Scripture References: Romans 11:33-12:8; Matthew 22:37; Revelation 2:1-7
Intro: Welcome! We're exploring fundamentals of the Christian life. Today: Worship. Every pastor is essentially a worship pastor because most problems are worship problems – misplaced devotion. Worship isn't just singing; it's fundamental to being human. You are a worshiper. The question isn't if you worship, but who or what. Let's look at Romans 11 & 12 for a biblical understanding.
Key Points:
- We Are All Worshipers: Worship means ascribing ultimate worth ("glory" = weight) to someone or something. We constantly "vote" with our time, energy, and resources, declaring what is weightiest in our lives (career, relationships, hobbies, self). We devote ourselves to and make sacrifices for what we worship. You can't opt out; you're always worshiping something.
- Worship is Holistic: All of You (Rom 12:1): Paul urges us, based on God's overwhelming mercy (Rom 11:33-36), to offer our bodies (our entire selves) as living sacrifices. This is our true spiritual worship, encompassing every part of our being.
- Worship Engages Heart, Soul, Mind, Strength (Matt 22:37): Jesus' great commandment calls for love involving:
- Soul/Spirit: The spiritual connection.
- Mind: Intellectually knowing and engaging with God's truth.
- Heart: Emotions and affections directed toward God. (Crucial: Jesus rebuked the doctrinally sound Ephesus church for losing their first love - Rev 2). Affections aren't everything, but they aren't nothing.
- Strength: Physical expression. Scripture shows kneeling, clapping, raising hands, dancing, shouting, silence, etc., as valid responses to God.
- Worship is Corporate: Unity in Diversity (Rom 12:3-8): Immediately after calling for individual sacrifice, Paul discusses the body of Christ with diverse gifts functioning in unity. Our worship connects us. The goal isn't uniformity (everyone identical) but unity (harmony). We appreciate different gifts and expressions, submitting to the greater body.
- Hindrances: Idolatry & Pride: Misplaced worship (idolatry – putting created things, even good ones like family, or self in God's place) and pride (self-focus, fear of what others think) block true worship. Worship itself confronts pride by requiring openness and acknowledging our need for God.
Conclusion: Biblical worship is the offering of our entire selves – heart, soul, mind, and strength – to the only One truly worthy, God Himself. It happens individually and corporately, embracing diverse expressions united in focus on Him. Pride and misplaced affections are the primary obstacles.
Call to Action: Recognize you are worshipping something. What holds the most "weight" in your life? Evaluate if you're withholding any part of yourself (emotions, physical expression) from God in worship due to pride or fear. Today, take a small step outside your comfort zone: sing if you usually don't, raise a hand, kneel, or be intentionally silent. Offer your whole self to Him.
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