What Is Worship

(Based on Episode 1 “What Is Worship?” with K.J. Scriven)

What You’ll Learn

Worship isn’t about music style or location—it’s about reverence, devotion, and responding to God with your whole life. In this opening session, K.J. Scriven breaks down what worship really is, how Jesus redefined it, and why what you give your devotion shapes who you become.

What Is Worship?

We know worship is important in the life of every believer. But what actually is it?

Is it just a genre of music? The quiet part of a Sunday service?

No—worship goes much deeper. According to Webster’s Dictionary, it means “to regard with great or extravagant reverence, respect, honor, or devotion.” And Psalm 86:11 gives us a glimpse of worship in action:

“Teach me Your way, Lord, and I will live by Your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear Your name” (CSB).

Here, “fear” doesn’t mean being afraid. It means reverence—a holy respect for God that flows from an undivided heart. Worship isn’t just about music. It’s about how we live, how we think, and who we follow.

A Whole-Life Response

Worship isn’t just a song—it’s a life of reverence before God. It’s how you live, how you think, how you choose. It’s obedience, honor, and surrender.

In John 4, Jesus gives us one of the clearest pictures of what it is. He’s talking with a Samaritan woman—someone who, culturally, shouldn’t even be speaking with Him—and she brings up a long-standing debate between Jews and Samaritans about where the “correct” place to honor God is.

Jesus responds with this:

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23 CSB).

This was radical. Jesus was saying devotion to God isn’t about the mountain or the temple. It happens wherever people respond to God with sincerity and truth.

What Does It Mean to Worship in Spirit and Truth?

To worship in spirit means that it comes from your heart. It’s real—not a ritual but a real relationship.

To worship in truth means it’s rooted in who God actually is—not in who we imagine Him to be. It’s based on the truth of His Word.

You don’t need to be in a church building to honor God. You can worship:

• In your car
• At home
• On a walk
• In any language
• At any time

True worship is a life surrendered to God.

Becoming More Like God

Here’s a truth to hold onto: Whatever you worship, you become more like.

• If it’s money, you’ll become consumed by greed.
• If it’s popularity, you’ll live for people’s approval.
• But if you worship God, you’ll become more like Him.

God is looking for people who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. And when you live like that—honoring God with your whole life—you’ll begin to see His character shape your own.

Reflection Question

How does the truth that “you become like what you worship” challenge your priorities today?

Prayer

Father, thank You for calling me to be a true worshipper. Teach me to honor You with my whole heart and live in Your truth each day. Help me to become more like You as I honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What’s Next?

Next time in “A Living Sacrifice,” we’ll explore why giving your whole life to God in daily surrender is key.

Congratulations on finishing this session! Complete all 10 sessions and quizzes to get your certificate.

Additional Materials

• • • Psalm 86—David prays for an undivided heart and reveals a reverence rooted in God’s truth.
    • “Do You Have a Heart of Worship?” emphasizes that adoration is more than an act. It’s surrendering fears, hurts, and problems to God.
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