In a recent sermon series titled "A Disciple's How to Guide," Jake, the Worship Gathering Director at Riverwood, explored the profound topic of worship. This session emphasized that worship is not merely an act of singing; it is a holistic response to God that encompasses our entire lives. Drawing from biblical references such as John 4, Mark 12, and Deuteronomy 6, Jake encouraged the congregation to engage deeply with the practice of worship, both individually and corporately.
Worship is often misunderstood as just a musical experience. However, Jake highlighted that true worship involves engaging our hearts and minds in a sincere response to God. In John 4:21-26, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman, shifting the focus of worship from a physical location to the manner in which we worship—“in spirit and truth.” This means that worship should be heartfelt, driven by love and reverence, rather than mere lip service.
Worshiping in spirit involves allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower our worship. It requires a posture of surrender, where we engage our emotions and passions authentically. Jake referenced Romans 8:26-27, which assures us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, enabling us to connect with God on a deeper level.
On the other hand, worshiping in truth means aligning our worship with God’s character and His Word. Psalm 145:18 and John 17:17 emphasize the importance of calling on God in truth and being sanctified by His Word. True worship is grounded in the reality of who God is, rather than our fluctuating emotions or circumstances.
Jake emphasized that worship should encompass our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This holistic approach aligns our thoughts, desires, and actions with God’s will. Worship is not a passive activity; it requires active participation from the congregation.
Worshiping with our hearts involves expressing our affections, desires, and emotions toward God. Jake encouraged the congregation to reflect on what they cherish most and to direct their hearts toward God, acknowledging their need for a broken and contrite spirit.
Worshiping with our souls means surrendering our identity, fears, hopes, and lives to God. It is an expression of our very being, as illustrated in scriptures like Psalm 103:1 and Psalm 42:1-2.
Worshiping with our minds involves reflecting on God’s works and words. Jake encouraged the congregation to meditate on God’s majesty and to focus their thoughts on Him, as supported by Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:8.
Finally, worshiping with our strength includes physical expressions such as singing, shouting, kneeling, and lifting hands. Jake acknowledged that while Riverwood Church has a more reserved approach to physical expressions, there is a call for growth in this area. He shared his personal struggles with leading physical expressions due to past experiences but emphasized the importance of scriptural practices in worship.
To enrich the worship experience, Jake introduced the seven Hebrew words for praise, each capturing unique expressions of worship. These words invite the congregation to engage their whole bodies in worship:
Jake encouraged the congregation to practice these expressions, emphasizing that worship is about responding to God’s worthiness with our whole selves, rather than striving for perfection or performance.
Worship is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a response to God’s presence and actions in our lives. As Jake concluded, it is essential to engage in worship with our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in both spirit and truth. By embracing the fullness of worship, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and encourage one another in our worship practices.
As we move forward, let us take small steps of faith in our worship, embracing the richness of these biblical expressions and inviting the presence of God into our gatherings.
