The Big Diehl

{blog of adam}

28 Aug

8 ) Expressive Worship.
Part 1: The Instigator.

Posted in Devotional Blog, Worship on 08-28-07

I am “for” expressive worship. Seeing as I’m a worship pastor and this is at the core of my daily focus, I thought it would be alright if I do a few blog posts on the 8th thing that I am “for.” This is the first of three parts.

Worship is a relationship that takes place between us and God. Who is the instigator of this relationship?

John 4:23 says that God is seeking out worshipers. God is seeking us! Humans instinctively find some object of full spiritual devotion. At the point where the sought (that’s us) realize the unmatched worth of the seeker, combustion (our worship) will occur.

Because of this I believe that God starts the worship relationship. Worship is our response to God. Has God done anything at all for you? Does God mean anything to you? If he does, then respond to Him!

For you intellectuals out there, this “response” model can be seen all throughout the Psalms. I call it the “Why-How” model. Take Psalms 100 for example. The first four verses describe a response to the attributes of God in verse 5.

This isn’t about what I’m against — I am for Expressive Worship.

5 Comments »

2 comments on this topic

  1. Todd Helmkamp says:

    29. August - 9:00 am

    As an intellectual, I wasn’t too offended when I read your last paragraph. :)

    Worship is distinct from praise, however (in my opinion). From what I have read (and I have read the Psalms extensively), praise is a type of worship, not the only type.

    Any thoughts?

    1. joe says:

      29. August - 9:32 am

      I would agree, Todd.

      Worship is a life response to God’s greatness, which includes praise. But I think true worship extends far beyond mere praise.

      1. Adam says:

        29. August - 9:34 am

        Yea you’re right, Todd. I agree. But I don’t like the word “distinct” so much — it sounds like you’re comparing a triangle to a circle. Here’s a good way to put it:

        Worship:Rectangle
        Praise: Square.

        A square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not necessarily a square.
        Praise is worship, but worship is not necessarily praise.

        Praise is a part of worship. But don’t get too focused on semantics – I’m still calling it a “Praise and Worship Service.” ha ha! :D

        Praise is lifting God up for things He has done, which is certainly included in what I said here in this post. But I believe at the heartbeat of all worship is a response to God — not just what He has done, but for who He is (the attributes of God). Worship is our response to God. Maybe another example would help:

        I give God praise for His provision last month.
        I worship God because He’s faithful.

        Both are a response. I was still speaking of all “worship” in this post, although praise fits in there as well.

        Does that clarify?

        1. Abby says:

          30. August - 1:26 pm

          “At the point where the sought (that’s us) realize the unmatched worth of the seeker, combustion (our worship) will occur.”

          SO well put, Adam. You amaze me. Kudos to you for having an awesome Top 10!

          1. Todd Helmkamp says:

            31. August - 3:11 pm

            Absolutely! That makes a ton of sense. As we’ve discussed before, I’m more than a little confused about this topic!