Biblical Worship Practice Examination Guide

Introduction

This examination guide is designed to help believers thoughtfully evaluate worship practices through careful consideration of Scripture. The questions are structured to examine both potentially problematic elements that may have entered worship as well as biblical practices that should be maintained or restored.

Part 1: Examining Current Practices

Historical Origins and Development

1. What is the historical origin of this practice? Provide specific documentation of when and where it entered Christian worship.
   • Supporting Scriptures: Deuteronomy 12:29-31, Jeremiah 10:2
   • Research Question: Can you trace this practice to apostolic times or does it appear later in church history?
2. Was this practice initially associated with the worship of other deities or religious systems?
   • Supporting Scriptures: 2 Kings 17:15, 2 Chronicles 28:1-4
   • Research Question: What primary historical sources document the original purpose of this practice?
3. How has this practice evolved over time in Christian worship?
   • Supporting Scriptures: Mark 7:6-13, Colossians 2:8
   • Analysis Question: Have modifications made to adapt this practice maintained biblical integrity?

Biblical Authority

4. What specific Scripture passages support or oppose this practice?
   • Supporting Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 8:20
   • Examination Questions:
     • Are there direct commands related to this practice?
     • Are there biblical principles that apply?
     • Are there examples in Scripture of this or similar practices?
5. Does this practice align with the pattern of worship seen in the New Testament church?
   • Supporting Scriptures: Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
   • Analysis Points:
     • Compare to apostolic teaching and practice
     • Examine consistency with early church worship elements

Theological Implications

6. What does this practice communicate about:
   • The nature and character of God?
     • Supporting Scripture: John 4:24
   • The work of Christ?
     • Supporting Scripture: Colossians 2:16-17
   • The role of the Holy Spirit?
     • Supporting Scripture: John 16:13-14
   • The nature of the Church?
     • Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:4-6
7. Does this practice promote or diminish:
   • The sufficiency of Scripture?
     • Supporting Scripture: 2 Peter 1:3
   • The uniqueness of Christ?
     • Supporting Scripture: Colossians 1:18
   • The priesthood of all believers?
     • Supporting Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9

Practical Impact

8. How does this practice affect:
   • Individual spiritual growth?
     • Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 4:15-16
   • Corporate unity and edification?
     • Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26
   • Biblical understanding?
     • Supporting Scripture: Colossians 3:16
   • Evangelistic witness?
     • Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:23-25

Part 2: Identifying Missing Biblical Elements

Examination of Biblical Worship Elements

9. Which of these biblical worship elements are present in your current practice:
   • Teaching of apostolic doctrine?
     • Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:42
   • Fellowship?
     • Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:42
   • Breaking of bread?
     • Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
   • Prayers?
     • Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:42
   • Singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs?
     • Supporting Scripture: Ephesians 5:19
   • Reading of Scripture?
     • Supporting Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:13
   • Collection for saints?
     • Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
10. For each missing element:
    • What historical factors led to its discontinuation?
    • What practical steps would be needed to restore it?
    • What biblical benefits would come from its restoration?

Examination of Biblical Ordinances

11. How are the biblical ordinances practiced:
    • Baptism
      • Supporting Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20
      • Analysis Questions:
        • Is the practice consistent with New Testament examples?
        • Does it properly reflect its symbolic meaning?
    • Christian Passover
      • Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34
      • Analysis Questions:
        • Is the frequency biblical?
        • Does the practice maintain its memorial nature?
        • Is proper self-examination encouraged?

Examination of Church Order

12. How does current practice align with biblical patterns for:
    • Church leadership?
      • Supporting Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13
    • Church discipline?
      • Supporting Scripture: Matthew 18:15-20
    • Use of spiritual gifts?
      • Supporting Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12-14
    • Care for the needy?
      • Supporting Scripture: James 1:27

Part 3: Implementation and Reform

Planning for Change

13. For practices needing reform:
    • What biblical teaching is needed to prepare for change?
    • What practical steps are required for implementation?
    • How can unity be maintained during transition?
    • What ongoing evaluation will ensure maintenance of biblical practice?

Maintaining Biblical Fidelity

14. What safeguards can be established to:
    • Prevent future drift from biblical patterns?
    • Ensure regular examination of practices?
    • Maintain focus on Christ-centered worship?

Conclusion

Remember that the goal of this examination is not merely to identify problems but to ensure worship practices are:

• Biblically faithful
• Christ-centered
• Spiritually edifying
• Practically beneficial to the body
• Clear in witness to the world

Use this guide as a starting point for thorough examination of worship practices, always measuring against the standard of Scripture and seeking the glory of God in all things.