“The What of Worship, Part 2” (Ready to Worship S11E6)

February 28, 2020

Ready to Worship Season 11, Episode 6 for Friday, February 28, 2020

In this season of Ready to Worship, we are investigating worship by asking a series of questions – who, what, when, where, why, and how. In this podcast, we will continue to notice the what of worship. In the first podcast dealing with the what of worship, we noticed the meaning of the Greek word that is most often translated as worship. In this part of our study, we are going to notice what part of speech the word worship is. Worship is a verb. As you probably know, verbs are action words. Worship is active, not passive. As we noticed in defining the word, worship is kissing the hand towards someone (God). It is not a passive feeling of love. It is an active expression of love. As you likely know, worship involves five acts of worship – the Lord’s Supper, giving, singing, praying, and preaching. These are not acts that we merely sit through; at least, they shouldn’t be. These are acts in which we engage. Think of some of the actions that are involved in engaging in the five acts of worship. As we observe the Lord’s Supper, we are eating, drinking, communing, proclaiming, examining, and remembering (Mt. 26:26-29; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:25-26, 28). As we sing, we are speaking, making melody, teaching, and admonishing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). As we give, we are purposing, offering, and laying by in store (Mk. 12:42-44; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7). As we pray, we are thanking, requesting, and interceding (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1). As the preaching occurs, we are reading, receiving reasoning, and responding (Neh. 8:6; Acts 17:11; 18:4; Rev. 1:3). As you can see, worship is an intense spiritual workout. As we get ready to worship this week, let’s remember that worship is a verb. Let’s not just enter into the place of worship this week, let’s engage in the parts of worship!