worship

The most frequently used word in the New Testament [proskunevw 4352] for worship carries the concept of a servant before a sovereign, doing an act of homage or reverence. This words emphasizes the sovereign holiness of God before His people, the otherness of God. However, this is not an accurate description of the relationship between God and believers today. While the word occurs 60 times in the New Testament, there are only 7 occurrences outside of the gospels and Revelation. It is found 4 times in Acts and twice in Hebrews in relation to Old Testament forms of worship and once in 1 Cor. 14:25 in reference to the discussion over prophecy and tongues.

The fact that the term primarily in the Gospels and Revelation, book-ends for the Epistles demonstrates the unique character and place of the church in the plan of God.

The relationship between God and His children today is characterized as a father to his children, a familial relationship. Further discussion concerning this relationship can be found under the heading of 'Relational.'

The marking of the change in this relationship occurred at the time of the death of Christ when the veil of the temple was torn and access to God was made available to all His Children. Further discussion concerning this relationship can be found under the heading of 'Veil.'

proskunevw 4352 to make obeisance, do reverence to (from pros, towards, and kuneo, to kiss), is the most frequent word rendered to worship. It is used of an act of homage or reverence (a) to God (b) to Christ (c) to a man (d) to the Dragon, by men (e) to the Beast, his human instrument (f) the image of the Beast (g) to demons (h) to idols.
proskunhthvV 4353 one who worships

The term [sevbomai 4576] occurs primarily in Acts and once each in Matthew and Mark. The other two terms occur a total of 3 times and are not used in reference to God.

sebavzomai 4573 to honor religiously
sevbasma 4574 denotes an object of worship
sevbomai 4576 to revere, stressing the feeling of awe or devotion, is used of worship (a) to God (b) to a goddess,

These two words are used in reference to serving and service and do not carry the predominant idea of worshipping.

latreiva 2999 primarily hired service
latreuvw 3000 to serve, to render religious service or homage

The Church

Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the body. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

The Path to Godliness Leads through the Valley of Suffering

The Church

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.

Rejoice in the midst of Sufferings

1 Corinthians 12:26-27 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Peter 1:6-7 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Body

Romans 12:4-5 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.