Concluding Application

          Worshiping God is the chief purpose of mankind. God is the only one worthy to receive our worship, which is why it is necessary for mankind to understand a basic theology of worship. It must be understood that worship is, in its broadest scope, a life of obedience to God’s commands. True worship is directed to the Triune God as revealed throughout Scripture. Any worship directed to anyone else is idolatry and is susceptible to God’s judgment for there is “no other name under heaven given to men by whom we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Furthermore, our worship of God is directly linked to our relationships with each other on a horizontal level. This involves confession of sin to God and others, which results in united fellowship. As the body of Christ assembles together to worship God they are free to follow the pattern of worship elements in Scripture. These actions are to be done with humility and reverence for God with authentic motives of worshiping God.

          In making personal application and identifying your personal worship and

response to God or “idols” you can ask yourself the following questions [1]:
1. What do I fear or what am I most afraid of?

2. What do I long for most passionately? What do I want more than anything else?

3. Where do I run for comfort and to ease my worry?

4. What do I complain about the most?

5. What angers me most? What has caused me to be angry with God?

6. What makes me happy and excited?

7. How do I explain myself (identity) to other people?

9. What am I most proud of or what do I brag about?

11. Where do I sacrifice my time, talents and treasure?

12. If I could change one thing in my life what would that be?

13. Whose approval am I consistently seeking?

14. What do I want to control/master?

15. What comfort do I treasure the most?

After answering these questions go through your list and discover if your life is centered on God or self? Remember the goal of life and worship is to be focused on Jesus Christ. In evaluating your responses, identify where you need to confess, repent and seek God’s forgiveness. Turn to Jesus and ask for His help to bring Him the honor that is due through your life. Ask Christian friends and your church leadership to pray for you and hold you accountable. Above all, cling to God’s grace knowing that all of life is growing in becoming better worshipers in spirit and truth (John 4:24) with Jesus Christ. May the body of Christ understand the nature of worship with regards to the patterns described in God’s revealed written Word.