The purpose of worship
A friend has asked me: Why does God require worship? Why does He require thanks, and praise? When I do something genuinely good for someone else, I don't ask for thanks or praise or quid pro quo. It's nice if someone "chooses" to say thanks or notice that something was done for them, but it's not a necessary component. What is the purpose of "worship"? I have my own thoughts, but I would sincerely appreciate your answer to this very good question so I can share it with her!
In the Bible God does condescend and describe himself in human terms so we can better understand him. With that in mind though, our human comparisons to God and his attributes and actions can fall short. What I mean is that there is no comparison between a human act of kindness—for which someone might or might not express gratitude—and God’s self-sacrificial love. The highest form of love is not our love for God or other people; it is God’s love for us. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).
God does not hold out gratitude and worship as optional activities for people. It is his will for them (1 Chronicles 16:29; Psalm 96:9; Matthew 4:10; Revelation 14:7). And more than commanding our worship, it is the mercies of God in Christ that invite and encourage our worship of God (Romans 12:1).
“Worship” can describe the joyful, thankful life of Christians. “Corporate worship” describes what Christians do together in God’s house in worship services. What is the purpose of that worship, you ask? Corporate worship provides opportunities for the people of God to gather together to feed their souls with the gospel in word and sacrament. Corporate worship also provides opportunities for God’s people to direct their praise and gratitude to God in ways that go beyond the praise they can offer in their personal lives. Corporate worship, too, is God’s will for people (Hebrews 10:25).
The sinful nature in Christians wants nothing to do with personal or corporate worship. The sinful nature is an enemy of God (Romans 8:6). The new self in Christians desires and delights in doing what God commands regarding worship (Romans 7:22) and rejoices in opportunities to gather in God’s house with fellow Christians to praise him for his love and goodness. As we build up our new self through word and sacrament, our desire to worship God will also increase.
Much more could be said about personal gratitude expressed to God and corporate worship, but I hope this helps you in your conversation with your friend.