The Word and Worship

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” - John 4:23

The word “worship” is a common topic of conversation in modern church circles. And there is no doubt that worship was one of the things that drew people to the early Church, just as it does today. But too many people make the mistake of thinking of worship as only music or singing. There is an inseparable link between the worship of God and the Word of God.

One of my favorite teachers and preachers was a man named John R.W. Stott. Dr. Stott said this:

“Word and worship belong indissolubly to each other. All worship is an intelligent and loving response to the revelation of God. Therefore, acceptable worship is impossible without preaching God’s Word. For preaching is making known the name of the Lord, and worship is praising the name of the Lord made known. The two cannot be divorced. The Word of God is fundamental to the worship of God.”

In modern Christianity, there are all kinds of ways that local churches can draw a crowd. There are many strategies to build up numbers. There is nothing wrong with being creative and using technology in Gospel ministry. But the one thing a church cannot do without is the Word of God. We must always hold to it, and hold it up as our authority.

Is there an inseparable connection between the Word and worship in your life? Are the words you sing on Sundays a reflection of the life you live throughout the week?

Father, may my worship be an outward expression of Your Word’s work inside my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.