American College Dictionary: Worship - Reverent honor & homage… …adoring reverence or regard …venerate, glorify, honor

“Worship” from the Old English “worthship” Acknowledging the unique worth of something or someone. Showing honor and respect to them.

Modern man worships his work, works at his play, and plays at his worship.

Christians should understand and practice biblical worship... …because empty, motion-sickness sets in otherwise 1 Cor. 11:30

“For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep “For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep.” 1 Cor. 11:30

Christians should understand and practice biblical worship... …because God seeks true worship Deut. 6:13; Jn. 4:23-24

“You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him, and swear by His name.” Deut. 6:13

Christians should understand and practice biblical worship... …because it is a confirmation of who we are Phil. 3:3

“For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.” Phil. 3:3

Christians should understand and practice biblical worship... …because its absence arouses God’s wrath Rom. 1:18-21

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them... For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks…” Rom. 1:18-21

Christians should understand and practice biblical worship... …because worship characterizes God’s people Abel - Noah - Abraham

An Interesting Comparison - 31 verses in Genesis devoted to the creation of the world - 243 verses (7 chapters) devoted to the creation of the tabernacle

Christians should understand and practice biblical worship... …because dishonorable worship dishonors all involved Matt. 15:8-9

“This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Matt. 15:8-9

The focus of true worship is honoring God...

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.” Ps. 95:1-3

“Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand...” Ps. 95:6-7

“Sing to the Lord, bless His name; proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.” Ps. 96:2-4

The focus of true worship is honoring God... …because our God is deserving

The purpose of worship is to give God glory, praise, honor, The purpose of worship is to give God glory, praise, honor, thanks & awe

If hearts are not inclined toward God, actions are not worship “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.” Matt. 15:8 If hearts are not inclined toward God, actions are not worship

Fulfilling a “duty” with right “actions” should offer little comfort Worshippers actively respond to God with their whole being John 4:23-24 Fulfilling a “duty” with right “actions” should offer little comfort

Does the exercise of “duty” give honor or belittle? God’s viewpoint Mal. 1:11-14, 10

Malachi 1:11-14 “For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure, for My name will be great among the nations,’ says the Lord of hosts. But you are profaning it, in that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised...

“You also say, ‘My how tiresome it is “You also say, ‘My how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and you bring what was taken by robbery, and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?’ says the Lord. But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock, and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and My name is feared among the nations.’”

“Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘nor will I accept an offering from you.’” Mal. 1:10

True honor comes from joyful acts “Be glad in the Lord and rejoice you righteous ones, and shout for joy all you who are upright in heart.” Ps. 32:11 “Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Ps. 37:4

True honor comes from joyful acts Ps. 32:11; 37:4 The truest expression of worship comes when our “duty” becomes our “delight”

Have you examined your devotion? Your spirit? Your worship? WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS? 2 Cor. 13:5 Have you examined your devotion? Your spirit? Your worship?