by Phil Sanders

1. Worship is internal.

One can worship internally without doing anything externally, but one cannot worship externally without doing anything internally. Zechariah 7:5-6 shows that the Jews of Zechariah’s day feasted and fasted for themselves and not for God. They went through the motions but did not involve the heart. Our worship must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24).

2. Worship is intentional.

One cannot worship God accidentally; it must be an intended act. In 2 Kings 5:17-19 Naaman said he had to bow in the house of Rimmon to another god as a part of his duties. Naaman makes the point that he must bow, but worshiping is not his intention. We cannot go through the motions and call it worship –- we must intend to praise, adore or thank God for all He has done.

3. Worship is vertical.

We sing our praises to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 13:15). While we may sing so as to edify or teach others, that is not the primary purpose or focus of worship. It is good to remind ourselves in church that we are not the audience. God is! He is here to observe us and to be praised by us. Our task is to “please Him.” This is why we can never change our worship by turning it into entertainment.

4. Worship is momentary.

It has a beginning and an ending. Paul and the church at Troas waited seven days; and on the first day of the week, when they gathered to "break bread," Paul began talking to them (Acts 20:6-7). Worship is an act of our human hearts praising God according to His word. Let’s worship our Father from our hearts!