Lesson 5 – Worship of the New Testament Church

 

Does it matter how we worship?  Has God told us exactly how He wants to be worshipped?  How did the New Testament church worship?

 

Memory Verse:  John 4:23-24 – “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” 

 

Understanding the importance of the worship service.

1)      Lookup the word “worship” in an English dictionary.

 

2)      “Worship” is an English word used for several differing Greek words in the New Testament.  Worship, in the New Testament, means to:

a)      To kiss the hand; to fall on the knees and touch the ground with the forehead (Revelation 4:10).

b)      To serve; to render religious service (Philippians 3:3).

c)      To revere; to adore (Matthew 15:9, in this verse, they had not adored God).

 

3)      Questions about worship:

a)      Is it possible to worship God in vain (Matthew 15:9)?

 

b)      Can I worship God acceptably while worshipping in error (John 4:23-24)?

 

c)      How do I know how to worship acceptably (2 Thes. 2:15; 1 Cor. 14:37)?

 

Areas in which the New Testament churches “worshipped” God:

1)      Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:17-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:17-34).

a)      What is the purpose of this memorial?

b)      What emblems are used?

c)      What do the emblems represent?

d)      How often do we partake (Acts 20:7)?

e)      Where must our hearts be as we partake (1 Cor. 11:28-29)?

f)        Why do we take the communion together as a congregation, and not at home as individuals (1 Cor. 10:17; 11:17-22,33)?

2)      Giving (Acts 4:32-37; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-7).

a)      When did the church collect an offering?

b)      What attitudes must we demonstrate as we give?

c)      How much should I give?