True Worshipers

1. True worship is a gift from God, not our own creation

We come to God by grace or we don't come at all. We come by receiving a gift, not by doing a deed.

Divine initiative. True worship begins with God's gracious invitation and enabling. We are powerless to approach God on our own terms or merit. The gospel reveals that God has taken the initiative to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ.

Undeserved gift. Worship is not something we create or earn, but a gift we receive. This realization transforms our perspective, shifting the focus from our efforts to God's mercy. It frees us from the burden of trying to impress God or others with our devotion.

Ongoing dependence. Even as believers, we continue to rely on God's grace for worship. The Holy Spirit empowers us to respond to God's revelation, enabling us to exalt Christ in our minds, affections, and wills. This ongoing dependence keeps us humble and grateful in our worship.

2. Exalting God involves humbling ourselves and recognizing His supremacy

To worship God is to humble everything about ourselves and exalt everything about him.

Reorienting focus. True worship shifts our attention away from ourselves and onto God's greatness. This involves acknowledging our limitations and dependence while celebrating God's unlimited power and self-sufficiency.

Practical expressions. Exalting God manifests in various ways:

• Thoughts: Remembering God's presence and involvement in every situation
• Love: Desiring God above all else and loving others as a reflection of His love
• Faith: Trusting God's wisdom and power, especially in difficult circumstances
• Gratitude: Recognizing all good gifts come from God
• Obedience: Submitting to God's commands as an expression of love and trust

Heart transformation. As we consistently exalt God, our hearts are transformed. We begin to find greater joy and satisfaction in God Himself, rather than in created things or personal achievements.

3. Gathering with other believers is essential for true worship

If we're Christians, we're already part of the family. The question then becomes where and how we work out the details of family life.

Biblical mandate. Scripture consistently portrays worship as a corporate activity. From the Old Testament gatherings of Israel to the New Testament church, God's people are called to worship together.

Mutual benefits. Gathering with other believers provides unique opportunities:

• Remembering and rehearsing the gospel together
• Receiving God's Word through corporate teaching
• Mutual serving and caring
• Expressing unity in Christ
• Sharing in the sacraments (baptism and communion)

Greater display of God's glory. When we gather to worship, we demonstrate to the world the transforming power of the gospel. Our unity in diversity and our love for one another serve as a powerful witness to the reality of God's kingdom.

4. Edifying others is a crucial aspect of worshiping God

Worship and edification are two sides of the same coin. When we serve others for their good, we're bringing glory to God.

Dual purpose. True worship involves both exalting God and building up fellow believers. These are not competing goals but complementary aspects of honoring God.

Variety of gifts. God has given each believer unique gifts to contribute to the edification of the church. This diversity reflects God's wisdom and creativity, fostering interdependence within the body of Christ.

Key priorities in edifying others:

• Valuing the variety of gifts within the church
• Serving with love and humility
• Ensuring our words and actions are intelligible to others
• Keeping the gospel central in all our efforts to build up others

5. Singing is a powerful expression of worship, regardless of musical ability

Your voice, along with all the other voices in your church, has been redeemed by the Savior. As we sing, he presents our song to the Father for his glory and our joy.

Universal calling. God commands all believers to sing, regardless of their perceived musical ability. This is because singing is about the heart's response to God, not just the quality of the sound produced.

Multiple purposes. Singing in worship serves various functions:

• Expresses and encourages the Spirit's work in our hearts
• Helps us remember God's Word
• Teaches and admonishes one another
• Expresses and engages our emotions
• Encourages physical expressiveness in worship
• Demonstrates our unity in Christ

Focus on content. While the musical aspect of singing is important, the primary emphasis should be on the truth being proclaimed. Engaging with the lyrics helps us internalize biblical truths and respond to God's character and works.

6. Perseverance in worship is necessary, even in challenging circumstances

Every Sunday morning there are dozens of voices trying to convince us there's something better to give our time to than meeting with God's people. Don't believe them.

Common challenges. Worshipers face various obstacles:

• Feelings of hypocrisy or unworthiness
• Distractions during corporate worship
• Disappointment with worship leadership or song choices
• Personal struggles or suffering that make worship difficult

Overcoming obstacles. Strategies for persevering in worship:

• Focus on God's grace and the finished work of Christ
• Actively engage with the content of songs and teachings
• Pray for God's help in worshiping despite challenges
• Remember the eternal significance of worship

Growth through difficulty. Persevering in worship during challenging times can lead to deeper faith and a greater appreciation for God's faithfulness.

7. Encountering God's presence is a defining characteristic of true worshipers

Those who belong to God will cherish and pursue his presence.

Biblical foundation. Throughout Scripture, God's presence is a distinguishing mark of His people. From the garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem, God's desire is to dwell with His worshipers.

Different aspects of God's presence:

• Omnipresence: God is everywhere at all times
• Promised presence: God's special presence with His church
• Experienced presence: Times when we become particularly aware of God's nearness
• Unveiled presence: The fullness of God's presence we will experience in eternity

Pursuing God's presence. While we can't manipulate or control God's presence, we can cultivate:

• Desperate dependence on God
• Eager expectation of His working
• Humble responsiveness to His prompting

8. True worship anticipates and prepares us for eternity with God

For Christians, death begins "Chapter One of the Great Story," which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.

Eternal perspective. Understanding the eternal nature of worship helps us prioritize it in the present. Our current worship is a foretaste of the unending praise we will offer in heaven.

Motivating hope. Reflecting on future worship:

• Opens our eyes to the cosmic battle for true worship
• Motivates us to pursue holiness
• Fills us with joy and confidence amid suffering

Transformative power. As we contemplate the worship of heaven, we are changed. We begin to align our lives more fully with God's purposes, recognizing that our ultimate destiny is to glorify and enjoy Him forever.

Last updated: April 6, 2025