Lesson 4: Worship in the New Testament

By the end of this lesson, the student should:

(1) Understand how Jesus is both our example in worship and the focus of worship.

(2) From the Gospels, Acts and Revelation, recognize false types of worship.

(3) Make a personal commitment to both worship and evangelism.

(4) From the Epistles, know the primary elements of worship in the early church.

(5) Experience worship that is focused on God.

Memorize Romans 12:1-2.

[1]Pastors James, Enoch, Gideon, and Jason met again to discuss what they had learned about worship from the Old Testament.

James, who values traditional worship, said, “I think the Old Testament proves that my church is doing worship right. Worship in the Temple was formal and organized. That is what we try to do.”

Enoch laughed, “Yes, but did you read what the prophets said? The formal worship of the Temple meant nothing! Worship that pleases God is worship from the heart. That’s what we do in our contemporary worship; we are touching the hearts of a new generation.”

In frustration, Gideon said, “We are no further than when we started our study of worship. Why doesn’t God just say, ‘This is how you must worship me?”

Jason spoke up. “Let’s not give up. We are New Testament Christians; maybe the New Testament will answer our questions. Let’s study worship in the New Testament and see what it says.”

► How did worship change in the New Testament? How was the worship of the early church different than the worship of the Tabernacle and Temple? Summarize what you already know about New Testament worship.

Of all the times the word worship is used in the New Testament, half of the occurrences are found in the four Gospels. The Gospels show us that Jesus is our example in worship. They also show us that he is worthy of our worship.

In His Humanity, Jesus Was the Supreme Model of Worship

Jesus modeled true worship. Jesus told the Samaritan woman that God is seeking those who worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). In his own worship practices (scripture reading, prayer, attendance to the synagogue and Temple), Jesus showed what it means to truly worship in spirit and in truth.

Jesus loved the place of worship.

Luke shows Jesus’ love for the place of worship. Even as a child, Jesus recognized the Temple as his Father’s house (Luke 2:41-49). He had a passion for the purity of Temple worship; he twice drove out those who were abusing the Temple.[1]

Early in his public ministry, Jesus went to the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath as his custom was (Luke 4:16). Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus often visited synagogues.

Jesus refused to worship anyone or anything but God.

In the wilderness, Jesus rejected the temptation to false worship.

► Read Matthew 4:9-10.

The temptation to worship the creature rather than the Creator is a constant theme through scripture. It is the root of idolatry in the Old Testament. Revelation shows the contrast between worship of the dragon and the beast, and worship of God and the Lamb. Jesus refused to worship the creature.[2]

Jesus habitually prayed.

Prayer was important throughout Jesus’ ministry. Fifteen times, the Gospels report that Jesus prayed. On some of these occasions, He spent the entire night alone with his Father. Before choosing the twelve apostles, he spent the night in prayer (Luke 6:12). During his last hours with his disciples, Jesus prayed for the disciples and for all who would later believe in Him (John 17). Facing the cross, he went to Gethsemane to pray (Matthew 26:36-42). Prayer was important in Jesus’ worship.

Jesus explained true worship.

In addition to modeling worship through his own actions, Jesus consistently taught about worship. He taught the Samaritan woman about true worship. Jesus taught a model prayer to the disciples and taught about prayer through parables (Luke 11:5-8, Luke 18:1-14).

► Read Luke 11:1-4.

Jesus’ model prayer shows that prayer must come from a heart of worship. The prayer begins, “Hallowed be your name.” To hallow is to honor as holy. In prayer, we recognize God as holy.

Jesus rebuked false worship.

If true worship is worship in spirit and truth, false worship is anything that falls short of this. Jesus rejected:

(1) Hypocritical worship

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warned that it is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting are all aspects of worship. Jesus warned against those who do these acts to impress others; they are hypocrites (Matthew 6:1-18). True worshippers do these acts out of a desire to give worship to God.

In Matthew 23, Jesus condemned religious leaders who teach the right things about worship, but whose hearts are far from God. Jesus said that their teachings were right, but their hearts were wrong; they are hypocrites.

(2) Legalistic worship

One danger is hypocritical worship; worship intended to impress onlookers rather than to please God. Another danger is legalism; worship intended to earn God’s favor through fulfilling certain requirements. When we seek to earn God’s favor by our acts of worship, we lose the reality of true worship. Worship becomes work by which we earn God’s approval instead of a joyful response to God’s goodness.

