So what is your idea of worship?
Reading from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary, "If Christianity is the transformation of rebels into worshipers of God, then it is imperative for the Christian to know and understand what constitutes biblical worship. One may always consult Webster's Dictionary for the precise meaning of worship (adore, idolize, esteem worthy, reverence, homage, etc.). Yet truly defining worship proves more difficult because it is both an attitude and an act."
and,
"The true worship of God is essentially internal, a matter of the heart and spirit rooted in the knowledge of and obedience to the revealed Word of God."
Yes, true worship takes place in the heart of the believer...I think that's what Paul is saying when He says that Christ's message should "dwell" richly among us. That is the essential first ingredient to true worship. If we do not accept and allow the good news of Christ's life, death and resurrection to abide within us, then how can we move to any higher step of worship of our Father? The word "richly" as used here means "abundantly, in great measure, in large amounts." When that message has come into our hearts and taken residence within our lives to that degree, then what happens?
We cannot contain it! We move to the next steps of Paul's instruction: teaching and admonishing.
Both of these actions can be absolutely intimidating and daunting to may Christians. Teaching carries with it great responsibility, as stated in James 1;3, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Does Paul want everyone teaching? When I read it weighed against James words, I think Paul may be saying that the we must make sure that the message of Christ is always taught "in all wisdom." We need to make sure that Christian teaching is being proclaimed within our churches, and not according to man's wisdom, but according to the wisdom as contained in Scripture. Everyone is not called to teach, but we are all called to make sure we're listening to teachers whose words align with the Word of God. We all have a responsibility not to listen blindly (isn't that a nice combination of words!), but instead to listen, with our eyes focused on the Bible's words, making sure that what we're hearing is what we're reading, and when that happens, thank God for good Christian teachers who keep His Word proclaimed and alive.
If you are called to teach, teach. And do so with the wisdom of God as contained within His Word. And if you are called to hold a teacher accountable to God's Word, do that. If they are truly a humble servant of God, they will accept such admonition with grace and thankfulness.
Reading from Baker's Evangelical Dictionary, "If Christianity is the transformation of rebels into worshipers of God, then it is imperative for the Christian to know and understand what constitutes biblical worship. One may always consult Webster's Dictionary for the precise meaning of worship (adore, idolize, esteem worthy, reverence, homage, etc.). Yet truly defining worship proves more difficult because it is both an attitude and an act."
and,
"The true worship of God is essentially internal, a matter of the heart and spirit rooted in the knowledge of and obedience to the revealed Word of God."
Yes, true worship takes place in the heart of the believer...I think that's what Paul is saying when He says that Christ's message should "dwell" richly among us. That is the essential first ingredient to true worship. If we do not accept and allow the good news of Christ's life, death and resurrection to abide within us, then how can we move to any higher step of worship of our Father? The word "richly" as used here means "abundantly, in great measure, in large amounts." When that message has come into our hearts and taken residence within our lives to that degree, then what happens?
We cannot contain it! We move to the next steps of Paul's instruction: teaching and admonishing.
Both of these actions can be absolutely intimidating and daunting to may Christians. Teaching carries with it great responsibility, as stated in James 1;3, "Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." Does Paul want everyone teaching? When I read it weighed against James words, I think Paul may be saying that the we must make sure that the message of Christ is always taught "in all wisdom." We need to make sure that Christian teaching is being proclaimed within our churches, and not according to man's wisdom, but according to the wisdom as contained in Scripture. Everyone is not called to teach, but we are all called to make sure we're listening to teachers whose words align with the Word of God. We all have a responsibility not to listen blindly (isn't that a nice combination of words!), but instead to listen, with our eyes focused on the Bible's words, making sure that what we're hearing is what we're reading, and when that happens, thank God for good Christian teachers who keep His Word proclaimed and alive.
If you are called to teach, teach. And do so with the wisdom of God as contained within His Word. And if you are called to hold a teacher accountable to God's Word, do that. If they are truly a humble servant of God, they will accept such admonition with grace and thankfulness.
1 comment:
My idea of worship is my belief and dedication of my life to Christ Jesus. I try to teach only by being an example of a life that abides by God's Word. The Bible is my teacher of God's Word and principles for my life. I pray that my life is viewed as a song of praise for Jesus. I worship through prayer and meditation, allowing God to live richly inside of me. My entire body is for Him. My mind, heart and soul and my actions are for others to see God's love and sovereign power over me.
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