The Greek word “proskuneo” is most frequently translated “to worship.” It means “to make obeisance, do reverence to” (from pros, “towards,” and kuneo, “to kiss”). It is used of an act of homage or reverence to God (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words).
Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines worship as, “Reverent devotion and allegiance pledged to God; the rituals or ceremonies by which this reverence is expressed. The English word worship comes from the Old English word “worthship,” a word which denotes the worthiness of the one receiving the special honor or devotion.”
Our worship is directed to God, and all throughout the Bible we have examples of God’s people worshipping Him. In Genesis 12:18 and 13:18 Abraham built altars to God for worship. In Exodus 35:1-40:38, Moses instructed about the building of the tabernacle, and he stated God’s plan for how the Israelites were to worship Him. After the death of Christ and the beginning of the church, God changed how He wanted Christians to worship Him.
Our worship is no longer ceremonial with a priest offering sacrifices to God on our behalf, but it is personal, individual praise to God on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Our worship consists of singing praises to God (Ephesians 5:19-20: Colossians 3:16); giving (1 Corinthians 16:2); preaching the Word of God (Acts 20:7); partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7); and prayer (1 Corinthians 14:15). Our worship must be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Hebrews 10:25 states, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” We are to come together as one body of Christians to not only worship God but as well as to encourage one another. This would include Sunday morning and evening services, midweek Bible study and any other designated time appointed by the leaders of the local congregation of which we are members.
There are some who suggest that they can worship on their own. They do not need to gather with other Christians to worship God. However, a byproduct of assembling with other Christians to worship God is the fellowship and encouragement gained while gathering with the saints at every opportunity. I became painfully aware of this need the past few months as I dealt with pancreatic cancer. Due to the risk of catching some bug going around and rather cold temperatures, I have missed many Sunday evening and Wednesday Bible classes. I missed the fellowship and encouragement of other Christians.
