What worship is

  • In both spirit and truth (John 4:23)
    • Spirit – proper reverence and attitude
      • Focused
      • Offered to God
    • Truth – as God has established by His word
  • Planned by intent (Genesis 22:5)
  • Exclusive (Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4)
  • Lacking these, our worship falls short.

Elements of worship

  • Singing – I Corinthians 14:15
  • Prayer – I Corinthians 14:15
  • Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7 (first day of week)
  • Contribution – I Corinthians 16:2 (first day of week)
  • Sermon – Acts 20:7
  • Sixth element – Romans 12:1

The sixth element

  • Romans 12:1 – Sacrifice
  • Hebrews 9:6, 1

Offering ourselves

  • In both spirit and truth (John 4:23)
    • Spirit – proper reverence and attitude
      • Focused – Philippians 3:12-14
      • Offered to God – I Peter 2:5
    • Truth – as God has established by His word (John 17:17)
  • Planned: by intent (II Thessalonians 3:7; Titus 2:11-12; Matthew 16:24)
  • Exclusive
    • We exclude many things from our lives (I Corinthians 5:1; 6:9-10)
    • We give ourselves only to God.
Burnt sacrifice Living sacrifice
Commanded by God – Exodus 8:27 Commanded by God – Romans 12:1
Pure offering – Leviticus 1:3 Pure offering – I Timothy 5:22; James 4:8; I John 3:3, 2
Pure maker – Leviticus 21:21 Pure maker – Philippians 2:14-16
Comes at a cost – II Samuel 24:24-25 Comes at a cost – Matthew 16:24; Titus 2:11-13
Is a physical offering - Leviticus Is a spiritual offering – I Peter 2:5

Discussion

Things that aid us in offering ourselves

  • Examples (II Timothy 3:10-11)
  • Study (Acts 17:11)
  • Encouragement; teaching from others (Titus 2)

Things to consider

  • Time management (Ephesians 5:15-16)
  • Money management (Ephesians 4:28)
  • Preparation, planning, goal setting (Luke 14:28-30)
  • Self-discipline (Titus 2:11-12)
  • Relationships (I Corinthians 15:33)
  • Peer pressure (Galatians 2:11-13)