Worship Project [Abstract]
God created man and man’s life was not given for mere existence’s sake. No, within man lies a purpose. “What is that purpose?” you might ask. Worship. Indeed, there is nothing in life important in life more important than worship. Furthermore, it is essential to develop ‘theology’ of worship, given the close connection between the two. This is because worship is and ought to be expressed through what we believe in. The biblical definition of worship is can be found in both the Old and New Testament. There is found an overall teaching of the concern of the worship and adoration of God. Having a Biblically accurate theological lens for worship is crucial to understand God’s intentions for humanity and humanity’s response should be toward God.
Our understanding of the Scriptures has deepened over the generations, and likewise our worship has deepened and evolved. As great theologians throughout history such as Martin Luther and John Calvin expounded on the content of the Bible, the worship of the church was molded to mirror the newly understood theology. Since then, the doctrine of worship has continued to be reconstructed in the same way, while also changing in response to other facets of theology. With modern technology giving us possible into creation, our worship has shifted in response. The theology of creation is an essential element of our worship as it emphasizes God’s deific role as Creator. The evidence of worship can be seen all throughout biblical history and even found in our own lives. From Abraham to Paul, God created all things for His pleasure and glory. In God’s excellent providence and sovereignty, He predestined all things. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end and He brings to past all things for His ultimate praise and glory. Jesus, the God man is preeminent “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together (Colossians 1:17).
The Bible illustrates God’s intention in creating the world and creating mankind. Worship is the theme of both the Old and New testament which moves back and forth between personal and corporate expression. Throughout this paper I will illustrate biblically the theology of worship, why we worship and will explain the practical ways in which I have discipled my worship team musically and spiritually. I will expound upon the statement from R.C Sproul, “The very heart of worship, as the Bible makes clear, is the business of expressing, from the depths of our spirits, the highest possible honor we can offer before God.” Worshipping God must involve the heart and the mind. 1 Corinthians 14 “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?” In this passage of scripture, Paul is writing to the church of Corinth. Paul is essentially rebuking them because of how out of control the church had gotten. There was a lack of order in their worship meetings and a very unfruitful way of handling the spiritual gifts. I love this passage because it explains the importance and ultimate necessity of engaging the heart during worship and engaging the mind. Some churches and leaders don’t see the importance of engaging the mind and heart in worship during worship.
In order to worship God, we must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. We must seek to understand Him cleary in the scriptures. Abiding in God goes hand and hand with abiding in His word. Jesus Christ deserves our best worship.