These Scriptures, along with many others, tell us that there is a God who is bigger than all of us put together (Psalm 1; 2; 46; 50:1-15; 100; Acts 17:22-31). He is uncontainable, uncontrollable, unimaginable. We would never know Him unless He reveal Himself to us. When He does reveal Himself, we still don’t understand Him fully. He deserves our loudest praise, but we probably come closer to worship when we are speechless.

Yet, people want a God who they can understand, who is more predictable. They want a God who agrees with them… How can we worship something like that? Creating an idea about God that is not true is the same as idolatry. See Romans 11:33-36; Psalm 50:16-23 cp. Psalm 115; Isaiah 44:6-21; Jeremiah 10:1-16.

The subject is “Worship.” Let’s define the word.

• The Hebrew word for worship means “to bow or to fall flat and give honor and reverence; to fear; to seek and make request.”
• Two different Greek words are the most common in the New Testament.
  • One simply means “to serve; to minister to someone (God or Christ) with reverence (honor, fear, respect).”
  • The other Greek word (used the most) means “to come near and kiss (The Greek root word implies “to kiss, as a dog will lick its master’s hand.”); to bow, crouch, or fall down before; to reverence and adore.”

Worship is important because God is important. Before we debate methods of worship, we need a good dose of clarification about the object of our worship. “An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.” (Arthur W. Pink) Though we will never fully understand Him in this life, we must embrace Him with our minds and hearts. We’re going to need help (I Corinthians 2:1-16). Humility is a must. There really are no proud worshippers of God. Proud worshippers are just performers. We are naturally unequipped to worship. God is not only the object of worship, but He is also the source of worship (Romans 11:33-36).

Satan tries to distract us, or lure us away from the worship of God. Satan wants that attention for himself (Isaiah 14:12-17). This is demonstrated in Matthew 4:1-11. Note, that at the beginning of Christ’s ministry, the Spirit led Him to go to the wilderness to fast and pray and to be tempted of the Devil. This event helps us to be not ignorant of Satan’s devices (II Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 4:27). It also encourages us to follow the example of Christ in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18).

• Satan tried to shift the focus to surviving physically. Christ kept the focus on God’s Words being more important than food. Matthew 4:1-4 cp. Deuteronomy 8:3
• Satan tried to distract with sensationalism and popularity. Christ remained focused on the pleasure and approval of God. Matthew 4:5-7 cp. Deuteronomy 6:16
• Satan tried to distract with earthly glory, wealth, and power. Christ remained loyal to God and His eternal values. Matthew 4:8-10 cp. Deuteronomy 6:13-14

The worship and service of God requires humility, but it also allows us to glory – to glory in the Lord! See Psalm 34:1-3; Jeremiah 9:23-24; I Corinthians 1:26-31; Philippians 4:4. His joy is our strength! (Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 89:15 cp. Psalm 42).

“The Worth and Excellency of a soul is to be measured by the object of its love.” (Henry Scougal)

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (I Timothy 1:17)