The Basics of Worship
John 4:23-24 (KJV)
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
What is Worship?
Worship is more than an action—it’s a divine invitation to step into the presence of God. It’s not a routine, not a ritual, and not a performance. It’s a privilege. True worship is honoring, loving, and surrendering to God with everything we have—through praise, prayer, obedience, and reverence.
Worship must come from the heart and align with God’s Word. It’s where our faith is strengthened, our spirits are renewed, and our relationship with God is deepened. Without worship, our walk with God becomes cold, empty, and disconnected.
The Purpose of Worship
To exalt and honor God above all else
To express love and surrender to Him
To prepare our hearts for God’s Word and Spirit to move
To renew us and draw us deeper into His presence
The Elements of True Worship
1. Worship is About Giving, Not Just Receiving
Psalm 29:2 (KJV) – “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
Psalm 116:17 (KJV) – “I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving...”
Psalm 34:1 (KJV) – “I will bless the Lord at all times...”
2. Worship Requires Yielding
Romans 12:1 (KJV) – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice... this is your reasonable service.”
3. Worship Must Come From the Heart
Matthew 15:8-9 (KJV) – “This people draweth nigh... but their heart is far from me.”
4. Worship Must Align with Scripture
Psalm 19:14 (KJV) – “Let the words of my mouth... be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord.”
Modern-day movements have attempted to mix worship with unbiblical practices such as psychedelics or mysticism. From the 60s Jesus Movement to modern psychedelic churches, these examples highlight why our worship must be grounded in the Word, not personal experience or altered states of mind.
The Effects of True Worship
God is glorified.
We are lifted above our circumstances.
God responds to sincere worship.
1 Kings 18:38 (KJV) – When Elijah worshipped, “Then the fire of the Lord fell...”
Worship and Spiritual Growth
Purges sinful desires
Strengthens commitment
Brings joy and spiritual victory
2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) – “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear...”
Worship and Evangelism
Creates an atmosphere where people are drawn to Jesus
Breaks spiritual barriers
Strengthens and unifies the church
Worship Opens the Door to the Miraculous
Psalm 24:7-10 (KJV) – “Lift up your heads... the King of glory shall come in.”
Psalm 100:4 (KJV) – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving...”
The Basis for Worship
The early Church set the example: they worshipped with power, passion, and purpose.
John 7:38 (KJV) – “Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
Acts 2:42, 47 (KJV) – “They continued steadfastly… Praising God…”
Ephesians 5:19 (KJV) – “Singing and making melody in your heart…”
Acts 4:31 (KJV) – “The place was shaken… they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.”
Colossians 1:26-27 (KJV) – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
The Foundation of Worship: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the gateway into worship. It shifts our focus and sets the tone for encountering God.
Psalm 100:4 (KJV) – “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving...”
James 1:17 (KJV) – “Every good gift... is from above.”
Leviticus 22:29 (KJV) – “Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving...”
The Expression of Worship: Praise
Praise is a vocal and physical expression of God’s greatness.
Psalm 34:1 (KJV) – “His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
Psalm 150:3-5 (KJV) – “Praise him with the sound of the trumpet... timbrel... dance... loud cymbals.”
2 Samuel 6:14 (KJV) – “David danced before the LORD with all his might.”
Hebrews 13:15 (KJV) – “The sacrifice of praise… the fruit of our lips…”
The Power of Worship
Worship is communion. It’s where we meet God.
Isaiah 57:15 (KJV) – God revives the humble.
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) – Come boldly to the throne of grace.
Romans 12:1 (KJV) – Present your bodies a living sacrifice.
Principles of Apostolic Worship
Worship is a response to God's worth
It’s rooted in knowing who Jesus is
It’s entering into God’s presence with reverence
It’s not based on emotion alone—it’s a choice
It should be holy and Spirit-led
Psalm 96:9 (KJV) – “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness...”
1 Chronicles 16:29 (KJV) – “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name…”
Conclusion
Worship is not just a part of our service. It is the heart of our relationship with God.
When we worship with thanksgiving, praise, and surrender, we invite the presence and power of God into our lives. We’re not just singing songs—we’re stepping into a holy place where miracles happen, hearts are changed, and God is glorified.
Let’s worship Him with everything we’ve got—in spirit and in truth, just like Jesus desires.
