rightfully jealous over his or her spouse. You do not “share” your spouse’s love and affection with anyone else. Though sinful humans sometimes practice what they call “open marriage” God will do no such thing. Truth does not tolerate lies. God does not tolerate false gods. God is our creator, Redeemer, and Savior. He alone deserves our total allegiance. (Nehemiah 9:6; Psalms 86:10; Isaiah 37:16, 20; Revelation 15:4)

What should the worship of God look like?   What does God expect or require from His people in worship?  Why do we worship?   What should be the ultimate goal in worship?  In this series, we will answer all these questions and many more.  

Pastor Mike