It is often noted that, throughout history, mankind has demonstrated a need to worship something or someone. There are varying reasons as for why people worship: fear, desire, need, and a longing for something greater in life - to explore the meaning and purpose of life. These are natural phenomenon. Jesus told us that we should worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

This message is devoted to the subject of why we should worship the one true God: the God of creation; the God of the Bible; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some claim to believe in Him. Some casually say that they love Him or that they are on His side. Some identify with a church or organization that is called by His name. Some do things or give money as some kind of duty or appeasement. We should be worshipping God. Most people are not doing that.

This series has attempted to give definition to the subject of worship, along with some examples of those who have worshipped God. Later, there will be some "how-to" instruction. Please understand that "how-to" will not do much good unless there is "want-to." For this, we must address the question of "Why should we worship?" To know why something should be done is to find the strength and the will to do it.

Worship is by God's Command.

We might as well get this established, that worship is not something optional. It is not a casual matter of drifting in-and-out of church, occasionally paying attention to God and His righteous claims on our life. Worship is God's will for us. To not worship God is sin. God will hold those accountable, who do not give their humble, joyful devotion to God and His Kingdom. See Deuteronomy 6:4-15. If you are tempted to say that these Scriptures only apply to the people of Israel, then please note our Scripture reading again. "Let all the earth fear the LORD; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him." (Psalm 33:8 cp. Psalm 33:13-19; 2:1-12; 46:6-11; 82:8; Acts 17:24-31; Philippians 2:9-11).

It is also to be noted that our Lord quoted Deuteronomy 6:13 to Satan (Matthew 4:8-10 cp. Deuteronomy 6:14; 10:20; 13:4). Christ made this commandment binding to every intelligent being in the universe - angelic, demonic, or human. See Psalm 57:5-11; Isaiah 6:1-4; Revelation 4:11; 5:11-14 cp. Matthew 6:9-10. Worship is also described as fitting to even lesser beings (Psalm 150:6 cp. 69:34).

Worship is for God's Pleasure.

God deserves the worship of His creatures.
     See Psalm 18:3; 33:1-5; 48:1; 96:1-13; 107:8, 15, 21, 31; 148:13.

God desires the worship of His creatures.
     See Psalm 22:3; 27:8; 69:30-31; Hebrews 11:6; 13:15-16.

Worship is a Gift from God - for the good of mankind.

One reason that worship pleases the Lord is that worship is good for us. God's commands are designed for our good, as well as His glory (Deuteronomy 33:2-3; Psalm 1:1-3; 19:7-11; 119:89-104; Galatians 3:21-24; I John 5:3). We all need God. We all need to know that we need God. Seeking God and worshipping Him is the best activity for the heart, mind and soul of man. See Psalm 26:8; 27:4; 92:1-4; 122:1; 130:1-8; 147:1; Matthew 22:36-40; Acts 17:26-28; Ephesians 5:15-21; Colossians 3:12-17.

• Worship directs our minds and hearts into humble thoughts that quench sin and pride.
• Worship directs us into realms of love, making us able to be gentile, forgiving and kind.
  Love also makes our dedication to God and His Kingdom sincere and consistent.
• Worship directs our minds and hearts into pure and glorious thoughts that lift us to higher, nobler desires and ambitions.
• Worship delivers us from fearful thoughts, and gives us hope and encouragement.

Some further considerations about the benefits of worship.

• Worship is the proper response of a saved soul - Psalm 107:1-2; 103:1-5.
• Worship enables us to learn His delights and conform to them - Jeremiah 9:23-24 cp. I Corinthians 1:26-31; II Corinthians 3:18; Psalm 37:4.
• Worship allows us to gain peace and stability - Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 46:1-3, 10.
• Worship allows us to have His joy as our strength - Nehemiah 8:5-10 (Note I Timothy 1:11 "the blessed God" = "the happy God"); Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:4-9; I John 1:1-4
• Worship enables us to gain much-needed humility and grace - Psalm 8:1-4; James 4:6-10; I Peter 5:5-10.
• Worship gives us strength to serve the Lord and overcome the world - Psalm 31:19-24; 34:1-22; 71:14-16; 84:7-12; Isaiah 40:28-31; Daniel 11:32; I John 5:1-5.