Jesus offended Israel’s religious leaders when He broke their traditions.[3] Jesus did not violate the law or even the spirit of the law; he violated human traditions that had grown up through years of Pharisaic legalism. To the Pharisees, these traditions were as important as the law itself. They believed that observance of the law gained favor with God. This defines legalism: the attempt to earn God’s favor by fulfilling requirements. Jesus rejected legalism as strongly as he rejected hypocrisy.

In His Deity, Jesus Is Worshipped

After his death and resurrection, Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father and rightfully receives worship (Revelation 5:12-14). Paul wrote about this transformation in Philippians 2. Because of Jesus' voluntary humbling of himself, he is now exalted and worshipped.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

In Matthew 18:20, Jesus testified that he is worthy of worship. In Jewish tradition, 10 male members were required before a synagogue could meet for prayer and worship. Jesus said to his disciples, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” In the Church, Jesus’ presence, not the number of people present, determines worship.

Through his impact on the crowds who observed his miracles, Jesus shows that he deserves worship. When they saw his miracles, the people glorified God, an act of worship. The people who saw his healings were all amazed (Mark 1:23-27).

On his last night with the disciples, Jesus ate the Passover. While this meal followed the traditional pattern of a Jewish Passover meal, Jesus gave it new meaning when he told his disciples that the bread “is my body which is given for you” and the cup “is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-20).

► Read Luke 22:13-20.

He commanded them to do this in remembrance of him. The Lord’s Supper focuses on Christ, the perfect fulfillment of Passover.

Jesus’ rebuke of false worship and his own example of true worship shows that our worship must be sincere, not for the sake of impressing others. True worship must be aimed at pleasing the Father, not at pleasing others.

This is a constant temptation for church leaders. Because preaching and worship leadership is done publicly, we can be tempted to performance rather than worship. When we focus on pleasing an audience rather than honoring God, we perform rather than worship.

What is the temptation to false worship for a leader?

• A sermon text chosen because we know it will be popular with the audience

• A prayer that talks more to the listeners than to God

• An offering given in a way that draws attention to the giver

• Music that draws glory to the performer rather than to God

The teaching and example of Jesus reminds us that true worship belongs to God alone. Worship is about him, not about us.

Checkup

Ask yourself, “Who is honored in my worship leadership? Do I preach, sing, pray, and give for God’s glory, or for my own recognition? Am I truly worshipping?”

Worship is closely related to evangelism. Unbelievers become worshippers when they hear and respond to the gospel. Acts shows the link between worship and evangelism.

Isaiah 6:8 shows that worship results in evangelism; Isaiah’s response to worship was “Here I am! Send me.” When we truly worship, we gain a passion for evangelism. In worship, we see God and we see the needs of our world through God’s eyes. Worship creates evangelists.

Worship inspires the church to evangelism. As the church leads unbelievers to Christ, new believers become worshippers. These new worshippers are then inspired to evangelism.

Acts shows this process in action. After Paul preached in Ephesus, the people turned away from Diana and the worship of gods made with hands to the worship of the true God (Acts 19:26-27). As we preach Christ, new believers are drawn into the kingdom; they become worshippers. Evangelism creates worshippers.

True Worship Inspires Evangelism

Acts begins with the disciples worshipping; they were with one accord devoting themselves to prayer (Acts 1:14). Acts ends with Paul evangelizing in Rome; he was “proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance” (Acts 28:31).

The worship of early Christians led to evangelism. The call of Paul and Barnabas took place in the setting of worship.

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:2-3).

True worship inspires evangelism.

Effective Evangelism Creates Worshippers

Throughout Acts, the disciples were engaged in worship. At Pentecost, 3,000 people were saved. These new believers became worshippers; they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42).

► Read Acts 2:42-46 for a picture of worship in the early church.

Jewish Christians continued to worship in the Temple.[1] In addition, Jewish Christians and Gentile proselytes met at the synagogue for worship. In most cities, Paul began his ministry in the synagogue, showing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises.[2] Worship also took place in private homes. Believers went from house to house for fellowship and worship (Acts 2:46). Paul’s letters include greetings to churches meeting in homes.[3] The evangelistic outreach of the early church created a new body of worshippers.

Evangelism at Mars Hill

Paul’s message at Mars Hill is a classic text showing the relationship between evangelism and worship (Acts 17:16-34.). At Athens, Paul confronted a culture that was full of idolatry. Paul showed the contrast between the false worship of idols and the true worship of Jehovah.

The Athenians were very religious (Acts 17:22).

The people of Athens were worshippers, but they did not worship the true God. Their worship was false. Worship in itself is not enough; worship must be focused on the right object.

The Athenians worshipped ignorantly (Acts 17:23).

