Worship in the New Testament

When we see worship in the Gospels, we always see it as a response to something Jesus did. Individuals responded to his miracles or his teachings by praising and worshipping him. In the Book of Acts, worship becomes something done in community. The members of the Church gathered together to worship, expressed by eating together, sharing, and singing together. Then Paul and the other apostles further develop the worship of the Church in the epistles by providing some guidance and organization. They taught the Church that worship had to be organized and in order. Finally, in the book of Revelation, we see this beautiful image of worship in heaven. We see angels and 4 creatures, and 24 elders worshipping the Lamb of God seated on the throne. This worship is expressed in song and by laying their crowns at his feet.

What does this teach us about our worship?

Our response to God's goodness and mercy should be to worship Him. We should worship Him when we acknowledge His righteousness, His holiness, His majesty, and His love. Every time we receive anything from Him, we should worship. And every day is a miracle.

Second, our worship should not be done alone. We should worship in community. We should gather with other saints to lift up His name. There is something about worship that is magnified when we come together. We join with other believers and our worship somehow becomes even more powerful.

Third, our worship must be organized and orderly. Disorganized worship is not worship, it's chaos. God inhabits the praises of His people, but if our praise is in disarray, then He can't enjoy it.

And finally, our worship must be genuine humility. When we worship Jesus, it's not about us, or our achievements. We must take all of our accomplishments and ambitions and lay them at His feet. This simple act of humility enlarges His glory and majesty.

Today, let's join the heavenly chorus and give Him all power, and majesty, and dominion, and blessing, and honor, and glory! Take some time to worship Him now.