(Acts 17:23; Matthew 6:33)
Introduction
Worship is not optional—it is inescapable. Every person worships something. The question is not whether we worship, but what—or whom—we worship. When Paul visited Athens, he found a city full of idols. Among them, he saw an altar with the inscription, “To an unknown god.” He declared, “Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:23, NASB). His boldness was not rude; it was necessary. Because misplaced worship is not harmless. It leads us away from the living God.
Many people today would affirm, “We worship God,” if asked. But is it the God of Scripture? Is it worship offered according to His will, or on our own terms? This question matters more than any other. As Jesus said, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
I. Worship Is Not Left to Human Imagination
Throughout history, people have worshiped animals, nature, and the stars. Even today, many craft gods in their own image—not with stone or gold, but in thought and practice. They want a god who approves of their lifestyle, never demands sacrifice, and fits comfortably into their priorities.
But God has never left worship to human imagination. When He gave the Ten Commandments, He began with this: “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol” (Exodus 20:3–4). He is not one among many—He is the only true and living God.
Nature may show us that God exists, but it cannot tell us how to worship Him. Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes… have been clearly seen… so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). But to know His will, we need revelation. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
II. Worship Must Be Done God’s Way
Jesus warned of worship that looks right but is rejected by heaven. “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Mark 7:6–7). It is possible to be sincere and still be wrong.
Paul told the Ephesians, “So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Ignorance is not a virtue. It is not enough to worship—we must worship rightly.
Some worship mechanically, “with their hands.” They go through the motions without heart or understanding. Others worship according to tradition, following commandments of men. Some are casual—God is not first but second (or lower). Still others try to serve both God and their desires. Jesus warned of this: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).
The Lord calls us out of lukewarm, divided worship. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot… I will spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16).
III. False Worship Today
Modern idols may not look like golden calves, but they steal our devotion just the same. The gods of today are not ancient—they’re familiar: fame, money, comfort, people, and self.
Some worship people. They attend churches named after men and wear names God never gave. Paul rebuked this mindset: “Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13).
Some worship family. Jesus said plainly, “The one who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me… and the one who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37–38).
Some worship their appetite or pleasure. Paul warned of those “whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who have their minds on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19).
Some worship wealth. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). You cannot serve both God and money.
And some worship convenience. Company comes over and God is set aside. Excuses are made—“God understands,” we say. But Jesus told a parable of excuses and said, “None of those men who were invited shall taste my dinner” (Luke 14:24).
IV. Why Worship God?
God does not require worship because He needs our praise. He commands it because worship shapes our hearts to walk in His ways.
When we worship God rightly, we grow in wisdom, strength, and righteousness. “But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water…” (Psalm 1:2–3).
We become like what we worship. “Those who make them will become like them, everyone who trusts in them” (Psalm 115:8). Worshiping idols leaves us empty. Worshiping God makes us holy.
Worship molds the soul. The more we draw near to Christ, the more we become like Him. “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). The question is not only about who God is—but who we are becoming through our worship.
V. What Does Your Worship Say About You?
Worship is not simply an event—it is a statement of allegiance. It shows where our treasure lies, where our hope is found, and who sits on the throne of our hearts.
Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). That is worship: not just words, but sacrifice. Not just ritual, but surrender.
The early church understood this. When they assembled, they devoted themselves “to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Their worship was rooted in truth, fueled by love, and anchored in the Lord’s command.
We must not be like those who “have a form of godliness but deny its power” (2 Timothy 3:5). Worship must be more than a form—it must be a fire, consuming our pride, our idols, and our distractions.
Conclusion: Whom Do You Worship?
This is the question that pierces every heart. Not, “Do you worship?” but “Whom do you worship?” What claims your best time, your greatest energy, your deepest devotion? If it is not the Lord, you are worshiping in vain.
Let us resolve to put away ignorance, pride, convenience, and compromise. Let us come before the Lord in spirit and in truth. Let us worship—not as we please, but as He commands.
“Come, let’s worship and bow down, let’s kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).
Whom do you worship—and will you surrender all to Him today?
The Simple Gospel 