Worship is a Way of Life

How broad is the Biblical concept of worship?

to the Christian life, the same as the mainspring in a watch.

The engine to a car.

It is the most essential element.

It shouldn’t be at just one given time, place, or segment of our lives.

We cannot live lives that are opposite of what we are to represent when we worship.

Real acts of worship should come from an overflow of the worship we give to God each day of our lives.

Psalm 45:1 ESV

My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

Luke 24:32 ESV

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”

A life lived that bubbles over with praise to our heavenly Father is the truest expression of praise.

What is worship?

Worship is honor and adoration directed to God.

There are many words used for worship in the New Testament, but two stand out.

Proskuneo - to kiss toward, to kiss the hand, to bow down

It is the word used to signify humble adoration.

Latreuo - rendering honor or paying homage

Both have the idea of giving which worship should be when we give something back to God.

Modern worship seems to be about what we can get back from God or what He can give us.

True worship should be in how we honor and the adoration we give to God.

The Three Dimensions of Worship

We all want to offer worship to God that is acceptable. These three categories should help us achieve that.

The Outward Dimension

This is about how we treat others.

Romans 14:18 ESV

Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

In reading verse 13 you find this verse talks about when we are dealing with those whose faith isn’t as strong as ours.

Romans 14:13 ESV

Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

It honors God when we treat each other with compassion. This is an act of worship.

Romans 15:16 ESV

to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

This also indicates that evangelism is an acceptable form of worship.

Philippians 4:18 ESV

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Another outward sign is when we give monetarily to those who are in need.

The outward sign of acceptable worship is when we love our brothers and sisters in Christ (and show that), when we share our faith with unbelievers, and when we of people who have needs.

Acceptable worship is giving. It’s a love that shares.

The Inward Dimension

This is our personal behavior.

Ephesians 5:8–10 ESV

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

The word “pleasing” is a Greek word that means “acceptable.”

To do good is an acceptable worship toward God.

1 Timothy 2:1–3 ESV

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,

Doing good not only is an act of worship, but it also has a tremendous effect on our personal lives.

The Upward Dimension

Hebrews 13:15–16 ESV

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

In our God-focused worship, we should look at offering our praise to Him.

Verse 16 wraps all three dimensions we have been talking about.

Just as the Scriptures are dedicated to worship, so should our lives.

Every moment of our lives should be devoted to

doing good to all

sharing our blessings with others

praising God (He is the source of all goodness and every blessing we receive.)

Next Week: Whole-Life Worship