Definition and Scope:
Worship, in the biblical context, refers to the reverent devotion and allegiance accorded to God. It encompasses acts of praise, adoration, and service, reflecting the believer's acknowledgment of God's supreme authority and holiness. Acknowledgment, closely related to worship, involves recognizing and confessing God's sovereignty, attributes, and deeds.

Old Testament Foundations:
Worship in the Old Testament is deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. The Hebrew word often translated as "worship" is "shachah," meaning to bow down or prostrate oneself. This physical act symbolizes submission and reverence. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, built altars and offered sacrifices as acts of worship (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:7).

The Mosaic Law further institutionalized worship through the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where sacrifices, offerings, and festivals were central (Exodus 25-31; Leviticus 1-7). The Psalms, a key component of Israel's worship, express a wide range of emotions and themes, from praise and thanksgiving to lament and supplication. Psalm 95:6-7 invites worshipers: "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care."

New Testament Fulfillment:
In the New Testament, worship is transformed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasizes worship in spirit and truth, transcending physical locations and rituals (John 4:23-24): "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

The early church gathered for worship, which included teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). The apostle Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, as their spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty:
Acknowledgment of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It involves recognizing His attributes, such as His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. The acknowledgment of God is often expressed through confession and testimony. Proverbs 3:6 instructs, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

The acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord is central to Christian faith. Philippians 2:10-11 declares, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Practical Expressions:
Worship and acknowledgment are expressed through various practices, including prayer, singing, reading Scripture, and participating in sacraments like baptism and communion. Corporate worship, as seen in church gatherings, is vital for communal acknowledgment of God's greatness and for edification of the body of Christ.

Personal worship involves daily devotion, meditation on God's Word, and living a life that reflects God's character. Colossians 3:16-17 encourages believers: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Conclusion:
Worship and acknowledgment are integral to the believer's relationship with God, encompassing both individual and communal expressions of faith. Through worship, believers honor God, and through acknowledgment, they affirm His rightful place as Lord and Creator.