Scripture : Deuteronomy 12
From this passage of scripture we see that the text contains statues and judgements which need to be observed. We also see that this need to be observed in the Promised Land. This text deals exclusively with worship in the Promised Land. From this text we should be able to extract principles of worship which are characteristic of a people who are living in the fullness of God's inheritance.
Places of idolatry were to be totally destroyed in order to divest the people of any semblance of sancity. This act of destruction is seen as a symbolic act of rejecting the foreign gods. The total destruction removed future temptations for the Israelites and further removed any relationships of these gods at a particular location. Pagan worship is mystical and that is its purpose. Biblical worship is based on a covenant worship relationship and it is an intimate communion with a loving and living God. We need to measure our conduct and attitudes regularly according to God's Word. Deuteronomy gives much attention to the practices, that will help you live with a continual God consciousness making more and more room for Him in your life. Godly people should be careful to maintain proper attitudes and disciplines in the relationship.
The Elements of Worship
"Seek" - A principle of Hope (Deut 12:5)
In the Bible we see that God is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him - Hebrew 11:6
In Luke we see that those who seek God will find Him in the Holy Spirit - Luke 11:9-13
In Matthew we are encourage to :- "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matt 6:33
"Come" - A Principle of Gathering Together (Deut 12:5)
There are various examples of this in the Bible.
Deut 31:12 "Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that [is] within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law:"
Psalms 50:5 "Gather My saints together to Me,
Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice."
Hebrew 10:25 "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.
John 11:52 "and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad."
The very act of gathering together is an act of worship and the focus is on:-
The "place" or sanctuary. We gather together to God's place, not ours. It is all for a purpose.
Amos 9:11-12; Rev 21:3
The "name" God's nature and image is engraved in our hearts. We receive a relationship. Rev 14:1
"Bring " The Principle of Offering (Deut 12:7)
Sacrifice - The sacrifice of praise - Heb13:15;Hosea 14:2;
Tithes - of time, talent and money to the storehouse - Mal 3:10
Vows - prayers in the morning, noon and evenings -
Jonah 2:9; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 56:12; Psalms 50:14
Firstlings - A new life in biblical worship. Jesus is the firstborn amongst the brethren - Rom 8:29
Offerings - New Testament offerings - 1 Cor 14:26
"Eat" - The Principle of Partaking (Deut 12:7)
This is to be done before the Lord as we worship. We partake Jesus Christ in worship and also in the communion. - John 6:48-58
There are different forms of "eating" in the Bible.
The Word - Jeremiah 15:16; Psalm 119:103; John 1:1
The Lord's Table - Matt 26:26-29;
The Love Feast - Acts 2:46
Have fellowship together - Luke 22
"Rejoice" - The Principle of Joy (Deut 12:7)
Joy is based on a commandment. It is not a feeling. Joy is taught. - Jer 15:16; Psalm 119:14; Psalm 111; Psalm 162.
Joy is the highest human expression and is also the highest form of worship.
Joy is the key to maintain spiritual victory - 2 Cor 20:27
Joy is a sign of holiness - Neh 8:10
Joy is the evidence of the anointing - Psalm 45:7; Isaiah 61:3
Make a joyful noise - Psalm 66:1; Psalm 81:1; Psalm 95:1
Joy is experiencing and enjoying the glory of God.- Rom 5:2
Worship is above all else a celebration of the risen Jesus Christ Psalm 100:2