A Biblical Study on True Adoration (Teaching Devotional)

Keeper of the Word
Oct 7
4 min read

Updated: Nov 25

Scripture: Psalms 46:10, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 2 and Matthew 2

Thought: For true adoration, one must find oneself close to the throne and the feet of the Master

Adoration is a word we often use in worship settings, but what does it really mean in the light of Scripture? Is it simply another word for praise? Is it a posture, a song, a feeling? This study will explore the biblical foundation of adoration, the examples given to us in the Word, and how we can approach the throne of God in a way that mirrors the worship of angels, saints, and Christ’s earliest followers.

Through Scripture and example,

I. Understanding the Nature of Adoration

When I began to study what “adoration” meant in the Bible, I discovered it was not merely an outward act of thanksgiving or praise. Adoration is standing in awe of God in surrendered worship—directing all attention toward Him and Him alone.

It’s easy in prayer to focus on:

Our needs and desires
The needs of family and friends
Our circumstances

But adoration calls us to set all that aside. It is not about “me” or “my world.” It is all about Him—His attributes, His character, His holiness, and His majesty.

II. Scriptural Foundations for Adoration

Psalm 46:10

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”

This verse contains three movements:

Be still — Stillness requires more than physical stopping; it is a mental and spiritual quieting to become fully present with the Lord. Many times our worship is full of motion—songs, clapping, activity—but God invites us to moments where the focus is wholly on Him.
Know that I am God — This is more than intellectual knowledge; it is deep recognition of His sovereignty and majesty.
I will be exalted — The nations and all of creation already exalt Him. Our role is to join that eternal chorus.[1]

Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Here, “fear” does not mean dread or terror but reverence, respect, and awe. This reverence is the gateway to wisdom because it rightly positions God at the center. As A.W. Tozer wrote in The Knowledge of the Holy, “A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic theology but to practical Christian living.”[2] Without it, both our doctrine and our daily walk will falter.

III. Three Biblical Portraits of Adoration

1. Mary of Bethany — Choosing the “One Thing Necessary” (Luke 10:38–42)

In this scene, Martha busies herself with serving while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening to His teaching. Jesus affirms Mary’s choice, explaining that it will not be taken from her.

Lesson: Good works are valuable, but they must never replace personal intimacy with Christ.
Warning: The enemy is content to keep us active but prayerless; he fears believers who know how to be still before God.

2. Mary’s Anointing — Costly Devotion (Mark 14:3–9; John 12:1–7)

Just before His crucifixion, Mary anoints Jesus with expensive perfume—worth nearly a year’s wages—an act of pure adoration. She may not have fully understood the prophetic weight of her act, but Jesus declares it a preparation for His burial and a deed to be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.

Key Truth: Adoration is costly. It demands time, focus, humility, and sometimes resources that the world may consider “wasted.”
Contrast: Judas objected for selfish reasons, revealing that not all who are near Jesus understand His worth.

3. The Shepherds and the Magi — Universal Worship (Luke 2; Matthew 2)

At Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaim His glory to the shepherds, and the Magi undertake a dangerous, lengthy journey to honor the newborn King.

Shepherds: Representing the humble and lowly, they receive heaven’s first announcement of the Messiah.
Magi: Likely Gentile scholars influenced by Daniel’s writings, they bring gifts of gold (for a King), frankincense (for God), and myrrh (for One who will die).

IV. Lessons for Our Worship Today

1. Shift the Focus — Move from self-centered petitions to God-centered adoration.

2. Practice Stillness — Make space for uninterrupted time in His presence.

3. Count the Cost — Be willing to give sacrificially in devotion.

4. Adopt the Eternal Perspective — Remember that adoration joins us to the unending worship of heaven.

V. Eternal Adoration

From the angels at Bethlehem to the redeemed in heaven, adoration is the common language of worship. When Jesus returns, we will experience the fullness of what Mary of Bethany tasted: to be completely seen, fully loved, and wholly captivated by the King.

Until then, we practice. We draw near to the throne, shut out the noise, and lift our eyes to the One who is worthy.

Closing Thought:“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” — St. Augustine