The Word of God In Worship

 

Hello everybody, my name is Dean Davis and this is “Multiply,” the podcast that provides a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.

Worship is much more than singing. Worship is much more than a service of songs.  We can worship God without using music.

These statements are obviously true. But music is such a strong and powerful aspect of worship in so many cultures across Africa and around the world, sometimes we get worship music confused with worshipping God. Music is a means to an end. Music powerfully enhances worship, but true worship of God does not depend on music. Let me say that again. Music powerfully enhances worship, but true worship of God does not depend on music.

To worship God is to give glory to God who is great and who is holy. To worship God is to honor God and to recognize his goodness. We honor God when we declare his word and testify to its truthfulness.  We honor God when we declare his word and commit ourselves to obey it.

One of the most powerful, succinct teachings on worship in the Bible is found in Colossian 3:12-17. Paul wrote the letter to the church at Colossae even though he did not plant the church and probably had never visited the town of Colossae.  Epaphras, Paul’s spiritual grandson, had started the church at Colossae.  Paul wanted to make sure the worship of the church was complete.  He said, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,  bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Right at the heart of this teaching on worship for the body of Christ, Paul said “Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly.”  

What does it mean for the word of Christ to dwell richly in our worship? It means that the Word of God has a prominent place, not a secondary place in our worship. For the word of Christ to dwell richly in our worship, the words of Scripture must be more important than the words of the preacher.  For the word of God to dwell richly in our worship, the message of the Bible must be presented clearly and without confusion. For the word of God to dwell richly in our worship, people must have a chance to honor God and his word through expressions of faith and commitment.

There are many moments in a worship service when the Word of God can be read or quoted.  There are many moments in a worship service when a Bible story can be told.  But for the Word of God to dwell richly in a worship service, it must be understood.  So don’t just sprinkle Bible verses into your services like so much spice in a stew. Proclaim the word of God clearly. Before you read a Bible passage, briefly tell people the historical context of the passage you are reading. Read with a strong voice. Explain what is not clear. Emphasize what is important. Invite your listeners to say “Amen” to the word of God, not just to the preacher.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

This has been “Multiply.” And I’m Dean Davis asking, “Who will you share this encouraging word with today?

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