Often worship is a big debate in churches. People will put limits and rules on it when God doesn't.
What is the right way to worship?
Samaritans were worshipping with their hearts but not in truth. Jews were worshipping in truth but not in spirit.
Read John 4:4-24.
Jesus said things are going to change. God wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Here it is talking about worship from the heart when referring to spirit.
We have to acknowledge God and His greatness.
"Oh Lord, open my lips, that my mouth may declare Thy praise." Psalm 51:15
We ought to worship God constantly, continually and always ongoing.
There's no set formula for worship that is neessary. If we have rote ways to worship they often lose their meaning. Have to go beyond the mumbling.
Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord,' did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICIE LAWLESSNESS.'" Matthew 7:21-23
Many people give lip service but don't worship God within their hearts. It's gotta come from the heart. It's not enough just to show up. First, acknowledge who God is.
Do we start our days with praise like the birds do?
God created the sounds. He created Birdsong.
Worship Him as Creator and as our Savior.
Worship must come from our hearts, from who we are. Cold worship in church is awful. We will be held accountable. There are all sorts of ways to worship represented in the Bible.
Miriam, Moses' sister, wrote a song and sang it.
Mary spoke out praises.
David danced.
The wisemen went on a very long journey which cost them much in time, in wealth and possessions -- all for worshipping Jesus.
Peter and John healed as a form of worship.
Martha's sister Mary poured perfume on Jesus which was called a waste by the disciples. But Jesus honored her worship. She was bold and courageous.
Worship in quiet.
Worship in noise.
Worship is walking into His presence.
We should be distracted from all but from God. Nothing should come between us and God.
God doesn't ask us for perfection but for ourselves.
Worshipping in truth -- we need to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Live out what we believe.
Four Es of worship:
Exalting Him.
Exemplifiying Him to others.
Edifying others.
Evangelizing.
The way we live shows the truth. Do we do the greatest commandment? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your soul and with all your strength.