True Worship

God desires his people to be worshipers in spirit and in truth. That means to bow down in the heart through surrender. To adore or praise the Lord for who he is and what he does according to truth which is laid down in scriptures.

The logos is who was manifest in the flesh. Jesus is his word.

Worship in the Greek means to bow down prostrate and adore God. (proskuneō)

There is however another form of worship which the Bible tells us about.

That worship is called service. ( latreia)

Sometimes these words are confused when translated into English so let’s take a look at the type of worship called service talked about in scriptures.

In Romans 12:1

This scripture uses the word latreia or service in the Greek in regard to worship. Let’s break it down.

Through God’s mercy yield your body (whole person) in surrender (quickened alive by the Spirit) as a sacrifice (to give up in exchange for another) holy (set apart consecrated for use) and pleasing to God. Which is your reasonable (based on justification for) service or divine worship.

In Philippians 3:3 the word divine worship is translated latreia or service.

We are those which worship in spirit. (We worship through sacrificial service in the Holy Spirit.) and have no confidence in the flesh or human ability.

Romans 1:9

I serve with my spirit in the gospel (Latreia)

Hebrews 9:14 says we have passed from dead works (deeds performed under the law through human endeavors and strength)

In order to serve or latreia worship. Which means sacrificial giving up of one self for another.

Hebrews 12:28 Tells us to serve well. That is by pleasing sacrificially with respect and reverence in that service.

While the Lord does want us to adore him through the lips of our mouth he does make it perfectly clear in his word that lip service is not enough. (Matthew 15:8)

What do I mean by that? By explanation it is that singing songs, falling prostrate on our face, kneeling or any other bodily form of worship is in and of itself not the whole equation. Lip service without action or deeds is really only an expression of worship but not action of worship.

Roman 12:1 explains worship as a service. A sacrificial laying down of our life for another.

Who is that other? God of course but in service to God we are called to serve others, sacrificially.

A living sacrifice unto God gives up all their rights in order to serve others. For their betterment. Just as Jesus laid down his life for us without cost he desires that kind of sacrificial service from his people.

In conclusion, true worshipers don’t just give lip service. True worshipers serve others by the Spirit enabling them. For the benefit and well being of others.

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