LESSON 4: THE ELEMENTS OF WORSHIP	SCRIPTURE PROOFS
The Westminster Confession (21.5) The reading of the Scriptures with godly fear,	Acts 15: 21 Revelation 1: 3
The sound preaching,	2 Timothy 4: 2
and conscionable hearing of the Word in obedience unto God with understanding, faith and reverence,	James 1: 22 Acts 10: 33 Matthew 13: 19 Hebrews 4: 2 Isaiah 66: 2
singing of psalms with grace in the heart,	Colossians 3: 16 Ephesians 5: 19 James 5: 13
as also, the due administration and worthy receiving of the sacraments instituted by Christ, are all parts of the ordinary religious worship of God;	Matthew 28: 19 1 Corinthians 11: 23 Acts 2: 42
besides religious oaths,	Deuteronomy 6: 13 Nemiah 10: 29
vows,	Isaiah 19: 21 Ecclesiastes 5: 4-5
solemn fastings,	Joel 2: 12 Esther 4: 16 Matthew 9: 15 1 Corinthains 6: 5
and thanksgiving on special ocassions,	Psalm 107 Esther 9: 22
which are, in their several times and seasons, to be used in an holy and religious manner.	Hebrews 12: 28

 

The Directory for the Worship of God (47.6) The Lord Jesus Christ has prescribed no fixed forms for public worship but, in the interest of life and power in worship, has given His Church a large measure of liberty in this matter. It may not be forgotten, however, that there is true liberty only where the rules of God's Word are observed and the spirit of the Lord is, that all things must be done decently and in order, and that God's people should serve Him with reverence and in the beauty of holiness. From its beginning to its end a service of public worship should be characterized by that simplicity which is an evidence of sincerity and by that beauty and dignity which are a manifestation of holiness.

The Directory for the Worship of God (47.9) The Bible teaches that the following are proper elements of worship service: reading of Holy Scripture, singing of psalms and hymns, the offering of prayer, the preaching of the Word, the presentation of offerings, confessing the faith and observing the Sacraments; and on special occasions taking oaths. The Directory for the Worship of God (50) Public Reading of the Holy Scriptures. The Directory for the Worship of God (51) Singing of Psalms and Hymns. The Directory for the Worship of God (53) Preaching of the Word. The Directory for the Worship of God (54) Worship of God by Offerings. The Directory for the Worship of God (55) Confessing the Faith.

SEE: Sherman Isbell. Regulated Worship

Why is it such a common feature of church life in our day that activities never required by God in the Scriptures are introduced into worship? Is it not because men fear that the few and simple ordinances prescribed in Scripture will be insufficient to build the church? Is there not an underlying anxiety that further means beyond the biblical ordinances must be devised in order to secure the welfare and prosperity of the church.

See: Williamson, G.I. The Scriptural Regulative Principle of Worship: Part II

It is the teaching of the Bible - and the Reformed Confessions - that "God alone is Lord of the conscience, and that He has left it free from doctrines and commandments of men, which are, in anything, contrary to His word, or beside it, if matters of faith or worship." Whenever a Reformed Church imposes any practice which is not commanded by God a tyranny is imposed on God's people.

 QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION.

1. List at least five elements that ought to be part of any Christian Worship.

2. How much freedom ought the churches be allowed in this matter?

3. How might we measure a particular worship format against the Scriptures?

4. Discuss and ambiguities or lack of understanding concerning the several elements.

5. What can we say in a culture where seeker services have become the dominant form?

6. Are there traditions or elements that you enjoy that you know to be off God's short list?

7. Is there a place in the programming of the church to allow artistic and dramatic elements to be presented in a tasteful and uplifiting manner outside of a worship experience?