Characteristics of true worship [Part 2]

Last week, we started the teaching on true worship and in the sense of it, we saw that the Creator should be worshipped rather than the creature.

Today, we are looking at the characteristics of true ‘worship’.

Characteristics of true worship

The fellowship and communion between God and man is better, sweet and real in an atmosphere of worship.

It is a privilege to be a worshipper of God. To adore Him and reverence Him for who He is. When we come into His presence, we understand that He really does not lack heavenly beings to worship Him, but He dwells and enjoy worship that comes from man because man has been given a will to worship Him while angels do not have will; it is an obligation to them.

So when a man who has ability to worship or not does worship, what characterizes such worship to be that which will be acceptable before this awesome God?

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; Who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation.”(Psalm 24:3‭-‬5 KJV)

The above scripture shows that not all can stand in His holy place to offer sacrifice of worship. It begins from a heart that is pure.

1.True worship revives and return us back to our original relationship with God after the interruption caused by sin. God is holy, even the angels shouts it continually.

A foretaste of God’s awesome presence was revealed to Isaiah the prophet. His Majesty and supremacy as angels worshipped Him. Isaiah saw his unworthiness before a holy God in the atmosphere of worship that was revealed to him. We see our flaws and become transparent before the all knowing God as we worship

2. True worship transforms. Freedom from all that hold us bound become disengaged as we worship. Like Isaiah, our heart and lips are touch by the fire from His presence and we become a new form like Him. Our hearts and souls are void of impurities and vanity; like the psalmist said, we become pure and ready to be a channel to give out the message we received from His throne of grace. Then can respond to His call by saying, “here am I, send me.”

3. True worship bounds satanic oppression and possession. As we worship in His presence, healing and deliverance takes place. God is a spirit, and He overflows in the affair of true worshippers, He lifts up our downcast soul and spirit. It takes a sincere worship to bring down His presence into our lives.

,”…but a time is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit [from the heart, the inner self] and in truth; for the Father seeks such people to be His worshipers. God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”( John 4:24 Amp)

4. True worship is a Covenant.
A covenant is a relationship between two partners who make binding promises to each other and work together to reach a common goal. Covenants define obligations and commitments.

When we are committed to God in worship, covenants are established and that validates our times with God and extends His blessings to us and beyond us. “…He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, And righteousness from the God of his salvation”. (Psalm 24:5 KJV)

Abraham was committed to His walk with God. His act of worship and selfless sacrifice created a relationship between him and God that cemented an everlasting relationship with him.”…and said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: (Genesis 22:16 KJV)

God sworn by Himself to bless a mortal man whose heart and act of worship was sincere.

Until our act of worship is true we will only be rendering lip service and thereby be deprived of the benefits that comes with genuine worship.

Cultivate a habit of true worship and it will be a foretaste of glory divine.

God bless you
Rev. Dr. Ijeoma Emeribe is a Senior Pastor at Priesthood Stream Church in Abuja, Nigeria and can be reached for Counselling and prayers through: ijeomaemeribe11@gmail.com or 08064274621