Resetting Worship: Total Surrender and Trust in God

 

Summary

In this new year, we gather with gratitude, acknowledging God's faithfulness and mercy that have brought us to this moment. As we embark on 2025, we embrace a theme of "reset," inspired by the words of the prophet Isaiah, who speaks of God doing a new thing. This year, we are called to reset our hearts and minds, equipping ourselves to serve our community and transform lives. Our focus this month is on worship, specifically "Worship Unfiltered," as we seek a spiritual reset for a real connection with God.

The story of Abraham in Genesis 22 serves as a profound example of the work of worship. Abraham's journey to sacrifice his son Isaac is not just a test of faith but a demonstration of worship as an act of total surrender and trust in God's word. Worship, in its essence, is about posturing our hearts in humility before God, ready to obey and trust Him beyond our understanding. It is the work of devotion and dedication that requires our total self.

Worship is not merely about the rituals or the liturgy we follow; it is about the work of the people, the work that we do in worship. It requires us to develop a personal liturgy, an order of worship for our lives, so that we are always ready to meet God whenever and wherever He shows up. Worship reveals the depth of our faith and our readiness to trust God, not just in times of blessing but also in times of testing.

As we move forward, we are reminded that worship is about being prepared to be seen as God's servant, to act on His word, and to see new sides of God that we have never seen before. It is about aligning our lives with God's plan and being open to His guidance, even when it leads us to unfamiliar places. Worship is the spiritual preparation of our hearts to stand firm on God's word and to keep our confidence in His character.

Key Takeaways:

- Worship is an act of total surrender and trust in God, requiring us to posture our hearts in humility and readiness to obey His word. It is not just about rituals but about the work of devotion and dedication to God. [01:09:42]

- The story of Abraham teaches us that worship involves sacrifice and a willingness to stand firm on God's promises, even when they demand something from us that we may not want to do. Worship is about trusting God beyond our comfort and preferences. [01:20:23]

- Worship reveals the depth of our faith and our readiness to trust God, not just in times of blessing but also in times of testing. It is in worship that God sees how serious our faith is and determines if our actions align with our beliefs. [01:18:45]

- True worship requires us to be prepared to act on God's word, moving our lives in the direction He desires. It is about being doers of the word, not just hearers, and trusting God's reliability even when His ways are not understandable. [01:34:43]

- Worship allows us to see new sides of God, revealing His provision and faithfulness in ways we have never experienced before. It is through worship that we encounter God's power to do the impossible and His ability to provide for our needs. [01:47:39]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:15] - Praise and Thanksgiving
[28:52] - Gratitude for Life and Worship
[30:48] - Fellowship and Community
[41:22] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[46:01] - Offering and Giving
[48:03] - Preparing for Worship
[01:05:01] - Year of Reset
[01:07:15] - Worship Unfiltered
[01:09:42] - The Work of Worship
[01:17:43] - Faith and Worship
[01:20:23] - Sacrifice and Trust
[01:25:24] - Servanthood in Worship
[01:32:17] - Active Obedience
[01:42:05] - Seeing New Sides of God
[01:55:34] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Worship Unfiltered

Bible Reading:
- Genesis 22:1-14

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific instructions did God give to Abraham in Genesis 22, and how did Abraham respond to these instructions? [01:07:56]

2. How does the sermon describe the concept of "liturgy," and what role does it play in worship according to the pastor? [01:11:38]

3. In the sermon, what does the pastor suggest is revealed about our faith through worship, especially during times of testing? [01:18:45]

4. What does Abraham's statement in Genesis 22:5, "We will worship and then we will come back to you," indicate about his faith and understanding of worship? [01:20:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac illustrate the idea of worship as an act of total surrender and trust in God? [01:09:42]

2. The pastor mentions that worship is not just about rituals but involves the "work of the people." What might this mean for how individuals approach their personal worship practices? [01:13:03]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that worship can reveal new sides of God to us, and how might this impact a believer's faith journey? [01:47:39]

4. How does the pastor's interpretation of Abraham's response to God's call challenge common perceptions of what it means to be a servant of God? [01:26:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt God was asking you to trust Him beyond your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:20:23]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared to act on God's word. What steps can you take this week to ensure you are ready to respond to God's guidance in your life? [01:34:43]

3. Consider your current worship practices. How might you develop a "personal liturgy" that helps you connect more deeply with God? [01:13:03]

4. The pastor speaks about seeing new sides of God through worship. What new aspect of God's character have you discovered recently, and how has it affected your faith? [01:47:39]

5. Worship involves both surrender and action. Identify one area in your life where you need to surrender more fully to God and one area where you need to take action based on His word. [01:21:11]

6. How can you cultivate a heart that is prepared to trust and obey God, even when His plans are not clear or comfortable? [01:21:11]

7. The sermon suggests that worship is about being seen as God's servant. What practical steps can you take to serve God and others in your community this week? [01:26:21]

Devotional

Day 1: Worship as Total Surrender
Worship is an act of total surrender and trust in God, requiring us to posture our hearts in humility and readiness to obey His word. It is not just about rituals but about the work of devotion and dedication to God. [01:09:42]

Worship is more than the rituals and traditions we follow; it is a profound act of surrender and trust in God. It calls us to humble ourselves before Him, ready to obey His word even when it challenges our understanding. This act of worship is a demonstration of our devotion and dedication, requiring our total self. It is about aligning our hearts with God's will, trusting Him beyond our comfort zones, and being open to His guidance. Worship is a journey of faith, where we learn to trust God's character and His promises, even when they lead us to unfamiliar places.

