At times, we hear folks deny the power of God's word to guide them in life. They say they are relying upon the “Spirit’s leading” as if the Holy Spirit acts independently of the word of God. Such teaching is false. Study the chart below and take note of how the Holy Spirit's work and the word of God are interrelated. In truth, the Holy Spirit's action, or work, is seen through the agency of the word of God. Let us respect the teachings of scripture as well as how God communicates with us today (Heb. 1:2).

HOLY SPIRIT                                   ACTION/WORK                       WORD OF GOD

  John 3:5-6, 8                                             Born                                     1 Peter 1:23-25

(We are born through the Holy Spirit when we obey the teaching of the word.)

    John 6:63                                          Makes Alive                             Psalm 119:50, 93

(The Holy Spirit gives us life through the word taught.)

    Titus 3:5                                               Saves                                       James 1:21

(The Holy Spirit saves us when we obey the word.)

1 Corinthians 6:11                                 Sanctifies                                   John 17:17

(The Holy Spirit sanctifies us through the teaching of the word.)

1 Corinthians 6:11                                  Washes                                   Ephesians 5:26

(The Holy Spirit washes/cleanses us through the word.)

     Romans 8:14                                       Leads                                  Psalm 73:24, 32:8

(The Holy Spirit leads us, not independently of the word, but through the word!)       

       Acts 9:31                                        Comforts                             1 Thessalonians 4:18

(The Holy Spirit comforts us through the revelation of the word.)

     John 16:8                                          Convicts                                      Titus 1:9

(The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin when the word is taught.)

 1 Corinthians 2:13                                 Teaches                              2 Thessalonians 2:15

(The Holy Spirit teaches when we are taught the word of truth.)  

    John 15:26                                    Testifies Of Christ                          John 5:39

(The Holy Spirit testifies when the word is taught to man.)  

  Ephesians 5:18                                    Fills/Dwells                             Colossians 3:16

(Men are filled with the Holy Spirit when we are filled with the word of God!)

These and many other passages show us the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the word. Let us respect the connection and obey God’ word today! 

Etiquette is defined as “the code of polite behavior in a society.” We are concerned with proper etiquette at mealtime and at weddings. We are concerned with teaching our children the proper etiquette on how to behave in certain situations. In this article, I want to address the subject of worship etiquette or the code of polite behavior in worship and list some ideas that may help in that regard.

Be There

Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us saying, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” It is only proper and polite to be present at an event that we are expected to attend. If we are seeking first the kingdom of God then this is certainly true of the worship services. God expects us to be present and it would not be proper etiquette to not be at this appointment.

Be On Time

We would not think of being late for an important dinner or feast given in our honor. We arrive one or two hours early for a sporting event so we can get a good seat and not miss any of the action. Yet, when it comes to our worship services and Bible classes, it seems that some do not have any regard for wanting to be on time. We would never be late for work or have our children late for school, yet, many times, we do not show the same consideration for God when it comes to being on time for worship.

Be Still, Reverent, And Respectful

Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Habakkuk 2:20 tells us, “But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15). We need to realize that our actions in the worship services effect those around us. Our children need to be taught that they can stay in the auditorium for an hour and that they can be relatively quiet and still for that amount of time. I remember when I was a child that I learned at a very young age that when I left the auditorium it was a very uncomfortable situation, because if I left I was in trouble and was only leaving to meet the “rod of correction.”

Most all of us that are over 30 years old can remember the time when people did not come and go during the worship service. If a song was being sung, then no one entered the auditorium until the song was concluded so they would not be a distraction to those worshiping. I know that there are things that happen that are beyond our control and sometimes we may need to leave the auditorium, but this certainly should be the exception and not the rule. We want to be respectful of God and of those leading the worship service and of others that are worshiping. I still believe that God is most pleased when our worship is a place of reverence and respect.

Be Patient

Most all of the time our services are very timely. There are certain instances that may arise that call for the service to be extended for some reason or another. Many times, we are too time-oriented, especially when it comes to our worship. Most likely our worship would be more reverent and respectful if we did not watch our clocks. Yes, we are all busy and we all have other things to do...even on Sunday. But we must not lose sight that Sunday is the Lord’s Day, not the Lord’s hour.

Hopefully, these thoughts will help make our worship better.