simpliworship Weblog

Defining Worship
The massive increase of the worship music industry in recent years has led to a perceived redefinition of the term ‘worship’ – particularly amongst younger churchgoers. The very thing designed to help us focus on Christ can itself easily become the focus of our attention. It is important therefore that we establish a correct definition of worship and it’s purpose within the church, so we may ensure our focus remains on he alone that is worthy of all worship – The Lord Jesus Christ.
1. At the heart of worship is SACRIFICE

Genesis 22: 1-12 The first mention of the word worship in the Bible relates to the story of Abraham and Isaac.

Vs 5  “Stay here with the donkey”, Abraham told the young men, “and the lad and I will travel yonder and worship and then come right back” (TLB)

God had asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son, his son through whom God had promised an entire nation!  Nearing the end of his life, obedience to this command meant sacrificing not only his son but also his hope for the future, his dreams, his desires, his entire existence – in short, all that he held most dear.  To his servants, Abraham describes this decision to obey and sacrifice simply as worship.

This story illustrates a most important principle: at the heart of worship is SACRIFICE.  What greater sign of devotion can we give to the one we adore, than to sacrifice that which is dearest to us?  For Abraham it was his beloved son Isaac, a great sacrifice indeed for any parent.  However the Lord does not require anything of us that He himself has not already given.

John 3:16  “For God loved the world so much that He gave His only beloved Son…”

On the very same hill years later, God went through the same anguish that Abraham went through but where Abraham was spared the final act, God carried it through to completion.  He actually did sacrifice his son therefore we can be assured he understands the gravity of that which he asks of us.   He also knows that for us as humans, the process is not complete without struggle, for how worthy is our sacrifice if it costs us nothing! God is not disappointed in us should we struggle with something he asks of us; he expects it of us as human beings. It is the end decision that counts.  Christ Himself struggled intensely in the Garden of Gethsemane, “If it be possible, take this cup from me.. but then in one line, summed up for mankind the definition of true worship and wrote the greatest worship song ever written., yet not my will but yours be done”  (Matthew 26: 39).

His final decision was to give Himself fully to the Fathers will trusting in His eternal purposes. Surely this is the heart of true worship.  Following His example, we surrender ourselves in faith as an act of worship to God.

Romans 12:1  “Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship”.