They did not know whom they worshipped. Paul proclaimed the Lord for whom they had been searching. He told them that God has made all nations to feel their way toward him and find him. This is a phrase that suggests someone groping in the darkness. Man’s hunger for God provided an opening for the gospel.

The Athenians worshipped an inadequate god.

Jehovah is not worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything. He is the one who gives all people life, breath, and all things (Acts 17:25). The Athenians’ worship was false because their god was inadequate. The true God gives life to all; he needs nothing. We worship God because he deserves our worship, not because he needs our worship.

Paul contrasted the idols with the true God.

1. God is the Creator. He made the world and everything in it… He is Lord of heaven and earth (Acts 17:24). Unlike idols that were made with men’s hands, God made man. He is not a foreign god (Acts 17:18); he is the creator of all the world.

2. God is nearby. He is not far from each one of us (Acts 17:27). Although God is transcendent, he has entered our world and is close to every worshipper.

3. God will judge those who refuse to repent (Acts 17:30-31). Worship in truth recognizes that God is a righteous judge who will not tolerate rebellion. In our worship, we submit ourselves to his sovereignty.

4. God raised Jesus from the dead, showing that Jesus is worthy of worship (Acts 17:31). Jesus voluntarily humbled himself unto death; he has now been exalted by the Father, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Paul’s message at Athens confronted the false worship of idols with the gospel of true worship of Jehovah. Effective evangelism creates worshippers.

Many churches separate worship from mission and evangelism. Some churches say, “We are committed to evangelism. Our passion is for reaching the lost.” These churches give little attention to worship. They see themselves as evangelistic churches. Other churches say, “We believe the primary purpose of the church is worship. Other people can do evangelism; our goal is worship.”

Acts shows that the church must be devoted to both worship and evangelism. True worship gives us a passion for evangelism. Effective evangelism creates new worshippers.

We must not divorce worship from evangelism. Worship that does not inspire evangelism is likely to become self-centered worship that is done primarily for our own inspiration. Evangelism that does not lead to worship will raise up shallow Christians who fail to truly see God.

In biblical worship, we gain a new passion for evangelism. Like Isaiah, our view of God will be accompanied with a view of a needy world. Like Isaiah, our worshipful commitment to God will lead us to say, “Here I am! Send me.”

Checkup

Ask yourself, “Does worship motivate me to share the gospel with unbelievers? Do I have a passion for bringing new worshippers to God?”

Unlike the Old Testament with its specific directions for Jewish worship, the New Testament gives few directions for worship in the church.[1] There is no complete description of a worship service in the New Testament, but the epistles show some elements of early Christian worship.

Scripture Reading

Scripture reading was important in early Christian worship. Colossians 4:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:27 instruct the churches to read Paul’s letters publicly. In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul reminds Timothy to give attention to the public reading of scripture.

The importance of scripture reading is suggested in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… in all wisdom.” The psalmist described the blessed man; he delights in and meditates on the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2). Our public worship shows the value we place on scripture.

Preaching the Word

Along with the reading of scripture, a leader was responsible to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:1-4, Titus 2:15). From the time of Ezra, scribes interpreted scripture for the people. Ezra and his colleagues read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading (Nehemiah 8:8). Jewish synagogues in the New Testament era continued this practice (Acts 13:14-15). Giving the sense of scripture is the foundation of early Christian preaching.

The sermons in Acts show the content of early Christian preaching.[2] Important themes in these sermons include:

• Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

• Jesus did mighty works through the power of God.

• Jesus was crucified and then raised from the dead.

• Jesus is now exalted and made Lord.

• All who hear should repent and be baptized.

Public Prayer

Public prayer was important in early Christian worship (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Many scholars believe that the prayers included in Paul’s letters were used in public worship. The congregation’s “Amen” indicated their agreement with the prayer.[3]

Singing

Singing was important in the Temple and continued to play a role in early Christian worship. Along with the Psalms that Christians brought from their Jewish worship, new hymns praised Jesus as Messiah. This is suggested by Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. Many Bible scholars believe that Philippians 2:5-11 was an early Christian hymn. In addition, the song of Mary in Luke 1:46-55 and the prayer of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32 may have been sung in worship services.