In the story of Abraham, we see a powerful example of worship as total surrender. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac is not just a test of faith but a demonstration of worship as an act of complete trust in God's word. It shows us that true worship involves sacrifice and a willingness to stand firm on God's promises, even when they demand something from us that we may not want to do. Worship is about trusting God beyond our comfort and preferences, and it reveals the depth of our faith and our readiness to trust Him, not just in times of blessing but also in times of testing.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 2: Sacrifice and Trust in Worship
The story of Abraham teaches us that worship involves sacrifice and a willingness to stand firm on God's promises, even when they demand something from us that we may not want to do. Worship is about trusting God beyond our comfort and preferences. [01:20:23]

Worship is a journey that often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and trust God in ways we never imagined. The story of Abraham and Isaac is a profound example of this. Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac is a testament to his unwavering faith and trust in God's promises. It teaches us that worship is not just about the songs we sing or the prayers we offer; it is about the sacrifices we are willing to make in obedience to God's word. Worship calls us to trust God beyond our understanding, to stand firm on His promises even when they demand something from us that we may not want to do.

In our own lives, worship may require us to let go of our preferences and comfort, to trust God in the midst of uncertainty and challenges. It is in these moments of sacrifice and trust that our faith is tested and strengthened. Worship is about aligning our lives with God's plan, being open to His guidance, and trusting His character even when His ways are not understandable. It is a journey of faith that reveals the depth of our devotion and our readiness to trust God, not just in times of blessing but also in times of testing.

Genesis 22:12-14 (ESV): "He said, 'Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.' And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, 'The Lord will provide'; as it is said to this day, 'On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.'"

Reflection: Think of a situation where you are struggling to trust God's promises. What step can you take today to demonstrate your trust in Him, even if it requires a personal sacrifice?


Day 3: Worship in Times of Testing
Worship reveals the depth of our faith and our readiness to trust God, not just in times of blessing but also in times of testing. It is in worship that God sees how serious our faith is and determines if our actions align with our beliefs. [01:18:45]

Worship is not just about celebrating God's blessings; it is also about trusting Him in times of testing. It is in these challenging moments that the true depth of our faith is revealed. Worship calls us to stand firm on God's word, to trust His character, and to align our actions with our beliefs, even when circumstances are difficult. It is a demonstration of our commitment to God, showing Him that our faith is not dependent on our circumstances but on His unchanging nature.

In times of testing, worship becomes a powerful expression of our trust in God. It is an opportunity to demonstrate our faithfulness and devotion, to show God that we are serious about our relationship with Him. Worship is about being prepared to act on God's word, to move our lives in the direction He desires, and to trust His reliability even when His ways are not understandable. It is a journey of faith that requires us to be doers of the word, not just hearers, and to keep our confidence in God's character.

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did you respond in faith, and what can you do differently next time to align your actions more closely with your beliefs?


Day 4: Active Obedience in Worship
True worship requires us to be prepared to act on God's word, moving our lives in the direction He desires. It is about being doers of the word, not just hearers, and trusting God's reliability even when His ways are not understandable. [01:34:43]

Worship is not a passive activity; it requires active obedience to God's word. It calls us to move our lives in the direction He desires, to be doers of the word, not just hearers. True worship is about aligning our actions with God's will, trusting His reliability even when His ways are not understandable. It is a demonstration of our faith and commitment to God, showing Him that we are willing to act on His word and follow His guidance.

In our daily lives, worship requires us to be attentive to God's voice and ready to respond in obedience. It is about being prepared to act on His word, to trust His character, and to follow His lead, even when it takes us to unfamiliar places. Worship is a journey of faith that calls us to be active participants in God's plan, to trust His guidance, and to be open to His direction. It is a demonstration of our devotion and dedication to God, showing Him that we are serious about our relationship with Him.

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take action. What specific step can you take today to move in the direction He desires?


Day 5: Discovering New Sides of God through Worship
Worship allows us to see new sides of God, revealing His provision and faithfulness in ways we have never experienced before. It is through worship that we encounter God's power to do the impossible and His ability to provide for our needs. [01:47:39]

Worship is a transformative experience that opens our eyes to new sides of God. It reveals His provision and faithfulness in ways we have never experienced before, allowing us to encounter His power to do the impossible and His ability to provide for our needs. Worship is a journey of discovery, where we learn to see God in new and profound ways, deepening our relationship with Him and strengthening our faith.

Through worship, we are invited to experience God's presence and power in our lives. It is an opportunity to witness His faithfulness and provision, to see His hand at work in ways we never imagined. Worship is about being open to God's guidance, trusting His character, and being willing to follow His lead, even when it takes us to unfamiliar places. It is a journey of faith that calls us to trust God's reliability and to be open to His direction, allowing us to see new sides of Him and to experience His power and provision in our lives.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent experience where you saw God's provision or faithfulness in a new way. How can you cultivate a heart of worship that is open to discovering more of God's character and power in your life?

Quotes



In worship, God sees how serious your faith is. In worship, God finds out who you are spiritually. In worship, God can determine if your audio matches your video. If your scripture quoting lines up with your scripture living. [01:18:45] (25 seconds)


Worship will reveal how prepared you are to be seen as a servant. But worship will also reveal that you are prepared to start being active on what God has spoken. [01:34:43] (14 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?