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Where In The Bible Will I Find... That Worship Is Giving Instead of Getting?

Gary Colley


May 2004

How often we hear people say or imply as they exit the worship service, "I did not get anything out of worship today?" Some then refuse to return to the worship assembly. Somehow, we have developed the false, self-centered concept that the worshipper is to receive, rather than give! One often expects to be "lifted," almost as if by some magical power, from the doldrums of personal problems to exciting spiritual heights.

Some consider that the song leader, preacher, and teachers are there to perform for them, and if the "performance" is not to their liking they will look for their needs to be fulfilled somewhere else. While it is true that these leaders will inspire, encourage, edify, and lift up the sincere heart by teaching of Truth, that is not the basic reason we come to worship our God!

Please note just a few significant passages that show that first and foremost we are to assemble to render praise unto God:
  1. "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" (Psa. 116:12).

  2. "I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people." (Psa. 116:14).

  3. "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord." (Psa. 116:17).

  4. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." (Psa. 50:23).

  5. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (Jn. 4:24).

  6. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." (Eph. 1:3).

  7. "Let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire." (Heb. 12:28-29).

  8. "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." (Heb. 13:15).

These Scriptures are only a sample of the host of references emphasizing the worshipper's need to give thanks, offer adoration, and render praises in worship from the heart. Our worship should be more of giving instead of just expecting something for ourselves.

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