The Elements of Worship

I Thessalonians 5:23–28
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Our Lord approved neither idol worship or idle worship but ideal worship in Spirit and truth. Too many church services start at eleven o’clock sharp and end at twelve o’clock dull. Too many church members sit smugly in church on Sunday, some closing their eyes and others eyeing t … More

Worship

Notice how many times prayer is mentioned. Paul prayed that the God of peace will keep them from profane things, make them pure and consecrated to God and completely blameless at the coming of Christ (vv 23-24). He also requested that the Christians pray for him (v. 25). After the worship services are over, the Christians minister to one another. It was common in Paul’s culture as in some cultures today to greet friends with a holy kiss (kiss on the cheek) (v. 26). This was not a sensual thing. Usually the men kissed the men and the women kissed the women (See Romans 16:16; I Corinthians 16:20 and I Peter 5:14). Such a kiss communicated personal affection and not romantic love. A comparable jester in Western culture today might be an embrace, a pat on the back, or a handshake.

I have been in churches today where after the final benediction the congregation runs like rats leaving a sinking ship. They have no time to stay around and fellowship which is a part of worship. Usually the pastor of the church sets the pace in this matter. If he enjoys staying around and talking to various individuals so will many of the people. If he doesn’t then probably the people won’t either. An important part of the service is missing.

The final exhortation is that this letter is to be read to the whole church (v. 27). In the words “I charge you” to do this, suggests that God will discipline them if they disobey. It was really a reminder that the Word of God is an important thing in the local church. It is the Word of God that governs our conduct and guides our lives. It is really sad that in so many churches today, music, poetry, current events etc. have replaced the Word of God. He ends the book by saying, “I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you” (v. 28).

Application

Am I studying the whole council of the Word of God and teaching it to my family or is it just a few issues that are brought out over and over? If I’m not receiving a balanced diet what do you think will happen to me spiritually? Read Joshua 24:15.

I Thessalonians 5:23-28 (English Standard Version)

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