Worship and Fellowship 1

We must do it in spirit & truth (John 4:23-24). The Need for Worship God desires that man worship and serve Him only (Psalms 95:6-7; Matthew 4:10) His people must come together as a church to worship Him (1 Cor. 5:4; 11:18; Heb. 10:25). We must do it in spirit & truth (John 4:23-24). It’s more than just having the right attitude and doing it the right way (Joshua 24:14). Worship (proskuneo)– "to make obeisance, do reverence to" (from pros, "towards," and kuneo, "to kiss")- [Vine’s] 2

Worship and Fellowship Koinonia– "communion, fellowship, sharing in common“ (Vine’s) Worship is an expression of fellowship that we share in common with Christ and His body and not with denominations (1 Cor. 10:16). To maintain this fellowship with God and one another, we must abide in the teaching of Christ (1 John 1:1-7; 2 John 1:9-11). This would include our acts of worship together. 3

Fellowship in Worship Praying to God through Jesus Christ (not to another god, saint, or human being) (Acts 2:42; John 14:14; 1 Tim. 2:5) Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (excludes instruments, choirs, concerts) (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16-17) Giving with cheerful hearts on the 1st day (excludes another day or another way) (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7) Partaking of the Lord’s supper on the 1st day (not eating food with brethren from a kitchen) (Luke 22:7, 19-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23ff) 4

These are not suggestions, they are commands. Fellowship in Worship Preaching God’s word with boldness and clarity (not by telling jokes or stories to please man or tell them what they want to hear) (2 Tim. 4:2-4; Col. 4:2-4; 1 Cor. 1:21-25) Listeners should hear what is taught, examine it by the Scriptures, and make application to their lives (or if necessary correct the teaching) (James 1:22; Acts 17:11; 18:24-26) But if we forsake assembling with the saints, how can we claim faithfulness to God? (Heb 10:25) These are not suggestions, they are commands. 5

Conclusion God wants His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth which cannot be done by ourselves or the way that we desire. God has given us specific commands for our worship together which must be followed if we are going to have fellowship with Him and go to heaven (Luke 6:46; Mt. 7:21-23). If you have not worshiped as you should or if it has just become a ritual, as a Christian you can repent and be restored again (Rev. 2:5). If you need to baptized into Christ so that your sins can be forgiven, do it now (Acts 22:16). 6