Bulletin Articles
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT “WORSHIP” AND “THE ASSEMBLY”
SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT “WORSHIP” AND “THE ASSEMBLY”
Is “worship” confined to “the assembly” of a local church? The short answer is: “No.” But there is more to this than meets the eye! The question is linked to other issues about the nature of “worship” as well as the nature of what has come to be known as “the assembly.” So put on your “thinking caps,” as we delve more deeply into this matter.
First of all, one would have a hard time defining just what “the” assembly is. Some seem to think “the assembly” is limited to that gathering in which we eat the Lord’s Supper (Ac.20:7; 1Cor.11:17ff). I don’t know what they would call some other “assemblies” of the saints! For instance, there were assemblies for the purpose of hearing preachers’ reports (Ac.14:27). There were assemblies for the purpose of discussing doctrinal conflicts (Ac.15:4-21); for writing letters (v.22-29); as well as reading letters (v.30). There were also assemblies for dealing with disciplinary matters (Mt.18:17; 1Cor.5:4-5). These are ALL “assemblies of the church” – regardless of whether it is the Lord’s Day. If not, why not?
Others seem to think “the assembly” only exists “if the whole church comes together in one place” (1Cor.14:23). However, the word “if” clearly suggests that there were other ways in which local saints could (and did) assemble. For instance, “many (not all) were gathered” (assembled) at Mary’s house for prayer (Ac.12:5, 12); while James and others were simultaneously gathered elsewhere (Ac.12:17). Paul gathered (assembled) with the elders of the church at Ephesus to teach them (Ac.20:17ff). So there are clearly examples of worship taking place in assemblies smaller than “the whole.” Therefore, those who say things like, “a Bible class is not the assembly,” are uttering rhetorical nonsense! An assembly of the church is an assembly of the church – whether it is an assembly of “the whole” (1Cor.14:23ff), or only a part of the whole (Ac.20:17ff). To say otherwise logically compels one to conclude that if someone is absent from “the whole,” then it is not really “the assembly” – and who can believe it? (Either that, or we must establish some man-made “quorum” which defines when “the assembly” exists!)
Finally, and more to the point, there are plenty of examples of saints worshipping apart from assemblies which were arranged by a local church. Paul and Silas worshiped in a jail cell in Philippi (Ac.16:25). This was two individuals worshiping, with no connection to the local church. James tells us that if “anyone” is suffering, s/he should pray; and if “anyone” is cheerful s/he should sing psalms (Jm.5:13). These are expressions of worship in an individual, rather than congregational, setting. (As an aside, it is important to point out that instrumental music in worship is not authorized in EITHER setting, cf. 1Cor.14:15; Ep.5:19; Jm.5:13)
We also need to improve our concept of “worship.” Far too many conceive of worship as the mere execution of a ritual. For instance, if we sing songs from the songbook at the church building, then we are worshiping. Or if we gather at the building to listen to (translation: tolerate) a sermon, we are worshiping. This is a very skewed, but common concept. We desperately need to learn that “worship” actually takes place in the heart. The “ritual” (for lack of a better term) is simply the means of expressing what is (or should be) in the heart. Notice this quote from W.E. Vine on the concept of worship (all emphasis mine, ls): “The worship of God is nowhere defined in Scripture. A consideration of the above verbs shows that it is not confined to praise; broadly it may be regarded as the direct acknowledgement to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving or by deed done in such acknowledgment.”
In short, “worship” is basically an expression of one’s devotion to God. Jesus said that worship must be “in spirit and truth” (Jn.4:24). This means that simply “going through the motions” of singing psalms, etc. is NOT worship; unless it is a genuine expression of the devotion of one’s “spirit.” Nor can a devoted “spirit” express worship in ways inconsistent with Divine “truth” (cf. Jn.17:17). But when one combines a worshipful spirit with a lawful means of expression, then worship is taking place (cf. Ep.5:19). This is true whether done “in church” or individually!
I hope these few thoughts have helped you gain a better comprehension of the nature of true worship, as well as the nature of “the assembly.”
--Lanny Smith
