Worship for RevivalSample

God’s Definition of Worship Versus Ours

What do you think of when you hear the word worship?

You’ll often hear something along the lines of, “I’m looking for a church that has great worship.” Of course, in actuality, the window-shopper is evaluating each church’s style, presentation, and excellence (or lack thereof) in performing music. The operative word in the previous sentence is performing. Is that a biblical view of what the Bible would identify as worship?

Genuine biblical worship often involves music, utilizing both instruments, and lifting human voices in unified agreement before the throne of God. The witness of Scripture is clear on this. In fact, the Book of Psalms is made up entirely of worship songs—150 of them! The final psalm captures the essence:

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power! Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lyre and harp! Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and flute! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with the clanging cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!—Psalm 150:1–6

That is God’s Word on the subject. With every instrument available and our breath, true believers possess an inward unction of the Holy Ghost to praise and worship our great God even as a newborn child cannot help but cry out.

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. —John 4:24

I will enter Your house; in fear of You, I will worship at Your holy temple. — Psalm 5:7