Russell Evans • 13 October 2024
Everything Is Worship
Worship, as described in Scripture, can mean to kiss towards’. It symbolizes a desire to be close and intimate with God. This means that every facet of our lives—our university experiences, our home lives, and our work—is an opportunity to worship. In John 4:23-24, we find that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must do so authentically. Our spirits, the essence of who we are, are eternal. While our bodies may fade, our spirits are designed for worship, flowing with living water from within us.
Sermon Notes
Authentic Worship
Many people equate authenticity with their feelings, but the real you is your spirit. Worship isn’t about how extroverted or expressive we are; it’s about connecting deeply with God. The Bible doesn’t say, "Let the extroverted say so"; it simply says, "Let the redeemed say so." Worship can take many forms—clapping, shouting, singing—but it all comes from our spirit. Some may hesitate to engage in worship because they mistake their feelings for authenticity. True worship aligns our bodies with our spirits. If we’re going to be in heaven, constantly worshiping God, we should practice living in that truth now.
Worshiping in Every Aspect of LifeWorship honors God and acknowledges His presence in our lives. The term "worship" comes from the Old English word "worthship," which means to ascribe the highest value. Whatever you hold most dear is what you worship, whether that’s money, relationships, or careers. While these things can bring joy, they cannot fulfill us like God can.
When we approach our work as worship, we shift our mindset. We begin to see our jobs as a service to God rather than just a means to earn a paycheck. This changes our attitudes and enhances our ability to serve others. Everything we do can become an act of worship when we recognize it as an offering to God.
The Transformative Power of Worship
Worship helps us become more aware of God's presence, which in turn brings blessings into our lives. When we invite God's presence into our homes and workplaces, we open ourselves to transformation. In the Bible, the presence of God was brought back into the city with great celebration, and David knew it would change everything.
God has blessed us with His presence so that we can spread that blessing to others. Recently, I heard two stories of people who felt hopeless and were reached out to by our church community. Their lives were changed when they encountered the love of Jesus. This is the essence of worship—it’s not just about us; it’s about how we can impact those around us.
Living as a Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is our true act of worship. It means giving every part of our lives to Him—our time, our finances, our relationships—acknowledging that everything we do is an offering to God.
True worship isn’t limited to singing or church services; it’s a lifestyle. When we come together as a community to worship, we amplify our individual offerings and create an atmosphere of praise that honors God.
PrayerHeavenly Father, help us to embrace this truth and allow our lives to be a testament to Your goodness, drawing others into the transformative power of Your love. Everything we do can be an act of worship, reflecting our love for You and inviting others to experience Your grace. Amen.
