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The basic principles governing acceptable worship are found in John 4:24: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The only proper object of worship is the God of Heaven. He must be approached in the right spirit (with sincerity, zeal, and reverence). He must be worshipped “in Truth,” that is according to the teaching of inspired Truth. The New Testament is the Law of the Lord’s church. If we please God, rather than ourselves, we will honor the teaching of the New Testament concerning worship of God. What does it say?
- The Lord’s people were a praying people. It is always right to pray (1 The. 5:17), but it is even more appropriate when the church gathers on the Lord’s Day (1 Cor. 14:15–17; 1 Tim. 2:1–8).
- Christians partook of the Lord’s Supper. This is a memorial feast, taking the partaker back to the cross (1 Cor. 11:24–25). The New Testament indicates (Acts 20:7) and church history confirms that this was done each first day of the week.
- The church was commanded to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). The omission of musical instruments in their worship was no more accidental than the inclusion of the Lord’s Supper. Church history shows worship with an instrument to be a late innovation of the medieval Catholic church. It was not and is not a part of true worship.
- The people gave of their money each Lord’s Day to do the Lord’s work (1 Cor. 16:1–2). This was a proof or test of their love (2 Cor. 8:8).
- They studied the Word of God for spiritual strength and to honor their God and Savior (Acts 20:7; Gal. 1:8–9; 1 The. 2:13; 2 Tim. 4:2–3; Heb. 5:12–14).
If we are intent on being God’s people, we will worship only as He directs.
[Note: I wrote this article for, and it was published in the “Bible Thoughts” Column for the Hood County News, Granbury, Texas, February 6, 1977.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
