Man is a worshiping being. His nature tell him to look upward to something higher. Even so, man worships a variety of false objects:
1) Idols (Exodus 20:3-5). With a look into the Bible that God would not tolerate this.
2) Men (Acts 14:11-15; Acts 10:25). No human being is to be the object of worship.
3) Angels (Colossians 2:18; Revelations 22:8,9).
4) Possessions (Colossians 3:5,6). In our culture, we are appalled at the idea of actually bowing down before and worshiping an idol. Yet we find it easy to "worship" our possessions. Covetousness IS idolatry.
5) Self (Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:18,19). Worship of self can mean being too concerned about serving one's own self - placing too much emphasis on one's own self.
6) Will-worship (Colossians 2:20-23). This means placing your own will above the will of God.
In true worship, God is the only correct and appropriate object. (John 4:24; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 21:8)
Qualities of True Worship
Worship "in spirit" (John 4:24). To worship in spirit simply means to worship with the right attitude.
Worship "in truth" (John 4:24). Whose truth is this passage speaking of? God's truth.
Continuous worship (Hebrews 13:15). Our Christianity is designed for us to carry with us at all times.
Joyful worship (Psalms 122:1; Philippians 4:4; Acts 16:25)
Exodus 20:3-5
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;Acts 14:11-15
11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all
things that are therein:Acts 10:25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Revelation 22:8,9
8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.
9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.Colossians 3:5,6
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:Romans 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Philippians 3:18,19
18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)Colossians 2:20-23
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Matthew 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second
death.Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Psalms 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
