Shaping Our Lives Through Devotion to God
For the past two months, this message has been stirring in my heart. Sometimes, God places a burden so strongly that I know it’s a corporate word for us as a church. While we often journey through scripture line by line, precept by precept, led by our commitment to increase biblical literacy, there are moments when the Holy Spirit stirs something urgent—a “now” word for the church. Today, I want to talk about “The Way of the Worshipper.”
In the wilderness, Jesus was tested by the devil, who promised Him all the kingdoms of the world if He would bow down and worship him. Jesus responded firmly, quoting Deuteronomy: “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve’” (Luke 4:5-8 ESV). This passage underscores the essence of worship—adoration and service to God alone.
Worship is not merely the four songs we sing before the sermon. Worship is a posture of the heart—adoring, honoring, and thanking God. We were created to worship.
Worship does many things;
⁃ It clarifies our vision of God. Isaiah 6 describes Isaiah’s encounter with God’s greatness, leading him to repentance and worship.
⁃ It brings joyPsalm 16:8-11 illustrates, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
⁃ It frees us. Acts 16 records Paul and Silas’s chains breaking as they worshipped. While we may not be in physical chains, many are bound by spiritual, mental, and emotional chains. Worship opens the prison doors to freedom.
The primary reason we gather on Sundays is to worship together. Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians 6:16, quoting Leviticus 26, “I will live in them and walk among them.” Our gatherings are significant; they create a communal spirit of worship, together as one lifting up one name above every other name.
Worship is the first command of Old Testament and the highest command of the New Testament, with Exodus 20:3-6 instructs us to worship no other gods and Jesus declaring in Matthew 22:36-38 that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.
Theologian N.T. Wright says, “You become like what you worship.” We all worship something—money, fame, relationships, success, or even sports teams. God commands our worship because it shapes us into His likeness.
Colossians 1:15 describes Jesus as the visible image of God. To become like Him—confident, pure, righteous, loving—worship Him.
Worship is comprehensive, encompassing every aspect of our lives. Worship is not confined to Sunday services; it extends to our daily choices. How we go to work, tip at restaurants, treat our families, and engage with the less fortunate all reflect our worship. True worship influences all areas of life, leading us to live justly and generously.
Worship is a gateway into a deeper relationship and relevation of God. The bible offers thousands of years of historic tradition around what corporate worship looks like, here are just 7 ways we can engage;
Psalm 100:4 offers a good roadmap: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
- The Gateway of Gratitude (TOWDAH): Approaching God with a grateful heart is foundational. It’s an attitude, a deliberate choice to thank God in all circumstances.
- The Gateway of Song (TEHILLAH): Singing new and spontaneous songs brings freshness and personal touch to worship. It’s not about the quality of your voice but the authenticity of your worship.
- The Gateway of Surrender (YADAH): To extend or throw out hands in worship signifies surrender. Despite feeling self-conscious, lifting hands is a powerful act of giving oneself fully to God.
- The Gateway of Submission (BARAK): To kneel and bow before God in reverence acknowledges His sovereignty – to bless indicates reverence and awe. Physical posture often leads to spiritual breakthrough.
Psalm 144:9 says “I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,”
- The Gateway of Creativity (ZAMAR): Using musical instruments, dance, and other forms of creativity brings vibrancy and expression to worship. Music has a unique spiritual impact, setting the scene and changing atmospheres.
Finally Psalm 117:1 says “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!
- The Gateway of unrestraint (HALAL)
Worship was never meant to be based on our personality, but on his goodness. It transcends culture, taste and personality type, biblical worship is to, like David when the ark came to Jerusalem, give God everything we have and say to any mockers ‘I’ll become even more undignified than this!’
- The Gateway of volume (SHABACH)
Worship can be silent, but is often described as loud and triumphant. Giving God a shout of praise isn’t a new Pentecostal phenomenon, it’s an ancient tradition of using our bodies, minds and vocal cords to honour him because he is worthy of all of our praise!
Our worship team’s skill can enhance the experience, but personal engagement is crucial – no one else can worship for us, we have to get good at doing it ourselves.
True moments of encounter depend more on the heart’s attitude than external factors. Food tastes best when we are hungry likewise, God’s presence is felt most when we approach Him eagerly.
As we worship, let’s approach God with gratitude, sing new songs, surrender fully, kneel in submission, and use our creativity to honor Him. Worship is more than an act; it’s a lifestyle that deepens our relationship with God. Embrace “The Way of the Worshipper” and experience a transformative journey of adoration and service to our Creator.