Worship is Warfare
Worship is not a retreat from the world, but an assault on the darkness. True worship is spiritual warfare—rooted in Scripture, not in emotion or performance. Learn what worship truly is, why it matters, and how to wield it rightly for the glory of God.
What is Right Worship?
“Worship is to feel in your heart and express in some appropriate manner a humbling but delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overpowering love in the presence of that most ancient Mystery, that Majesty which philosophers call the First Cause but which we call Our Father Which Art in Heaven.”
—A.W. Tozer, Whatever Happened to Worship?
“Worship is the highest activity of the human soul, and it is in worship that we do battle with the world, the flesh, and the devil.”
—D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Ephesians: God's Way of Reconciliation
“God does not regard our voices, He hears our hearts; and if our hearts do not sing, we have not sung at all.”
—Charles Spurgeon
John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth. -- John 4:24 (CSB)
Romans 12:1
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. -- Romans 12:1 (CSB)
Revelation 7:11
All the angels stood around the throne, and along with the elders and the four living creatures they fell facedown before the throne and worshiped God... -- Revelation 7:11-12 (CSB)
Worship as Warfare
Throughout Scripture, worship is shown to be a weapon in the hands of God’s people. When we worship in spirit and truth, we resist the enemy, proclaim God’s victory, and advance His kingdom.
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (Jehoshaphat’s victory)
Acts 16:25-26 (Paul and Silas in prison)
Ephesians 6:10-18 (Spiritual armor)
“Worship is not a retreat from the world, but an assault on it.” — Doug Wilson
Further reading: Worship is Warfare
Right Worship vs Wrong Worship
Right worship is God-centered, rooted in Scripture and offered with sincerity. It is neither dependent on circumstances nor limited by them.
Wrong worship is man-centered, driven by emotion, tradition, or performance and not according to God’s Word.
Emotional and Performative "Worship"
Be wary of "worship" that:
Focuses on feelings over truth
Seeks to entertain rather than edify
Relies on spectacle or hype
Ignores or contradicts Scripture
Makes the congregation or leaders the center, rather than Christ
If you've never heard of Sacred Harp singing I recommend it highly. It's simple, no nonsensical fog machines or laser light show. Just Christians worshiping God in spirit and truth. Here is my favorite example of it ->
How to Harness Worship as Warfare
Worship God as He commands: with reverence, joy, and truth. Use Scripture, prayer, and song to proclaim His victory. Gather with the church, resist the enemy, and let worship shape your life and battles.
Practical Steps:
Root your worship in the Bible
Pray and sing with understanding
Reject entertainment-driven worship
Join with others in corporate worship
Remember: Worship is for God’s glory, not our feelings
Further reading: Worship is Warfare, Ambushing Satan with Song
