The word ‘worship’ is used around 74 times from Matthew to Revelation (depending on your translation), and there are six different definitions for each. We have been learning about honoring God in worship over the last few weeks and as Marty brings his series to a close, it is important that we truly understand the use of the word ‘worship’ according to the New Testament. Below is displayed six definitions used for worship in the New Testament and the number of times each is used.

1. To crouch, crawl, or fawn, like a dog at his master’s feet; hence, to prostrate oneself, to do reverence or homage to anyone by kneeling or prostrating oneself before him. The action of…
a. In the presence of or before. (Used 60 times)

2. To be shy or timid, to shame oneself, be abashed; hence to cherish or pay devotion and used of the religious feeling. (Used 8 times)

3. To be shy of doing anything; to stand in awe of anyone, to reverence or venerate. (Used 1 time)

4. To serve, especially for hire; hence spoken in respect to God, to serve Him especially with external or official service. (Used 3 times)

5. To be pious or devout toward anyone, to be or act religiously towards, respect, honor. (Used 1 time)

6. To wait upon, minister to, to render voluntary service and attendance; hence to take care of, tend, etc. (Used 1 time)

Christian society so often states that worship should be done according to how we feel about God. This is not necessarily wrong as we should love God and feel compelled to worship Him, but when we worship that way, the object of worship becomes how we feel after our service. I believe that is why worship according to feelings is only used 8 out of 74 times. However, God seems to be more concerned with the action of proper worship from His people; laying down in reverence at His feet, as this defined action of worship is used 60 out of 74 times.

Let’s remember that worship is not for or towards us. When we worship based on feelings and emotions, we idolize ourselves. May we always come into the presence of God humble, low, and grateful for His grace and mercy; knowing, by definition, that is the worship He desires.