In Spirit and In Truth
The Fundamentals of Biblical Worship
The Practice of Biblical Worship: Submission
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on the activities that prepare Christians for worship. Of special note is how worship is a lifestyle rather than a regular activity at an appointed time.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the importance of preparing for worship.
- Feel: Value the importance of preparing for worship.
- Do: Focus on living a lifestyle of worship.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
1. List key elements of the language of communication (worshipping) with God and explain how these are essential to successfully communicate with God?
From the previous lesson we stated that the language of communication with God included: Praise, mercy, confession, supplication, confirmation, remembrance, adoration and a new direction. These elements are required by God and shown through examples of what God accepts as worship. If these are not present in our worship then we are not truly worshipping as God wills but simply going through the motions.
2. What is the practice or training for worship?
We practice the virtue of submission as a preparation to worship God as He wills. In the original language the word for worship meant to bow down in reverence before God. Therefore, we must learn and practice greater submission to God in order to be able to worship Him effectively.
3. In what ways do we codify (make legal) worship practices to try to improve our worship?
We frequently do so by placing focus on process over substance. For example, focusing on how we sing rather than the words and their meaning. We build grand auditoriums and enhance our sound systems and technology, use worship teams, and other environmental elements. External or environmental elements often result in focusing on rituals rather than the spirit.
4. Defend the following statement:
"Change, worship and spiritual things must first take place on the inside before outside things are affected."
By way of answer review Psalms 5:12; Psalms 34:18; Matthew 5:3, and Romans 12:1. Note the commonality is on developing and enhancing our relationship with God over the practice of rituals.
Two extremes are seen in this area. One is trying to enhance worship through focus on items such as buildings and personnel rather than the transformation brought about by interacting with the Spirit of God. Another is focus on processes to gain a greater feeling about God. This means greater attention on the actions rather than what the actions are for. Although feelings about God are critical, we must be careful to worship with God and before God as He wills.
5. What is the relationship between Romans 12:1 and worshipping in Spirit and Truth (John 4:24)?
In Romans 12:1, Paul is explaining that our personal, daily, spiritual worship is expressed in the way we submit all of our lives to God through purity, service and obedience. Our actions and words in this context become continual worship to God. The focus is internal development, not external.
6. Discuss the principle behind Paul's instructions concerning worship from I Corinthians 11-15.
Paul's focus in these passages is on corporate worship. The issue was that the Corinthian church had lost its understanding of the true spirit of worship. Paul reminded them of the importance and intent of worship according to God's will. Paul's main point was the need to submit to God's will. He used issues in the Corinthian church to illustrate his point. These included modest dress, proper attitude and actions in worship that focused on God rather than whether or not my spiritual gift was greater than someone else's, submitting in love to one another instead of considering one better than another. He presents a strong teaching on love in chapter 13. The key was a proper balance that enhanced communication with God in worship. This balance is seen as we submit to God's will in both our personal lives and our corporate assemblies.
7. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
As we submit to God and to one another, our relationship with God grows and our example of love to others compels them to also develop and sustain a relationship with God.