Offerings

On some occasions, an offering was part of public worship. 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 direct the church in Corinth to collect an offering for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper were part of worship. Paul wrote to correct abuses in the Corinthians’ celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Instead of a commemoration of Christ’s sacrifice, it had become a feast. Paul warned of the seriousness of the Lord’s Supper. Communion remembers the most sacred event for the Christian; it must not be treated lightly.[4]

Beyond these indications of the elements of the worship service, we know little of early Christian worship. The epistles do not prescribe a particular order for worship, the setting of worship, or other details regarding public worship in the early church. Because of the variety of religious and cultural backgrounds represented in the early church, it is likely that public worship looked much different from place to place. Jewish Christians probably continued to worship in a manner similar to synagogue worship. Gentile Christians would not have been familiar with Jewish practices and may have worshipped in a different manner. It is clear, however, that the early church placed great emphasis on scripture and the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

In many churches, the public reading of scripture has become rare. It is not uncommon to see evangelical churches in which only a few verses of scripture are read during a service. Scripture should be a priority in our worship. Through songs based on scripture, Bible readings, or the careful exposition of scripture in the sermon, we should be known as “people of the Book.” The Bible must maintain a central place in our worship.

Checkup

Ask yourself, “Does my worship include each of the elements that were a part of the worship of the early church?”

Worship is central to the message of Revelation.

• John was in the Spirit on the Lord's day when he heard the voice of Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:10).

• One of the central themes of Revelation is the contrast between those who worship Jehovah on his throne and those who worship the beast.

• Revelation promises that God will defeat his enemies, and all nations shall come and worship before him (Revelation 15:4).

[1]To understand worship in Revelation, it is helpful to review the historical setting for the book. First century Christians were confronted by two competing claims. On one hand, they knew that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11). Faith in Christ requires commitment to the authority and lordship of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, Rome required everyone under the empire’s authority to testify that Caesar was their lord and god.

It was impossible for Christians to give ultimate allegiance to anyone other than God. The root of the conflict between Rome and first century Christians was, “Who is worthy of our worship?” In this setting, Revelation says, “Jesus is Lord.” Even in a world that does not recognize his authority, Jesus is Lord. He is worthy of worship. Revelation gives a picture of true worship.

Heavenly Worship Contrasted with Failed Worship

Revelation begins with messages to the seven churches of Asia Minor. Asia Minor was one of the strongest centers of emperor worship. There were imperial temples in each of the cities addressed in Revelation. Worship of the emperor was almost universal throughout this province.

The messages to the seven churches show failures in the worship of several of the churches. While all seven churches worship God, five of the churches are reprimanded. The reprimands show that these churches failed to worship God acceptably.

1. A lack of love hinders true worship. Ephesus did many things well, but they had left their first love. Emptiness in worship may be a sign that we have lost our love for the God we worship.

2. False teaching hinders true worship. Both Pergamum and Thyatira tolerated false teaching. This danger can be seen in churches that substitute signs and wonders for biblical truth.

3. Dead works hinder true worship. The city of Sardis had twice been defeated when sleeping watchmen failed to see an approaching enemy.[2] John warned that the church of Sardis was asleep because she trusted in her good works. An encounter with God in worship would awaken Sardis from her lethargy.

4. A lack of passion hinders true worship. Laodicea showed the lukewarm spirit that the church has often seen in times of prosperity. The Laodiceans’ lack of passion was encouraged by their wealth and self-sufficiency. True worship reminds us of our dependence on God.

Heavenly Worship Is Focused on God

Revelation 4-5 shows that heavenly worship is focused on God and his glory. Heavenly worshippers worship the Eternal King and the Risen Lamb.

Can you imagine an angel saying to John, “Is there anything we can change to make you more comfortable in worship?” Of course not! Worship is about God, not about me. Worship blesses the worshipper but that is not the primary purpose of worship. The purpose of worship is honoring God. The worshippers around God’s throne sing a hymn of praise to God:

Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed (Revelation 15:3-4).

Heavenly worship takes place in God’s presence. From the time Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, man has been separated from God. In heaven, worship will again take place in God’s presence free from any influence from evil.

Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God (Revelation 21:3).

Heavenly Worship Shows True Reality

When he wrote Revelation, John was in exile on the island of Patmos. Christians throughout the Roman Empire were suffering persecution. From an earthly perspective, the future was dark. However, Revelation shows a heavenly perspective on earthly events.[3]

On earth, we see only one side of history. We are tempted to think that the world around us is ultimate reality. Worship and heaven seem far removed from the struggles of the real world. The glimpses of heavenly worship seen in Revelation 4, 5, and 15 show us a picture of the real world.

For Christian workers, Revelation is an important reminder that the struggles of this world are temporary. Worship is not a weekly escape from reality; instead, worship shows reality from God’s perspective - and this transforms our view of our world. In Revelation, God says, “Things are not as they appear to be. Things are not out of control, Satan has not won, evil has not triumphed. Look through the door and get a glimpse of reality. God is on his throne.”[4]

“He is risen!” “He is Lord!” These proclamations are central to worship. It was the resurrection that declared Jesus as Lord (Romans 1:4).

