How important is worship in the church? What priority should worship be given in the church?
Properly understood, all of life for the Christian should be an expression of worship to God. We are to love God with all of our heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:35-38). Our lives are to be lived for God's glory.
In the church, each element of a worship service should be designed to help believers worship God or to share the gospel with any unbelievers who may be present. With worship as the goal, song choices, prayers, Scripture reading, teaching, and other elements can be developed in ways that point worshipers toward a higher view of God.
What are some of the ways worship can be made a priority in the church? First, consider the setting. As much as possible, is the location or room in which worship takes places designed and structured to help people worship the Lord?
Second, consider the content. What is the theme of the service and the sermon? How will what is communicated during the worship gathering help people better worship the Lord?
Third, consider the people. What will best help the particular people in your congregation grow in knowledge and reverence for God? This will vary depending on the culture, age, maturity level, and other factors of those attending.
Fourth, consider the unsaved. There will likely be at least one new or unsaved person in your congregation. Does your worship make sense? Is it orderly? Does it point them to saving faith in Jesus Christ?
Fifth, consider the Scriptures. Is God's Word the basis for what takes place in your worship services? How is it taught? Does the teaching make sense to listeners? Are people given ideas and helped to apply the teachings of Scripture to life's issues?
Sixth, above all, would God be pleased with the worship that takes place in your church? Though the above considerations are important, it is most important that worship is developed that honors God and is pleasing to Him.
Ephesians 5:18-19 teaches, "be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." Colossians 3:16-17 adds, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." When we focus on this in worship, God is honored and lives are changed for His glory.
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