Worship in private or in public?

If we're NOT worshipping God the Father and the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ, John 1:29; Revelation 4:9-11; 5:1-10; 21:22 privately, we have no right to worship publicly.

Why could this be true?

Jesus said that the best praying is done in secret, that is, privately, to the Father. Matthew 6:6

Prayer of this kind is a type of worship as is giving thanks to Him, aren't they? Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 1:12; Hebrews 13:15

If we're sincere, with an undying love, our hearts are turned to Him. Ephesians 6:24

This is in contrast to those who love to pray in meetings or stand on the street corners to be seen by people, Matthew 6:5 or they say long prayers to show off. Mark 12:40

If praying without stopping is a desire, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 then shouldn't we be praying, giving thanks, praising, and worshipping BOTH in private and in public?

SINGING and WORSHIPPING 

If we worship through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 whether alone or with others, should we avoid "sing alongs?"

What's meant by this?

Singing words doesn't mean that we're worshipping the Father in spirit and in truth and rejoicing in Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:3

According to the Lord Jesus Christ, to worship in spirit and in truth is what the Father seeks and can be done anywhere, not just in a specific location such as a religious or spiritual meeting. John 4:21-24

To sing songs that have the Bible's words in them such as one of the 150 Psalms (or parts of one), might help you.

But it could just be a "sing along" with a church worship leader and other singers, and those in a meeting.

We may THINK that this is worshipping in spirit and in truth but the Father sees our hearts.

We might only be honoring Him with our lips while our heart is far away. Matthew 15:7-9

This is easy to fall into when a congregation meets.

Some will sing songs from a bulletin that's handed out, hymn books, or as they view a projection screen.

Most in a meeting will participate as one can see their mouths and bodies moving.

They might also kneel, Acts 20:36; Ephesians 3:14 

lift their hands, Psalms 141:2; 1 Timothy 2:8 

or clap their hands Psalms 47:1 while apparently singing.

But unless our SPIRITUAL HEARTS have crossed over from the natural realm into His spiritual, we've placed our confidence in only physical actions. Philippians 3:3

When believers come together, 1 Corinthians 11:18 these public activities may look like worship to the uninstructed or unbelievers. 1 Corinthians 14:23 

Some might say, 

"Wow. This is awesome. It doesn't look and feel like a church!"

"I didn't know that worship could be so exciting."

A mature believer who worships in private as their lifestyle might observe everything Mark 11:11 and see it as an outward display. Matthew 23:5, 28; Galatians 6:12

They may long for a reverence and a depth of adoration. 

It's difficult to obtain this with a group, especially if many see the use of colored and flashing lights, fog machines, flag waving, dancers, multiple instruments, loud music, and singers on a platform as normal and acceptable ways to worship.

Yes, all of these and more are fairly common in large gatherings.

"What else is there?" they may ask.

They may have their place when done decently and in order, 1 Corinthians 14:40 IF NOT a substitute for worship from their spirits.

True worshippers John 4:23-24 learn to NOT get wrapped up in what can be seen through their natural eyes. 2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7

True worshippers learn to focus on the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Revelation 4:8-11; 5:8-14 first IN PRIVATE.

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. 

Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19

Some Bible translations have it as doing this to yourself.

Then, as someone develops a reverence and awareness of the holiness and awesomeness of their Heavenly Father Deuteronomy 10:17; Leviticus 19:2; Psalms 68:35; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8 

and their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 5:23; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1

worship, thanksgiving, praise, and prayer can bubble up like a well John 4:14 or flow like a river John 7:37-39 WHEREVER they are.

Let's first do this in private.

"COME, YOU WHO ARE BLESSED BY MY FATHER" Matthew 25:34

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. 

Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8

Let's expect that the Lord will draw near to us so that we experience His presence.

Let's also expect that WE will cleanse our hands, purify our hearts, and stop having 2 minds: doubt and unbelief rising up against faith.

Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

COME AND DRINK INTO ONE SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 12:13

Followers of Jesus should NOT get drunk with alcohol, but be filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31; 13:52 

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18

It's by and with the Spirit that believers are able to be drunk, filled with, and tap into a place where the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live Ephesians 2:19-22 and commune with them. John 14:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14

If we meet with others in a congregational setting, our PRIVATE worship, praise, thanksgiving, and prayer is what we bring and do.

We won't need worship and praise leaders to "cheerlead" us into getting excited.

We already rejoice in the Lord Philippians 4:4 because He is worthy. John 13:13; Ephesians 1:20-21; Philippians 2:5-11; Revelation 5:1-5

Our public worship with others MUST still be a private experience.

We can't let what others do or don't do affect our worship in spirit and in truth. John 4:23-24

A pastor, who was also a worship leader as he played the guitar and sang said,

"I realized that the congregation wasn't really worshipping. But I decided to worship and I did."

He tried to lead the church into worship through song but they wouldn't follow.

So, he used his private worship experience and entered into that with the Father and the Lamb, Revelation 4:5-11; 5:8-12 even though he was in public and seen by others.

PSALMS, HYMNS, and SPIRITUAL SONGS 

Paul knew suffering for the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 9:15-17; 16:19-24; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; 12:10

He also knew the power of prayer and praise.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison.

At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. Acts 16:25-26

Paul wrote to a church (and to us) that the word of Christ, His words and words about Him, should live in them (and us) richly. Colossians 3:16

If someone with an honest and good heart Luke 8:15 took only Jesus' words from Matthew through Revelation and Paul's words about Him in the first 2 chapters of Colossians and through verse 15 of chapter 3, that would be more than enough to bring them out of the natural and into the spiritual.

Then, their public worship through songs could be a spiritual overflow.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

True worship of the Lord can also instruct and warn others who have ears to hear.

INTIMACY IS AVAILABLE

Can we seek to come into the secret, sheltered place for His eyes and ears only? Psalms 91:1

My heart said, "Seek His face."

Your face, O Lord, I will seek. Psalms 27:8

Wouldn't there be something special about this, not only for us but for God the Father, too? Matthew 6:6

We wouldn't care that no one else sees us.

We don't seek honor from people. John 5:41, 44 

If you don't have this and instead rely on public church or meeting worship experiences to carry you along, why not change?

Yes, you and I CAN have intimacy with the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:23; 15:5; 1 John 1:3; 4:16

Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth! For Your love is more delightful than wine.

The fragrance of Your perfume is pleasing; Your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore You.

Take me away with You—let us hurry! May the king bring me to His chambers. Song of Solomon 1:2-4

People and others everywhere will worship. Why not start now?

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying:

"To Him Who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!"

And the four living creatures said, "Amen," and the elders fell down and worshiped. Revelation 5:13-14

Your thoughts?

R. Jason