What the Bible says about Praise and Worship:
Week 1 Handout


 

I. Introduction:

A. Our topic is worship and praise, and what that means to a Christian
B. Some things I cover may be new to some of you, so bear with me
C. I believe everything's very biblically-based

II. What parts of the Bible should we use when we talk about worship?

    A. Some people say we should only use the OT, some say NT, and some say both are useful. What do you think?
    B. Here's what Paul said about using the Bible in general: "All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17). Have someone read the verse.
    C. Three things to remember when studying the Bible (I'll relate these to worship):

      1. Scripture must modify scripture; for example, blood sacrifices were superseded by Christ. All biblical expressions of worship are valid unless we find a biblical reason for not using that expression. 2. Our primary focus should be on clear statements of scripture that address the topic we're studying. This guards against misapplications and rationalizations contrary to the clear teaching of scripture. For example, we shouldn't apply the "meat sacrificed to idols" principle in order to keep from obeying the teaching of Psalm 150 about praising God with instruments, since Psalm 150 directly addresses worship services and the "meat sacrificed to idols" principle directly addresses interpersonal relationships. 3. Teaching by example. Sometimes, the Bible gives examples rather than commands. For instance, there are no clear statements/commands in scripture saying we have to praise in certain, legalistic ways. Primarily, we have examples of how the Israelites worshiped that give us general guidelines to follow.

III. Definitions of Praise and Worship.

    A. Hebrew and Greek definitions are given. Useful for "getting our feet wet." Let's see if you can guess what they mean! I'll read a verse with the word in it, and you tell me what the word means.  
    B. Praise:
      1. Yadah - To revere or worship with extended hands. 2. Towdah - An extension of the hand in adoration or avowal. A sacrifice of praise or thanksgiving. Specifically, a choir of worshipers. Psalm 42:4 (remember the word "multitudes" here) 3. Halal - To shine, boast, rave, celebrate, to make a show, to be clamorously foolish. Psalm 150. 4. Shabach - to address in a loud tone, to commend, to triumph, praise, glory, shout. Psalm 63:3. 5. Barak - To kneel down, to bless God as an act of adoration. Psalm 95:6. 6. Zamar - To touch the strings, or parts of a musical instrument. To play instruments, to make music, to sing forth praises. Psalm 57:7; Psalm 108:1. 7. Tehillah - To sing, to laud. Psalm 40:3.
    C. Worship:
      1. Shachad - To bow down, to prostrate oneself, to crouch, to fall flat, to make obeisance, to worship. Psalm 95:6. 2. Proskuneo - to turn toward, to kiss. - to kiss the feet. John 4:24.

IV. Four Basic Types of Praise and Worship in the Bible (ask for examples):

    A. Physical
    B. Audible
    C. Spiritual (our spirits connect with Holy Spirit)
    D. Truthful (... and in truth)
    E. All four of these = praise/worship that springs from our hearts.

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© 1998 David L. King Updated: 8/24/00