What is worship?

This Sunday(3rd May 2009), Rev.Samuelkutty(Bethel Bible College, Punalur, Kerala) was our main speaker. His sermon was about Worship, which itself was Bible study about that topic

Key Reference : 2 Chronicles 7:1-3
1 And when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices. And the glory of the LORD filled the house.
2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the LORD because the glory of the LORD had filled the LORD's house.
3 And when all the sons of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the house, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying, For He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

1. Worship is : Glorifying God or Praising God for who He is.
This can happen only when we understand the power of God and know Him fully.

Why we need to Praise?
Psalms 71:22-23 - He redeemed us
Rev 5:9-10
2 Chron 20:22
Acts 16:25-26

2. Worship is : Giving thanks to God for His mercies
Psalms 103:2-3

3. Worship is : Giving ourselves unto God
As a holy sacrifice and offering
Romans 12:1
Sacrifice must be
- Holy
- Live
-Pleasing or Acceptable
Malachi 1:13-14

When God is pleased, God will send His fire from heaven

4. Worship is : Prostrating before the God
Worship starts with praise and ends with prostration

Rev 1:17
Rev 5:9

Put down all your crowns and prostrate before God.

Worshiping God becomes meaningful only when all the above four points come together.