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John Piper on whether raising hands in worship is 'showing off'

Michie

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When Christians lift their hands during worship, pray publicly or share Scripture online, are they expressing genuine devotion — or performing for the approval of others?

That question was at the center of a recent episode of the “Ask Pastor John” podcast featuring theologian and pastor John Piper, who addressed a listener's concerns about Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6 against practicing righteousness “to be seen by others.”

The listener asked whether expressive acts of worship, such as raising hands, closing eyes or displaying emotion in church, could cross the line into hypocrisy, the very behavior Jesus condemned when He warned against public displays of prayer done for human praise.

Piper, the 80-year-old founder of Desiring God and longtime pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, said the issue Jesus raises in Matthew 6 is not primarily about outward actions, but about inward motives.

Continued below.
 
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RileyG

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I think it’s common in many Pentecostal and holiness denominations. People use their whole body to worship God.

To liturgical Christians, it might seem out of place.

You know?
 
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tturt

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We're so easily offended. I've witnessed a tear causing an uproar.

All we have to do is look at Scripture and in numerous places it says "So will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." Psa 63:4.
 
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ChubbyCherub

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I was raised in a Pentecostal church, but I am a) not Pentecostal and b) extremely non-demonstrative in every walk of life.

That being said, I wouldn't say that raising hands are 'showing off' unless, for that individual that is the intent, but that would then be between themselves and God.

If I ever felt compelled to raise my hands to God, I really wouldn't be worried about what others thought about it.
 
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Tuur

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I was raised in a Pentecostal church, but I am a) not Pentecostal and b) extremely non-demonstrative in every walk of life.

That being said, I wouldn't say that raising hands are 'showing off' unless, for that individual that is the intent, but that would then be between themselves and God.

If I ever felt compelled to raise my hands to God, I really wouldn't be worried about what others thought about it.
Well said. Anything in church can be done for show rather than conviction, whether it's raising one's hands or sitting there like a bump on a log.
 
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