This weekend, we meet to worship God together. You may think, "But, Pastor Greg, we do that every weekend." And my response is "Yes, that's certainly what we should do." But if that is true—i.e., that we should worship regularly together as a church family—we also should have some understanding of what it means to worship. I have discovered that there are differing definitions for that word. Some think of it as the music part of the church service. To others, it is a personal experience that makes a person feel "spiritual." In 21st-century Southern California, many seem to think of it as a very individualistic encounter with the transcendent. I find that most definitions of worship are quite vague and...increasingly...self-centered. We think, "Worship is what I feel when..."
Introduction Week 1
So, here's the problem: We know that we should worship, but we don't quite know what it is. What we need is to hear God's voice teaching us. So, let me give you a few hints about what you will be hearing from Scripture this weekend. First, the biblical words translated "worship" in our English Bibles usually have to do with bowing before, surrendering all we are and have, to someone or something else. (This is true both in Hebrew and Greek.) It is the consistent teaching of Scripture that God alone—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is worthy of that kind of whole-lived surrender and devotion. The Old English word that became "worship" was actually "worth-shape." It meant that what we believe has ultimate value in this world will always shape our lives. What shapes yours?
Second, let me give you a beginning definition of worship:
Worship is the proper response of the whole of our lives to our Triune God. When we worship, we ascribe all honor, praise, and worth to God precisely because he is worthy. True worship results in God's being at the center both of our adoration and our action, both in our personal lives and in our corporate gatherings.
So, if we gather as a family to worship, how should we go about this "proper response to God" together? Where might we find guidance about corporate worship in Scripture? Our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone before us have turned again and again to Psalm 95. We will join them today. May we hear God's voice teaching us how important it is for each of us and all of us to worship Him.
To His Glory,
Dr. Greg Waybright
Senior Pastor