Small Group Guide: True Worship
May 18, 2025

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:

  1. True worship is dedicating ourselves as living sacrifices to God’s service in response to His compassion and mercy.
  2. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of our lives.
  3. True worship begins with a heart transformation that leads to changes in our awareness, purpose, values, and calling.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Pastor Steve shared a personal story about giving up a lucrative job. Have you ever felt God calling you to surrender something significant? How did you respond?

  2. The sermon mentioned that true worship is “forged in action.” What are some practical ways we can turn our daily tasks into acts of worship?

  3. How does understanding worship as a lifestyle, rather than just a church activity, change your perspective on your relationship with God?

  4. Pastor Jen talked about putting “love” as a special ingredient in cooking. How can we apply this concept of adding “love” to our various daily activities as an act of worship?

  5. The sermon highlighted that true worship leads to a “what happened to you?” moment. Have you experienced or witnessed such a transformation in someone’s life? Share your experience.

  6. Discuss the “new” aspects mentioned in the sermon (new awareness, purpose, values, calling, foundation of contentment). Which of these resonates most with you and why?

Practical Applications:

  1. This week, choose one daily task (e.g., commuting, housework, job responsibilities) and consciously approach it as an act of worship. Share your experience with the group next time.

  2. Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal any areas of your life that you haven’t fully surrendered. Be prepared to share insights (as you’re comfortable) in the next meeting.

  3. Practice being more aware of opportunities to extend God’s love to others in your daily interactions. Keep a journal of these moments and how they impacted you and others.

  4. Reflect on your current ambitions and goals. Are they aligned with God’s purposes for your life? Consider adjusting your priorities if needed.

Closing Prayer:

Thank God for His mercy and the opportunity to worship Him through our lives. Ask for His help in transforming our hearts and living lives of true worship.

Scripture for Reflection:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” - Romans 12:1

Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on Ture Worship.

Day 1: Living Sacrifice

Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: As we begin this journey, let’s reflect on what it means to be a “living sacrifice.” Paul urges us to offer our bodies - our entire selves - as an act of worship. This isn’t about physical death, but about dying to our old ways and living fully for God. How might your daily choices change if you viewed each one as an opportunity to worship? Consider areas of your life where you’re holding back from full surrender. Ask God to help you release these to Him, transforming your mind and heart to align with His will.

Day 2: True Worship in Daily Life

Reading: Colossians 3:17
Devotional: Yesterday, we considered the concept of being a living sacrifice. Today, let’s explore how this plays out in our everyday lives. Paul encourages us to do everything in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God. This transforms even mundane tasks into acts of worship. Reflect on your typical day - how might cooking a meal, driving to work, or interacting with colleagues become opportunities for worship? Ask God to help you see each moment through the lens of gratitude and service to Him.

Day 3: Transformed by God’s Mercy

Reading: Romans 11:30-36
Devotional: Today’s passage reminds us of God’s incredible mercy. Despite our rebellion, He offers us grace. This realization should lead us to joyful adoration and a desire to live for Him. Think about specific ways God has shown you mercy. How has this changed your life? Let this reflection fuel your worship today, not just in song or prayer, but in how you treat others and make decisions. Ask God to help you extend the same mercy to those around you.

Day 4: Following in Christ’s Footsteps

Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Devotional: Jesus exemplified perfect surrender and service to God. He willingly entered Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him, because of His love for us. This passage challenges us to have the same mindset as Christ. What “gates” is God asking you to walk through that seem difficult or scary? Remember, true character is forged in these moments of obedience. Pray for the courage to follow Christ’s example, trusting that God’s plan leads to glory, even when the path is challenging.

Day 5: A Heart of Worship

Reading: Ezekiel 36:26-27
Devotional: Our journey this week concludes with God’s promise to transform our hearts. True worship begins with this inner change. When we allow God to replace our “heart of stone” with a “heart of flesh,” our entire life becomes an act of worship. This transformation affects our awareness, purpose, values, and contentment. Reflect on how your heart has changed since following Christ. Where do you still need God’s transforming touch? Ask Him to continue this work in you, shaping you to reflect His love and grace to the world around you.