“The Why of Worship” (Ready to Worship S11E15)

May 1, 2020

Ready to Worship Season 11, Episode 15 for Friday, May 1, 2020

This season on Ready to Worship we are investigating worship by asking the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions. In this lesson, we are focused on the why of worship. It is always important to understand why we do things. For example, we often emphasize the why in connection with baptism. It is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). It is important for us to know this purpose when we are baptized so that we can understand what is happening. Baptism is not a declaration that we have been saved. It is a decision to be saved. We are not baptized because our sins have already been forgiven, but in order that they might be forgiven. In like manner, it is important for us to understand the why of worship. We worship because God is worthy. John wrote, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Rev. 4:11). The word worthy means befitting. It is fitting or proper to worship the Lord because He made all things. The Creator is worthy of the glory and the honor of His creation. We were made for His pleasure. It makes sense that we should give Him glory, honor, and worship, because that pleases Him. Through Isaiah, God declared, “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him” (Isa. 43:7). Please note that God created us for His glory! This glory is due Him. In the Psalms, David declared, “Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth” (Psa. 96:7-9; cf. 29:2). As we get ready to worship this week, let’s remember the why of worship. We are worshipping to give God the glory that He desires and deserves.