Title: HOLINESS IN WORSHIP
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Supporting Texts:
John 4:23-24
Romans 12:1
Psalm 29:2
Psalm 99:9
1 Peter 1:15-16
INTRODUCTION:
Worship is the highest form of reverence and adoration we can give to God. Holiness in worship is not only about the outward acts, such as singing or kneeling, but it is also about the condition of our hearts and the purity of our intentions. God desires worship that is holy, where we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and where we worship Him in spirit and truth. This study will explore how holiness should permeate every aspect of our worship, from the heart to the practice, and how we can present ourselves before God with reverence and awe.
1. WORSHIP IS A SACRIFICE OF HOLINESS
Holiness in worship begins with offering ourselves as living sacrifices, set apart for God’s service.
a) Worship Is a Lifestyle, Not Just a Moment
True worship is not limited to a Sunday service or a specific moment; it is the way we live daily, presenting our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1).
b) Worship as an Expression of a Holy Life
Holiness in worship involves aligning our actions, words, and thoughts with God’s will, ensuring that our lives reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16).
c) The Offering of Our Whole Selves
When we worship, we offer not just our songs or prayers but our entire lives, which should be holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).
d) Consecration is Key to True Worship
True worship requires consecrating ourselves to God, setting ourselves apart from the world and dedicating our lives to Him (Psalm 99:9).
e) Biblical Example:
The dedication of the temple by Solomon (1 Kings 8:22-23) demonstrates how holiness and sacrifice are key elements in worship, as Solomon prayed a holy prayer for the temple.
2. WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH
God desires worship that is not only outward but also inward, coming from a pure heart and aligned with the truth of His Word.
a) Worship in Spirit Is an Act of the Heart
Worship in spirit involves engaging our hearts and minds with God, not just performing outward rituals (John 4:23-24).
b) Worship in Truth Aligns with God’s Word
True worship aligns with God’s truth as revealed in His Word. It requires us to worship God according to His will, not based on personal preferences (John 4:23-24).
c) The Role of the Holy Spirit in Worship
The Holy Spirit enables us to worship in spirit and truth, guiding our hearts and leading us to deeper expressions of worship (Romans 8:26).
d) Purity of Heart is Required for True Worship
God looks at the heart, and our worship must come from a pure heart, free from sin and hypocrisy (Psalm 24:3-4).
e) Biblical Example:
David’s worship, when he danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14-16), was a demonstration of worship in spirit and truth, an expression from the heart.
3. HOLY REVERENCE IN WORSHIP
Holiness in worship also involves reverence and awe as we come into the presence of the Holy God.
a) Worshiping God with Awe and Fear
We should approach worship with reverence, acknowledging that we are in the presence of a holy and all-powerful God (Hebrews 12:28).
b) The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Worship
True worship begins with a deep sense of awe and respect for God's greatness and holiness, recognizing His authority over all creation (Psalm 29:2).
c) Honoring God in Worship
We honor God by acknowledging His greatness in every act of worship, whether through music, prayer, or offering (Psalm 95:6).
d) The Holiness of God Calls Us to Holy Worship
When we worship, we are coming before a holy God, and this demands holiness on our part. We must approach Him with clean hands and a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4).
e) Biblical Example:
When Isaiah saw the vision of God in the temple, he cried out, "Woe to me, I am undone!" recognizing the holiness of God (Isaiah 6:1-5). His response was one of reverence and awe, and it led to his purification.
4. THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN HOLY WORSHIP
Holiness in worship is not just an individual responsibility but a collective one. The church plays a key role in leading the congregation in holy worship.
a) Leading Worship with Holiness
Worship leaders, pastors, and all who participate in leading worship should model holiness in their lives and practices, setting an example for the congregation (Psalm 29:2).
b) Congregational Worship as a Holy Gathering
When the body of Christ comes together to worship, it is a holy gathering where God's presence is sought and experienced collectively (Matthew 18:20).
c) The Church as a Sanctuary of Holiness
The church should be a place where holiness is emphasized, and worship is conducted in a way that honors God and invites His presence (2 Corinthians 6:16).
d) Unity in Worship Promotes Holiness
Worshiping together in unity fosters an environment of holiness where God’s presence can move freely (Psalm 133:1-3).
e) Biblical Example:
In Acts 2:42-47, the early church gathered together with unity and holiness, devoted to prayer, breaking of bread, and worshiping God in truth. This holiness in their worship led to God's blessings and the growth of the church.
5. THE BLESSINGS OF HOLINESS IN WORSHIP
Worshiping God in holiness brings about numerous spiritual blessings.
a) God’s Presence is Manifested
When we worship God in holiness, His presence becomes evident in our lives and in our gatherings (Psalm 22:3).
b) Transformation Through Worship
Holiness in worship leads to personal transformation, as we encounter God’s holiness and are changed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).
c) Spiritual Empowerment
Holiness in worship releases the power of God in our lives, equipping us to live for Him and to be effective in His kingdom (Acts 1:8).
d) Worship Leads to Peace and Joy
When we worship God in holiness, it brings peace and joy to our hearts, as we experience His presence and His glory (Psalm 16:11).
e) Biblical Example:
When the Israelites worshiped with holiness and reverence, God's presence filled the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13-14), bringing peace and power to the entire assembly.
CONCLUSION:
Holiness in worship is about offering God not just rituals but lives that are set apart for Him. Worship should come from the heart, be rooted in truth, and be done with reverence and awe. As we worship God in holiness, we encounter His presence, are transformed into His likeness, and experience the fullness of His blessings. Let us strive to approach worship with clean hands and a pure heart, surrendering ourselves as living sacrifices and offering up holy praise to our holy God.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to offer my body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You in my worship.
2. Holy Spirit, enable me to worship You in spirit and truth.
3. Father, grant me a heart of reverence and awe as I come into Your presence.
4. Lord, purify my heart and mind so that I may worship You with clean hands and a pure heart.
5. Father, help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness and to offer You holy worship in every moment.
6. Lord, may my worship always be in accordance with Your will and Word.
7. Father, empower me to lead others in holy worship that glorifies Your name.
8. Lord, teach me to approach Your throne with humility and awe, recognizing Your greatness.
9. Father, fill me with Your presence as I worship You in holiness and truth.
10. Lord, let my worship bring transformation and spiritual empowerment into my life.
