SESSION 12

The Purpose of Worship
 

When we look at creation, we see the wonder of God’s handiwork. God, in his perfect community as Father, Son, and Spirit, did not create because he needed something, but as a reflection of his brilliance and for us to enjoy him.
 

The Westminster Catechism states: “The chief end of humanity is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
 

Worship literally means to give something worth, and we were created to worship. If we don’t worship the Creator, we will worship something else—this is what the Bible calls idolatry.
 

The Call to True Worship
 

Jesus calls us to worship through discipleship:

“If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
 

Worship is not just singing on a Sunday; it is a whole-life response to God’s goodness. King David exemplifies a true worshipper, and we can learn from his heart of worship in four key ways:

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1. Worship is Costly – 2 Samuel 24:24
 

David refused to offer God something that cost him nothing. Real worship involves sacrifice—our time, resources, and even financial giving. True worship expresses the worth we place on God.

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2. Worship is Remembering – Psalm 103:1-5
 

David calls his soul to remember what God has done—his forgiveness, healing, redemption, and provision. As Christians, our worship centres on remembering Christ’s sacrifice and victory. The early church often sang hymns that recalled Jesus’ humility and exaltation (Philippians 2:6-11).

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3. Worship is Wholehearted – 2 Samuel 6:14-16
 

David danced before the Lord with all his might, disregarding societal expectations. True worship is not half-hearted or reserved—it is an all-in response to God’s goodness.

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4. Worship is a Declaration of Trust – Psalm 34:1-4
 

David worshipped even in times of fear and trouble. Worship is an act of faith, declaring that God is good even in difficulty. The story of Perpetua, a 22-year-old noblewoman martyred for refusing to worship the emperor in 203 AD, demonstrates that true worship is trusting in Jesus even in suffering.

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Reflecting on Worship
 

Worship is more than just singing—it is a life response to God’s goodness. It is:

• Costly: True worship involves sacrifice.

• A remembrance: We recall God’s faithfulness.

• Wholehearted: We give ourselves fully to God.

• A declaration of trust: We worship even in hardship.
   

Reflection Questions:

1. Read Psalm 103:1-5. Why does David call his soul to remember God’s goodness? How does remembering shape our worship?

2. Worship is costly (2 Sam. 24:24). What would it look like for you to worship God in a way that truly costs you something?

3. Perpetua worshipped God even in the face of suffering. How do you respond in times of hardship? How can you cultivate a heart of worship in all seasons?

4. How does your view of worship need to grow or change? What steps can you take this week to deepen your worship life?

Final Thought: True worship calls for a response. Just as David refused to give God something that cost him nothing, and Perpetua worshipped even in suffering, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. What are you worshipping?