Only God is worthy of worship.

Worship is the act of giving reverent recognition,

love, loyalty, or high honor to something or someone.
When we allow someone other than God to dominate our thoughts, we are
committing the sin of idolatry.
Bowing and kneeling are positions of submission and surrender, the opposite of
control. By bowing or kneeling in worship, you are showing reverence, humility,
and subjection to God.
Two things you must know about God to worship Him:
1.

Something about His nature (what He is like): He is almighty. He knows

everything. He is everywhere. He is eternal. He is fair. He is love. He is
merciful. He is perfect. He is wise. He is immortal. He is immutable
(unchanging).
2. Something about His works (what He has done): Nature tells us something
about Gods greatness and power. God created the universe and man. He
delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. He died on the cross for His people. He
gives us strength and salvation.
Reasons for Worship:
1. Worship is commanded.
2. Worship is deserved. (It is a way to show thanks to Him. He is worthy of our
worship.)
3. Worship is helpful. (We must always remember our dependence on Him.)
Worship in Old Testament Times:
1.

Sin offeringThe offeror would lay his hands on the animals head at the
altar. Then the animal was killed to symbolize dying I place of and for the
sins of the offeror. Then blood was put on the altar. The rest of the blood was
poured out. Parts of the animal were burned or eaten by priests. This
offering made the Israelites aware of the seriousness of sin and showed them
that sin must be paid for by death.
2. Burnt offeringAn animal was brought and slain, its blood sprinkled around
the altar. Then the animal was cut into pieces and placed carefully around
the altar. It was then burned to be a pleasing odor to God.
3. Thank offeringa form of peace offering to show that they were thankful for
their blessings.
Feasts/Festivals
The festivals were celebrations of giving worship to God. They also typified many
events in prophecy.

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2.
3.
4.
5.

6.

7.

The Passoverthe sacrifice of a flawless lamb; bloody X on top of door. Lev.

23, Isaiah 53, 1 Corin. 5:7.
The Feast of Unleavened Breadforetold offering of Jesus body for sin. Luke
22:19, Mark 14:12
The Feast of First FruitsChrist as First Fruits of the Resurrection. 1 Corin.
15:20
Pentecost50th Day; Church began spreading gospel through the Holy
Spirit. Acts 2
The Blowing of the Trumpets1) To Jews, a solemn warning prior to the Day
of Atonement.
2) To NT believers, the last trumpet, an event to be joyfully anticipated when
Christs body will be made new. 1 Corin. 15:51-52
The Day of Atonementa fast or day of affliction for Israel. 3 year -time of
Jacobs trouble. Jeremiah 30:7 End of Daniels 70-week prophecy Daniel
24-27 The Great Tribulation.
The Feast of Tabernacles/Boothsfollows the Day of Atonement. Prophesies
a time of peace & lifting of the curse on the ground. Micah 4:4, Zechariah
14:16

God did not permit the Israelites to use images of Him in their worship activities.

Worship in New Testament Times:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Prayeradoration, intercession, petition, thanksgiving, & confession.

Praisethe fruit of our lips (including singing)
Testimonyrecognition & honor
Bible readinggives God recognition, honor, and respect by centering our
attention on Him.
5. Preaching/Teaching & Listeningrecognition & praise
6. The Lords Supper, Communiongives God recognition

Worship Styles that displease the Lord:

Hypocrisyclaiming to love God and outwardly going through worship but not
obeying God & inwardly having no love for Him. Its like acting.
Formalismthe practice or doctrine of strictly performing outward rituals; going
through the motions of worship. A formalist gives praise with the mouth but not
with the heart.
Sacrilegebeing irreverent to a sacred person, place, or thing; brings attention to
God in disrespectful way; brings Him dishonor.