Embracing Our Call: Worship as a Lifestyle
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that each one of us, as believers in Jesus Christ, is called to be a priest. This calling is not limited by our worthiness, background, or education. As priests, our primary role is to worship God and help others do the same. Worship is not confined to Sunday services or musical expressions; it is a lifestyle that permeates every aspect of our lives. We are living, breathing tabernacles, carrying the presence of God wherever we go, whether it's at the grocery store, at work, or at home.
Worship is fundamentally about ministering to God, not to ourselves. It is an act of giving back to God the breath He has given us. Unfortunately, modern culture has often turned worship into a self-centered activity, focusing on our preferences and comforts. True worship, however, is a sacrifice that involves giving our time, resources, and praise to God, regardless of our circumstances. It is a 24/7 commitment that reflects the worthiness of God to the world around us.
Our motivation for worship should always be love. What we love most will naturally become the object of our worship. Therefore, our lives, including our roles and responsibilities, should be centered on magnifying the greatness of God. This involves proclaiming the gospel, cherishing God's presence, and living for His glory. Worship is not about religious requirements or fear of hell; it is about responding to God's immense love for us by loving Him in return.
As we embrace our priestly role, we must be bold in sharing our faith, even if it means facing rejection or ridicule. Our ultimate goal is to lead others to encounter God through us. We must prioritize Jesus above all else, letting go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him. This commitment to putting Jesus first is the essence of true worship.
### Key Takeaways
1. Priesthood of All Believers: Every believer in Jesus Christ is called to be a priest, tasked with worshiping God and helping others do the same. This calling is not based on our worthiness or qualifications but on God's grace. As living stones, we are being built into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. [28:27]
2. Worship as a Lifestyle: Worship extends beyond Sunday services and musical expressions; it is a lifestyle that involves every aspect of our lives. We are walking tabernacles, carrying God's presence wherever we go, and our daily actions should reflect this reality. Worship is about ministering to God, not ourselves. [31:27]
3. Sacrificial Worship: True worship always involves sacrifice. It requires giving our time, resources, and praise to God, even when circumstances are challenging. Worship is not based on our feelings or situations but is a constant act of gratitude and devotion to God. [34:08]
4. Motivation of Love: Our worship should be motivated by love for God. What we love most will determine what we worship. Therefore, our lives should be centered on magnifying God's greatness, proclaiming the gospel, cherishing His presence, and living for His glory. [36:12]
5. Boldness in Faith: Embracing our priestly role requires boldness in sharing our faith, even if it means facing rejection or ridicule. Our ultimate goal is to lead others to encounter God through us. We must prioritize Jesus above all else, letting go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him. [39:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:27] - The Priesthood of All Believers
[29:26] - Building the Church
[30:22] - The Role of Priests
[31:27] - Worship as a Lifestyle
[32:33] - Misconceptions About Worship
[33:14] - Worship as Sacrifice
[34:08] - Worship Beyond Circumstances
[35:11] - The Example of Worship
[36:12] - Motivation of Love
[37:12] - Role of Worship Leaders
[38:05] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[38:50] - The Message of Worship
[39:32] - Boldness in Faith
[40:21] - Facing Rejection
[41:21] - Prioritizing Jesus
[42:01] - Letting Go of Hindrances
[42:38] - Practical Steps for Worship
[43:15] - Accountability in Worship
[43:59] - True Worship Defined
[01:08:53] - Closing Prayer and Baptism
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:5 - "You also, as living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house, as a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
2. 1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
3. Romans 12:1-2 - "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. Do not conform to the pattern 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:5, what are believers being built into, and what is their role as a holy priesthood?
2. In 1 Peter 2:9, what are the believers called, and what is their purpose?
3. How does Romans 12:1-2 define true and proper worship?
4. What does the sermon say about the common misconceptions of worship in modern culture? ([31:27])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be a "living stone" and part of a "spiritual house" as described in 1 Peter 2:5? How does this relate to our daily lives?
2. How can the concept of being a "royal priesthood" in 1 Peter 2:9 change the way we view our responsibilities as Christians?
3. Romans 12:1-2 talks about offering our bodies as living sacrifices. What are some practical ways we can do this in our everyday lives?
4. The sermon mentions that worship is not about us but about ministering to God. How does this perspective shift the way we approach worship? ([32:33])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. In what ways can you act as a "living stone" and carry God's presence into your workplace, home, or community? ([31:27])
2. The sermon emphasizes that true worship involves sacrifice. What are some specific sacrifices you can make this week to prioritize worshiping God over your personal comfort or preferences? ([34:08])
3. Think about what you love most in your life. How does this influence what you worship? What steps can you take to ensure that your love for God is reflected in your daily actions? ([36:12])
4. The sermon calls for boldness in sharing our faith, even if it means facing rejection. Can you identify a person or group with whom you can share your faith this week? What might be some challenges, and how can you overcome them? ([39:32])
5. The sermon encourages us to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Jesus. Identify one thing in your life that you need to let go of to prioritize Jesus. How will you take steps to remove this hindrance? ([42:01])
6. Romans 12:2 talks about being transformed by the renewing of your mind. What are some practical ways you can renew your mind daily to align more closely with God's will?
7. The sermon mentions that our worship should be an example to the world of how valuable God is. How can your actions this week demonstrate the worthiness of God to those around you? ([35:11])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Priesthood of All Believers
As believers in Jesus Christ, we are all called to be priests, tasked with worshiping God and helping others do the same. This calling is not based on our worthiness or qualifications but on God's grace. We are living stones, being built into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This means that our role as priests is not confined to a specific group of people but is a universal calling for all who follow Christ. Our primary role is to worship God and help others do the same, reflecting His presence in every aspect of our lives.
