What other scriptures emphasize the importance of reverence during worship gatherings?

◄ Other scriptures on worship reverence? ►

Starting Point: 1 Corinthians 11:20—Reverence Matters

“Now then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat.”

• Paul rebukes the Corinthians because irreverence turned their gathering into something other than true worship.

• The lesson: whenever a church meets, attitude and conduct must match the holiness of the occasion.

Old Testament Foundations of Reverence

• Exodus 3:5 — “Do not come any closer… Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

• Leviticus 10:1-3 — Nadab and Abihu die for “unauthorized fire… Among those who approach Me I will show Myself holy.”

• Psalm 95:6 — “O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker!”

• Psalm 89:7 — “In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared, and awesome above all who surround Him.”

• Ecclesiastes 5:1 — “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.”

• Habakkuk 2:20 — “But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him.”

• Malachi 1:6-8, 14 — Priests dishonor God with blemished offerings; the Lord demands honor and fear.

New Testament Affirmations of Reverence in Worship

• Hebrews 12:28-29 — “Let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

• Acts 5:1-11 — Judgment of Ananias and Sapphira; “Great fear seized the whole church.”

• 1 Corinthians 14:40 — “But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.”

• Colossians 3:16-17 — Word-centered singing and service “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

• 1 Timothy 2:8-10 — Men pray with holy hands; women dress and behave with modesty befitting worship.

• Revelation 4:8-11 — Elders fall before God, casting crowns in unceasing, awe-filled praise.

• Revelation 5:8-14 — All heaven joins in solemn, majestic adoration of the Lamb.

Practical Implications for Corporate Gatherings

• Approach every service as holy ground set apart for the Lord.

• Prepare hearts beforehand—confession, humility, expectation.

• Maintain order and clarity so nothing distracts from God’s glory.

• Guard the ordinances (Lord’s Supper, baptism) with careful, scriptural fidelity.

• Platform leaders and congregation alike exemplify modesty, sobriety, and gratitude.

• Music, prayers, readings, and preaching center on the Word, pointing hearts to Christ.