I spent my formative years deeply involved in church, from attending services weekly to joining the praise team in high school and learning guitar. Over time, I’ve contributed to various aspects of music ministry within the church. There are numerous terms for the individual who leads music and singing during services, but “worship leader” was the most common in my experience. However, this title always felt inadequate because my biblical understanding of worship extends far beyond musical performances or Sunday gatherings. While there was undeniably a unique atmosphere during the music, particularly in some churches I attended previously, God early on impressed upon me that worship encompassed much more than music or designated church time.
Upon becoming a member of LBC, I quickly joined the music ministry. Music was a skill I possessed and enjoyed using, and I appreciated being part of a team dedicated to creating excellent and uplifting music for the congregation. What truly resonated with me at LBC’s music ministry was its strong emphasis on truth. The importance of truth is frequently preached and taught, often referencing John 4:24, a key verse in defining worship biblically. In contrast, my past church experiences often took truth for granted, prioritizing emotional “spirit” over doctrinal accuracy. At LBC, engaging with several insightful books solidified my grasp of fundamental, biblical, and comprehensive truths about worship. John MacArthur’s Ultimate Priority, re-released in 2012 as Worship: The Ultimate Priority, was particularly impactful. This book, combined with my personal desire to clarify this vital concept, inspired this article. My hope is to refine your understanding of worship where needed and, most importantly, to deepen your adoration for the one true God.
This article is intended to be an introductory exploration, not an exhaustive academic study on worship. It is not a summary of MacArthur’s book, though all quotes, unless noted otherwise, are from the 2012 edition of Worship: The Ultimate Priority. My primary objective is to broaden the common perception of worship as solely confined to music or Sunday mornings. I aim to demonstrate, through Scripture, a richer, wider, and more complete definition of worship. While I cannot address every question or argument within this scope, I intend to provide a helpful overview. Let’s delve into the fundamental questions about worship.
WHAT is Worship?
Worship is the core purpose of every Christian. The Old Testament frequently connects worship with physical acts of humility and reverence, such as bowing down (Genesis 24:26, Exodus 12:27, Joshua 5:14, Nehemiah 8:6, Job 1:20, Psalm 95:6), offering due praise to the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:29, Psalm 29:2), and presenting animal sacrifices at the altar (Genesis 22:5, 1 Samuel 1:3, Isaiah 19:21). Even the Magi, upon meeting baby Jesus, knelt to worship the incarnate Son of God (Matthew 2:11). Similarly, the twenty-four elders around God’s throne are depicted worshipping by bowing down (Revelation 11:16).
Scripture generally portrays worship as a declaration of God’s character, especially His perfect holiness. The appropriate response to this divine holiness, given our sinful nature, and the most common expression of worship, is to bow in humility and reverence. MacArthur defines worship simply as “honor and adoration directed to God” (p. 43). In essence, worship is ascribing worth and honor to the only One deserving of it – God. Other scriptural expressions for worship include glorifying God, loving God, and treasuring God.
WHO Should Worship?
Given this broad definition of worship, it is clear that everyone who loves and believes in God is called to worship Him. In John 4, Jesus, speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, acknowledged that both Jews and Samaritans worship God, though Jewish worship is informed by knowledge while Samaritan worship stems from ignorance (John 4:22).
From King David in his Jerusalem palace to the humble shepherds of Bethlehem, from all nations and backgrounds—Jew and Gentile alike—from every demographic—male and female, slave and free—and from every corner of the earth—the bustling streets of New York City to the remote Amazon jungle, Chinese villages, and African plains—all people, regardless of their status or location, are called to worship God. Worship is not exclusive to a spiritual elite, nor is it solely the responsibility of the music leader. It is the intended lifestyle for all Christians.
WHEN Should We Worship?
Elkanah and his family, including Hannah, worshipped God early in the morning before leaving the temple (1 Samuel 1:19a). The patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—built altars and worshipped God following significant encounters with Him. Many Psalms call for worship in a continuous, present tense, suggesting an ongoing practice. Ultimately, worship is appropriate at any time, especially as a natural response to encountering the living God. If our thoughts are frequently on God, as they should be for Christians, then worship becomes a constant aspect of our lives.
In John 4, Jesus revealed to the Samaritan woman a new era of worship. With Jesus’ arrival and His completed work on the cross, believers no longer needed to approach God through repeated sacrifices at an earthly altar. The people of God were no longer required to wait for atonement rituals to access God. The tearing of the temple veil symbolized a new covenant, granting continuous access to God at any moment. Because of Jesus, we can truly worship God at any time.
WHERE Should Worship Take Place?
The Samaritan woman initially questioned Jesus about the proper location for worship, inquiring whether it should be Gerizim or Jerusalem. Her people, the Samaritans, believed Gerizim was the designated place for worship, while she knew the Jews considered Jerusalem to be the ordained location. Jesus clarified to her that neither Jerusalem nor Gerizim held exclusive rights as worship locations. Location is not the determining factor; it is irrelevant whether one is Jewish, familiar with Scripture, or in a specific place. All places are acceptable for worshipping God. The crucial element is how we worship. If the manner of worship is correct, the location becomes secondary.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the pattern established from Israel’s beginnings as a nation: resting and worshipping God corporately on the Sabbath. This pattern shifted after Jesus’ resurrection, with Christians meeting weekly on the first day of the week (Sunday) to commemorate His resurrection. Christians continue to gather on Sundays for corporate worship. Ultimately, the Bride of Christ—all believers—will be united eternally to worship God forever.
WHY Should We Worship God?
John Piper, in the opening pages of Let the Nations Be Glad, asserts that the purpose of missions is worship, stating that missions exist because worship is lacking. In other words, the goal of evangelism is to bring unbelievers into true worship, so that, cleansed by Christ’s redemptive act, they can approach and worship the one true God.
So, why worship God? What is the fundamental reason for worship? Simply put, we worship God because He is worthy of worship. His inherent worthiness is rooted in His very being. Jesus assumed that both Jews and Samaritans were obligated to worship God. The critical question Jesus addressed in John 4 was not why worship, but how to worship acceptably.
HOW Should We Worship?
Jesus’ answer in John 4:23-24 is both concise and comprehensive: “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” Worship must be “in spirit and truth.” These are the only acceptable components of true worship; no other methods are valid. Worship is not merely intellectual agreement with biblical truths, though accurate doctrine is essential. Nor is it solely defined by a Spirit-led life or passion for God’s glory, although emotions and zeal are necessary. Worship of the true God is characterized by a life guided by the Holy Spirit, completely devoted to a fervent pursuit of God’s glory, all grounded in a biblical worldview and sound theology. The Spirit and the Word are indispensable tools for a truly God-glorifying life. This requires a Christ-like humility, a daily dying to self, ensuring that God receives all glory for the good in our lives and that we are not living for our own recognition or kingdom.
I trust this concise article, though not exhaustive, has contributed to a more biblical understanding of worship. May our worship continue to deepen and mature, for God alone deserves all worship in the universe.
