True Worship

“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in
Spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.” John 4:23

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1
“He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30

1. The importance of worship: “I urge you…”

2. The heart of worship: “In view of God’s mercies…”

   “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my
   soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins, and heals all your diseases, who
   redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your
   desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:1-5
   

   “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his mercies never fail. They are new
   every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

3. The true practice of worship: “Off your bodies to God as living sacrifices…”

   “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
   Matthew 16:25

4. The fruit of worship: A renewed heart and mind

   “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices,
   holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the
   patters of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to
   test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

   “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.
   The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition,
   with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
   understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.
   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,
   whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about
   such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it
   into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9