Worship in Spirit and Truth.1

7 NT Sacrifices

Transforming Worship: A Life of Sacrifice and Praise

Bible Passages: John 4:24, 1 Peter 2:4–5, Hebrews 13:15, Hebrews 13:16, Philippians 4:18, Romans 15:15–16, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Romans 12:1–2, Romans 12:2, Acts 28:15

Summary: This collection of passages emphasizes the nature of true worship as a lifestyle of sacrificial service and heartfelt praise to God, encouraging believers to offer themselves wholly to Him. John 4:24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.””

1. The Sacrifice of Praise

Hebrews 13:15 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

“let us” is spiritual health food (lettuce). see passage list

Giving thanks here is the Greek word ὁμολογέω homologeo, if that sounds familiar it most often translated confess (such as 1 Jn 1:9 confess your sins). True worship begins with the boldness to confess His name. Be a bold Christian. Let the name of Jesus constantly be on our lips, confessing that everything is good that comes from Him.

The joyful noise of Ps 100:1 (KJV) is better translated a loud shout, not a bad one. We are definitely to try to be in tune.

2. Do Good and Share with the Body

Hebrews 13:16 “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Do good - to the family of faith.

Share - κοινωνία koinonia fellowship in body means to share with church all good things. God is pleased when we don’t hold back.

1 John 3:17–18 “17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

James 2:15–16 “15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”

2 Corinthians 9:12 “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,”

Both the giver and the recipient are blessed. Ultimately God is worshipped through the ministry to His body. Don’t draw back, draw close and be hid that is true worship.

3. Gifts to Missions is Worship

Philippians 4:18 “Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”

Philippians 2:25 “ Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;”

Be like Epaphroditus, the messenger that blesses those that minister.

A brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier; and messenger (ἀπόστολος apostolos)

Philippians 2:29 “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;”

God highly regards those who go beyond. It is a sweet savor of worship. When you did it unto them, you did it unto Me (Mt 25:40).

4. Evangelism a Form of Worship

Romans 15:15–16 “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

When we are spreading the gospel to the lost, we are bringing to God a wonderful offering worthy of worship. Knowing how we have been saved from the fire we are metaphorically bringing them as a holy offering to the Lord. Adding to the church and multiplying the worship of our voices combined.

1 Peter 2:5 “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Daniel 12:3 “Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever.”

5. Worship in Song

Ephesians 5:19 “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,”

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

Psalms - The Songbook of the Bible - David and others

Hymns - Acts 16:25 Paul and Silas sang Hymns at midnight. These encouraged them and ministered to others.

Spiritual Songs - don’t forget to minister to your heart with spiritual songs

Sings to God, with each other, by yourself as a form of making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Based on Word, teaching, and admonishing with grace.

Both verses end with a plea for submission. Singing should bring us in a unity of saying the same thing. A bold loud confession. An outward expression of the inner reality.

James 5:13 “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.”

6. Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1–2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Galatians 2:20 “20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Our life is to be a sacrifice of praise.

7. In all Things

Acts 28:15 “And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.”

εὐχαριστέω eucharisteo thanked God. Gave thanks - took courage. A direct relationship.

Concentration on the Word (Truth)

Romans 12:2 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”