Day 4 Through the Bible
Day 4: The True Way to Worship – God’s Plan vs. Our Preferences
When it comes to worship, there are many approaches people take, but not all ways are correct. God’s Word is clear: there is only one true way to God, and His plan of worship is the right way. This principle is not merely a preference or opinion but a foundational truth that shapes our entire approach to faith and devotion. Today, we explore the biblical principle that worship must be done God’s way, not according to our preferences or societal trends.
Biblical Principle: One Way to God, One Way to Worship
The Bible teaches that there is only one way to God and one proper way to worship Him. This theme is first explored in the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4. God accepted Abel's offering because he obeyed God's command and offered a sacrifice in faith. Cain, on the other hand, brought an offering that did not follow God's plan, and his sacrifice was rejected.
Genesis 4:4 – "And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering."
Abel’s offering, a lamb, pointed toward the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It was not simply about the act of offering but about the faith behind it. Abel's worship was rooted in God's plan of salvation, which, from the beginning, involved a blood sacrifice. Cain’s offering, however, was born from his ideas and not from God’s direction, which is why it was rejected.
This theme of worship being tied to God’s will and plan is reinforced in the words of Jesus in the New Testament. In John 14:6, Jesus makes a definitive statement about the way to the Father:
John 14:6 – "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
Jesus is the only way to God. As some may claim, there are not many paths to God, and not all worship practices are acceptable. It is through Jesus Christ and His finished work that we are reconciled to the Father. This is the only way.
True Worship: In Spirit and in Truth
In John 4:23-24, Jesus expands on the nature of true worship. He tells the Samaritan woman that the hour has come when true worshippers will worship in spirit and truth and that this is what God desires.
John 4:23-24 – "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."
True worship is not a ritual or bound to a specific place. It is an attitude of the heart and a submission to the truth of who God is. Worshipping in spirit means that our worship is empowered by the Holy Spirit, aligning our hearts with God’s will. Worshipping, in truth, means that our worship is rooted in the reality of who God is and what He has done for us, as revealed in His Word.
Practical Application: Worship as a Response to God’s Grace
Worship, therefore, is not about us; it’s about God. The example of Abel shows us that worship must be a response to God’s work, not a self-centered display. In offering a lamb, Abel acknowledged God’s plan of salvation, which would later be fulfilled in the sacrifice of Christ. Abel’s faith in God’s plan was the foundation of his worship.
This should shape how we approach worship in our lives. Our worship should reflect our gratitude for what God has done for us rather than focusing on what we can get out of it. When we worship, we should consider how our praise, prayer, and acts of devotion point to God’s greatness and His work in our lives.
Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Worship is a heavenly activity. It is about aligning our hearts with God’s will, not about creating an experience that is comfortable or appealing to our human desires.
In Colossians 3:16-17, Paul encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another through songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. Worship is an act of community, where we express our love to God and encourage one another in the faith.
Colossians 3:16-17 – "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
The Question of Worship: Does Your Worship Reflect God’s Work?
As we consider how we worship, we must ask ourselves, "Why do I worship the way I do?" Is our worship rooted in the reality of what God has done for us, or is it a reflection of our desires or preferences?
Many churches today adopt “seeker-friendly” worship models to attract people by meeting their desires. While it’s not wrong to make church inviting, the priority must always be pleasing God and adhering to His ways, not just creating an experience that makes us feel good. Seeker-friendly worship often prioritizes what people want rather than God's desires. True worship is about offering ourselves to God in the way He has prescribed, not in a way that attracts crowds or appeals to human preferences.
Conclusion: Worship in Spirit and Truth
Worship is a sacred act of honoring God. It is not about us, nor is it something we can do in any way we choose. True worship is rooted in faith, God’s plan of salvation, and a heart that acknowledges His work in our lives. As we worship, let us remember that it should reflect not what we want but what God desires, and it should always point to the greatness of His name.
In every act of worship—whether through song, prayer, or service—may our hearts be set on things above, focused on what God has done for us in Christ and motivated by a desire to honor Him. Let us worship in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such worshippers.
