Worship Motivated and Empowered by the Holy Spirit of God

September 27

Worship Motivated and Empowered by the Holy Spirit of God by John W. Ritenbaugh

“Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. “ Romans 1:24, 25

In examining the central issue in each of the first several commandments, we find that the first concerns who and what we worship. Worship is the devoted service one gives to what he regards most highly.

As these verses show, we can give devoted service to created things as well as the Creator. Additionally, the tenth commandment says covetousness is idolatry too (Colossians 3:5), clearly amplifying that we can give our devotion to things other than the true God.

How good can it be to exchange the truth for the lie? Perhaps that is better asked, "How bad can it be to exchange the truth for a lie?"

In this context "the lie" is that one can profitably worship someone or something other than the true God. Worshiping things other than the Creator turns the thrust and direction of our lives off the true path of God's purpose.

Though those objects may be otherwise harmless in themselves, it is sin to give them the devotion that rightly belongs to the Creator.

John 4:24 proclaims that those who worship God "must worship Him in spirit and truth."

The worship of God involves the totality of our life, and therefore it cannot be confined to a particular location or a mere hour or two on a given day.

Our worship must be guided, motivated, and empowered by His Spirit. Further, it cannot merely be sincere, but it must also be true. Attitude is extremely important, but it cannot replace truth.