Some Things to Consider Regarding Worship

by Glendol McClure

John 4:23-24, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

We are commanded to worship according to the divine will of the Lord (Colossians 3:17; Acts 17:16-31). Worship that is displeasing to God includes: 1) “vain worship” (Matthew 15:7-9); 2) “ignorant worship” (Acts 17:22-23; Romans 10:1-4); and, 3) “will worship” (Colossians 2:20-23; Matthew 7:21-23). God demands that we worship “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). But, what are some things we should consider in order to benefit most from our worship to God? Please consider these points:

1. PREPARE YOUR MIND through prayer before coming to the place of worship! Christians are commanded to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17). Pray for the preacher, teachers, song leaders, and all who lead us in worship. We should pray that all saints be edified, that sinners be smitten in heart resulting in obedience to the gospel of Christ. Paul asked for the prayers of the brethren. “Continue stedfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; withal praying for us also, that God may open unto us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:2-4; cf. Ephesians 6:18-20). Paul prayed for the lost. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved” (Romans 10:1). We should pray that erring brethren repent; that the truth be boldly spoken and received by those with an “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15). Pray at home BEFORE the assembly!


2. PREPARE BIBLE LESSONS BEFOREHAND! Christians are commanded to study (II Timothy 2:15; I Timothy 4:13-16). This means doing some homework regarding Bible study! We don’t think it strange to do homework for school, college classes, or other interests. Why do some think it strange when asked to do extra study to teach a Bible class, prepare a lesson, or to fill in when the preacher is sick or out of town? Why would it be a strange thing for the Bible class teacher to expect the students to be prepared to participate in the study?


3. BE PRESENT AT EVERY opportunity to study the Bible! We are commanded to not forsake the assembling of the saints (Hebrews 10:25). Saints of the first century were involved in daily study of the scriptures (Acts 2:41-47; 17:11; 20:5-7). We should be present for gospel meetings, regularly scheduled worship services, Bible Study classes, and meetings of the congregation we are joined to.


4. BE ON TIME for the Bible Study and Worship assembly! Promptness is expected and practiced in worldly matters, why not for worship? We need to be on time so that we can greet visitors and other members. Being on time shows respect for the occasion, whereas tardiness indicates lack of proper preparation and disrespect (Matthew 25:1-13). How can we rush, rush, rush and enter the building late, take a deep breath and think we are prepared to worship the Almighty God? We cannot afford to lose sight of the solemnity of the occasion of gathering with the saints to worship our Creator and our Redeemer.


5. ASSEMBLE TO BE EDIFIED AND TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS in the “most holy faith” (Ephesians 4:1-16; Hebrews 10:24)! We must take an active role in worship. Open your Bible, and open your heart and ears. Sing, pray, and study to make proper application of the things we learn (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 1:21; II Corinthians 13:5-6).


6. WEAR APPROPRIATE ATTIRE for worship! Remember, we are worshiping God! Our outward adornment should always reflect a meek, humble, respectful, and pure heart (I Peter 3:3-6; I Timothy 2:9-10; Titus 2:1-8). However, dress for the occasion! At the marriage feast, “… the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless” (Matthew 22:11-12). Let our attire reflect the serious nature of worshiping God!

Conclusion: Never forget that we are worshiping the Creator of all things we see; the Father of all and the giver of “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17). Never take lightly the serious nature of the occasion when making preparation to worship the true and living God. I encourage you to strive to make proper preparation, to be present at the appointed time and place to worship, and thereby “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28 KJV). Let us always be mindful that “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 KJV). Let us bring the best we have in attitude, dignity, respect, and character as we worship God.