The desire to worship is one of the in-built components of human beings. In a general sense, whatever man reveres, adores, depends on and trusts or has faith in, it becomes like a god to him or her. This god normally has a special place in the heart of man - this leads to man spending much time, energy and resources on it. It can be said that man literally worships whatever serves as a god to him/her.
In a spiritual sense, worship is offered to a supreme being. This worship is done as appreciation to the Supreme Being and also to smoothen the relationship between the worshipper and the Supreme Being. The idea and concept of worship in Africa precedes the coming of Christianity to the African continent. Worship is the vital aspect of the African Traditional Religion (A.T.R). It presents to the African man the idea of a supreme being existing somewhere in the spirit world, which could be reached through semi-gods or small gods such as the ancestors and the spirits.
Virtually all the basic necessities of man have gods in charge of them, e.g. there is the god of rainfall, the god of fertility, the god of war etc. These gods are constantly worshipped or appeased when the need arises.
Christians from such religious backgrounds often worship the Christian God from the African Traditional Religion (A.T.R) perspective leading to syncretism. Evangelism brings people from the African Traditional Religion (A.T.R), but it takes discipleship to change the African Traditional Religion (A.T.R) concept of worship to the worship of the Christian God.
This research explores the biblical concept of worship as defined by Jesus Christ in John 4:23-24. The aim is to remedy the syncrestic worship that has encroached into African Christianity.
Table of Contents
- CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION
- Introduction
- Statement of the Problem
- Purpose of the Study
- Scope of the Study
- Methodology and overview of the Study
- CHAPTER TWO – HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
- Authorship
- Date
- Purpose and destination
- CHAPTER THREE – LITERARY CONTEXT
- Introduction
- Larger Context
- Immediate Context
- Conclusion
- CHAPTER FOUR - EXPOSITION OF JOHN 4:23-24
- Introduction
- The time has come... true worshippers.......
- Worship in Spirit and in Truth .....
- The kind of worshippers the father seeks... God is spirit.
- CHAPTER FIVE – APPLICATION, SUGGESTIONS AND CONCLUSION
- Application
- Suggestions
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to explore the biblical concept of worship, particularly focusing on the teaching of Jesus in John 4:23-24. It seeks to provide a clear understanding of what constitutes true worship and how to experience it authentically. The thesis addresses the need for education and enlightenment for Christians in Africa regarding the requirements and expressions of biblical worship, aiming to counteract incorrect interpretations and practices within the church.
- Biblical definition of worship
- Understanding true worship as expressed by Jesus
- The importance of discipleship in the context of worship
- Addressing syncretism and incorrect worship practices
- The significance of worship as a spiritual act
Chapter Summaries
- Chapter One - Introduction: This chapter establishes the context for the thesis, introducing the problem of misunderstanding and misrepresenting worship within the Christian church in Africa. It outlines the purpose of the study, which is to provide a clear biblical understanding of worship, and defines the scope of the research, focusing on John 4:23-24.
- Chapter Two - Historical Background of the Gospel of John: This chapter examines the historical context of the Gospel of John, including authorship, date, and purpose, providing background information for the interpretation of John 4:23-24.
- Chapter Three - Literary Context: This chapter explores the immediate and broader literary context of John 4:23-24, setting the stage for the exposition of the passage in the next chapter.
- Chapter Four - Exposition of John 4:23-24: This chapter delves into the meaning and significance of John 4:23-24, examining Jesus' definition of worship and emphasizing the concept of worship in spirit and in truth. It explores the characteristics of genuine worship as described in the text.
Keywords
This research focuses on key terms and concepts related to worship, including: biblical worship, true worship, worship in spirit and in truth, discipleship, syncretism, African Christianity, John 4:23-24.
- Quote paper
- Longji Ayuba Dachal (Author), 2009, The Biblical Concept of Worship. An Exposition of John 4:23-24, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/347188
