WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

Worship is one of those activities that can be, or become, form without substance, so it is important saints understand what worship as a biblical term, means. Worship is used in the Bible eighty-nine times translated from the Hebrew word shachah (54) and the Greek word proskuneo (35) which have equivalent meanings. Proskuneo is derived from two Greek words, “pro” which means “To” and “kuneo” which means “Kiss”, To Kiss. There were several senses associated with the evolution of proskuneo’s meaning over time including, reverence, homage, adore, to prostrate or kneel with forehead to the floor. Proskuneo’s literal meaning at the time of the writing of the New Testament was to kneel or prostrate oneself while throwing kisses at the same time. Proskuneo is a concrete term, used only of a divine object, and demands visible majesty, being most effective in the presence of God. As containers – temple vessels of the living God – we are, effectively, in His presence 24/7 since He dwells within us. We are never forsaken and never alone. We really should act like we believe this.

The English word “worship” (from the old English “weorthscipe”) is derived from the word “worth” which means “value” and the native English suffix “-ship” which means “condition.” “Worship” asks the question, “What is the condition of value” or, put simply, worship ascribes or declares value on its object. Worship is the willful submission of our body (position) and our soul and spirit (attitude) to a loving God, bring Him worth and openly declaring His value! And, true worship is in Spirit, the product of God the Holy Spirit revealing God the Son in us: As we allow the Spirit’s progressive revelation of Jesus Christ within we become what we behold – changed in degrees of God’s glory – we become Christlike, a pure act of worship! This conformation of our nature into the nature of Christ is the Holy Spirit glorifing God the Father through us. We can worship God at all times and in all places because worship is first and foremost an attitude of the heart captivated by God and ruled by His Spirit – worship in Spirit and in truth. The lifeblood of a saint is worship for everything we do as a Christian practicing our faith is worship… everything! Our life, when focused on things above, becomes a love song we sing in the spirit realm to our loving Savior every moment of every day. A fully submitted life, walking in the Spirit, declares the value we place on the object of our worship: Declares our position of prostration. Declares our attitude of throwing kisses to the one we adore. We all understand worship as a physical act, and yes we may humble ourselves in prostration and we may throw kisses to the Great Lover of our soul. But ultimately worship should become our life – our life become our worship – a love song of 24/7 devotion to our ever present Daddy, His ever present Spirit, and His ever present Son… our Lord and Savior!

DECLARING OUR SAVIOR’S VALUE