1 Peter 2:5 (ESV): "You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you embrace your role as a priest in your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to help others worship God?
### Day 2: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship extends beyond Sunday services and musical expressions; it is a lifestyle that involves every aspect of our lives. We are walking tabernacles, carrying God's presence wherever we go, and our daily actions should reflect this reality. Worship is about ministering to God, not ourselves. This means that our worship should be evident in our interactions at work, at home, and in our communities. It is a continuous act of devotion that permeates every moment of our lives, making every action an opportunity to honor God.
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: In what ways can you transform your daily routines into acts of worship? How can you carry God's presence into your everyday interactions?
### Day 3: Sacrificial Worship
True worship always involves sacrifice. It requires giving our time, resources, and praise to God, even when circumstances are challenging. Worship is not based on our feelings or situations but is a constant act of gratitude and devotion to God. This means that we must be willing to offer up our comforts and preferences, focusing instead on what pleases God. Sacrificial worship is about prioritizing God above all else, even when it is inconvenient or difficult.
Hebrews 13:15-16 (ESV): "Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: What sacrifices can you make today to prioritize your worship of God? How can you offer your time, resources, and praise to Him, regardless of your circumstances?
### Day 4: Motivation of Love
Our worship should be motivated by love for God. What we love most will determine what we worship. Therefore, our lives should be centered on magnifying God's greatness, proclaiming the gospel, cherishing His presence, and living for His glory. Worship is not about religious requirements or fear of hell; it is about responding to God's immense love for us by loving Him in return. This means that our actions and decisions should be driven by a deep love for God, reflecting His love to the world around us.
1 John 4:19 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us."
Reflection: What motivates your worship? How can you ensure that your love for God is the driving force behind your actions and decisions today?
### Day 5: Boldness in Faith
Embracing our priestly role requires boldness in sharing our faith, even if it means facing rejection or ridicule. Our ultimate goal is to lead others to encounter God through us. We must prioritize Jesus above all else, letting go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him. This commitment to putting Jesus first is the essence of true worship. It means being courageous in our witness, unashamed of the gospel, and willing to face challenges for the sake of Christ.
Acts 4:29 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be bolder in sharing your faith? What steps can you take today to prioritize Jesus and let go of anything that hinders your relationship with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "See, worship is simply not for us. It is solely for God. Talking with Ryan this morning, he said in a book that he was reading, it said, man, God breathed life into us. And so worship is just giving him that breath back." [32:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Worship is essentially sacrifice. It always involves giving. We worship when we give God our time. Our songs of praise. Our money. Even when our circumstances don't look praiseworthy. We have an attitude of gratitude. Even when we feel tired or feel like grumbling, we still worship because we understand it's not for us. It is all for Him." [34:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our worship is an example to the world of just how amazing and how valuable our God is. Let me say that one more time. Our worship is an example to the world of just how amazing and how valuable our God is. Our worship exemplifies a Savior that is worth loving. That is worth living for. And if need be, is worth dying for." [35:11] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You don't have to have all the answers. You don't have to have everything figured out. You just have to be bold enough to tell them that you follow Jesus. And why you follow Jesus. And that you will be there for them when they need it. And we've all been there haven't we? A spot where we needed someone. And usually you go to someone of faith. Right? We need to be that someone." [41:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Satan, world, you can have it all. I don't want it. Just give me one thing. Just give me Jesus. There's cards on your seat. The cards simply say Jesus I'm sorry for putting. And then there's a blank. Ahead of you. Please help me make you Lord of my life." [42:01] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "See, priests in very, very simple terms are meant to worship God and to help other people worship him as well. That's it. Don't overcomplicate it. Don't act like you aren't good enough or you're not smart enough or you're not seasoned enough. Maybe you think you're too young. Maybe you think you're too old. But you're not. You are a priest simply because you love God and you want to help others do the same." [30:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Worship is not and it cannot be based on feelings. We can't only worship when things are going well. We can't only worship when I'm happy. We can't only worship when I'm on the mountaintop. But we must also worship when things aren't going well. When the rug gets pulled out from underneath you. You feel like you're falling and it's never going to end. Things take a turn for the worse. We still worship because our worship of God is not dependent on our circumstances." [34:08] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's time for us. To be the priests. To allow people the opportunity to encounter God through us. It's time for us to put Jesus back in his rightful place as first in our lives. But Trevor if I do that you won't understand how differently my family will treat me. They don't all believe. If I do that you don't know. You don't understand how differently my friends will treat me. Not all of them believe. Or my coworkers. If I start talking about Jesus. Or my drinking buddies. If I start talking about Jesus." [39:32] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Do you proclaim the gospel? Do you cherish God's presence? Do you live for God's glory? See everything points to him. Because apart from him. I am nothing. There was a song that played at CIY this year that I had not heard before. I remember the first time they played it. And you're going to be shocked. Tears were running down my face. And it happened every time they played this song throughout their whole rest of the week." [38:50] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Therefore, my worship should show the world around me that and absolutely nothing less. See, I do not serve God because of some religious requirement. I do not serve Him because of the threat of hell. But I choose to serve Him because He loved me first. And He gave up everything for me. Including His Son. And we should return the favor. We should love Jesus to the point where there is nothing that we would rather do for the rest of our lives than serve Him with every part of our being." [36:12] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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