The early church recognized every Sunday as a celebration of the Resurrection; every Sunday was Easter. Christians did not fast on Sunday; Sunday was a day of celebration.

Today, our worship should be a time of celebration. Yes, there is a solemnity associated with entering the presence of the Most High, but there is also rejoicing as we celebrate the risen Lord. Our worship should include opportunities for celebration.

Worship includes songs of praise and testimonies of God’s grace in the lives of members. A church in Nigeria celebrates as they give an offering. Members march around the church as the offering is collected. These worshippers know the joy of the Resurrection. Worship must include opportunities to celebrate the victory we have gained through Christ’s victory over death.

Checkup

Ask yourself, “Is my worship a celebration or only a duty? Do I rejoice to enter worship, or do I attend worship only because it is my obligation as a Christian?”

Take time to meditate on the God we worship. Think of what scripture tells us about him.

“My name is John. My life has been transformed by worship. From the time I first met Jesus of Nazareth, I have been a worshipper.

“I was there on the Mount of Transfiguration. We heard the voice from heaven, we saw his glory, and we fell on (our) faces, and were terrified (Matthew 17:6). We worshipped imperfectly. Our actions during Passion Week showed that we did not understand what we had seen on the Mount.

“I was there on the mountain in Galilee when Jesus appeared after the resurrection. We worshipped, although some doubted (Matthew 28:17). We worshipped imperfectly. We knew he was risen, but we did not understand all that it meant.

“I was in the upper room as we devoted ourselves to prayer with one accord (Acts 1:14). As we worshipped, the Holy Spirit came upon us. Worship became the motivator for evangelism; we took the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

“While in exile on Patmos, I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day when I heard a loud voice like a trumpet. It was the voice of Alpha and Omega, the first and last (Revelation 1:10-11).

“I was there when God opened a door in heaven and allowed me to see the worship around the Throne of God.

“I will be forever in the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven (Revelation 21:2). In that city, our worship will finally be perfect because we will see the face of the One we worship. In heaven, ‘the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.’ (Revelation 21:3).

“I am John. And I will spend eternity in worship of my God and Redeemer!”

Before leaving this lesson, take time to worship. Read the songs of Revelation 4, 5, and 15 or Psalm 19. Sing a song that praises God. Pray a prayer of adoration. Listen as God speaks to you. Take time to truly worship God.

► For practical application of this lesson, discuss the following:

Tim pastors a church that is passionate about evangelism. New converts are baptized every month. It is an exciting time in the church.

However, Tim is concerned that the church is not truly worshipping. Most of the preaching is geared to unbelievers and new converts. It is difficult to use great hymns because new people do not know the songs. Tim is afraid that his church will be large in size but shallow in spiritual depth. He wants to focus more on worship. Discuss what Tim can do to maintain an emphasis on evangelism while also deepening the worship of the church.

To view or print Reviews of all lessons, click here for a PDF.

(1) In the Gospels, Jesus worships the Father and is himself worshipped as God.

• Jesus provided a model for worship.

• Jesus rejected the temptation to false worship.

• Jesus modeled the importance of prayer.

• Jesus will be worshipped throughout eternity.

(2) Acts shows the relationship between worship and evangelism.

• True worship inspires evangelism.

• Effective evangelism creates worshippers.

• Worship that does not lead to evangelism will become self-centered.

(3) The Epistles show important elements of worship in the early church. Worship in the early church included:

• Scripture reading

• Preaching the Word

• Public prayer

• Singing

• Offerings

• Baptism

• The Lord’s Supper

(4) Revelation shows that worship is adoration of God.

• Worship blesses the worshipper, but that is not the primary purpose of worship.

• The primary purpose of worship is bringing honor to God.

• Heavenly worship reminds us that the world we see is not ultimate reality.

(1) List three principles of worship from this lesson. For each principle, write one paragraph discussing practical ways to apply the principle in your church.

(2) At the beginning of the next lesson, you will take a test based on this lesson. Study the test questions carefully in preparation.

To view or print Tests of all lessons, click here for a PDF.

(1) List three ways Jesus modeled true worship.

(2) What does the teaching and example of Jesus remind us about true worship?

(3) What two statements summarize the relationship between worship and evangelism?

(4) How is the false worship of Athens described in Acts 17?

(5) How is the true God described in Acts 17?

(6) List five elements of early Christian worship in the Epistles.

(7) List two examples of hindrances to worship found among the churches of Asia Minor.

(8) Write Romans 12:1-2 from memory.