Worship: A Heartfelt Offering to God

Summary

Today’s focus is on the heart of worship—what it truly means to declare that God is “worthy of it all.” Drawing from the song we sang and the vision in Revelation, we see that worship is not just about singing, but about giving God our whole selves: our hearts and our hands. Just as in any relationship, love is shown not only in words but in action. In our relationship with God, this means both an internal devotion and an outward expression of that devotion.

We are all worshipers by design. Every person gives their time, energy, and resources to something—whatever is first in our lives is what we worship. Yet, only God can truly satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. When we worship Him, especially through song, we are not just participating in a ritual; we are engaging in a spiritual act that fills us with the Holy Spirit. Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 remind us that being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing process, much like refueling a car. Singing to God is one of the ways we are continually filled and renewed.

Worship has a vertical dimension—it is directed to God, an offering of our hearts and hands, a sacrifice of praise. In the Old Testament, only priests could enter God’s presence, but through Jesus, all believers are invited to draw near. Lifting our hands, singing out, and surrendering ourselves are outward signs of this inward reality. Sometimes, worship is an act of reminding our own souls who we belong to, especially when our feelings don’t align with faith.

But worship also spreads horizontally. When we sing together, our shared experience strengthens and encourages those around us. The presence of God moves through the room, bringing comfort, freedom, and even breaking chains for others. Our worship can be a source of strength for someone who is suffering, grieving, or struggling.

Finally, true worship is rooted in humility and thankfulness. Pride keeps us from surrendering, but humility opens us to give thanks in every circumstance—whether in joy or suffering. Worship is not about what we get from God, but what we give to Him. It’s about making God bigger than our problems, zooming out to see His goodness even in the midst of pain. As we put this into practice—whether by singing, lifting our hands, or taking a first step of faith—we declare that Christ is worthy of it all.

Key Takeaways

- Worship is both internal and external, requiring our hearts and our hands. Just as love in any relationship is shown through both affection and action, our devotion to God must be expressed in both our inner life and our outward choices. This duality is essential for a relationship with God that endures and grows. [11:13]

- Whatever is first in our lives is what we worship, and only God can truly satisfy. We are created as worshipful beings, and if we place anything above God, it will ultimately leave us empty. True fulfillment comes when Jesus is at the center, receiving our focus, time, and energy. [13:57]

- Being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Just as a car needs regular refueling, our souls need continual filling through practices like worship. Singing to God is a powerful way to experience this ongoing renewal and transformation. [19:06]

- Worship goes vertically to God but also spreads horizontally to others. When we worship together, our praise not only honors God but also strengthens and encourages those around us. The presence of God can move through our collective worship, bringing freedom and hope even to those who are struggling. [27:42]

- True worship is rooted in humility and thankfulness, especially in difficult seasons. Pride keeps us from surrendering, but humility allows us to give thanks in all circumstances. Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s unchanging goodness, teaching us to trust Him even when our feelings lag behind our faith. [32:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to “Songs We Sing” Series
[02:30] - The Story Behind “Worthy of It All”
[04:15] - What Is Worship?
[06:00] - Heart and Hands: The Nature of Relationship
[09:30] - Created to Worship: What Comes First
[13:57] - Ephesians Context: Worship in a Hostile Culture
[16:07] - Choice, Control, and Change: Filled with the Spirit
[19:06] - Ongoing Filling: How Worship Renews Us
[21:01] - Worship Goes Vertical: Offering Ourselves
[24:03] - Reminding Our Souls Through Worship
[25:46] - Worship Spreads Horizontally: Power of Shared Experience
[27:42] - Worship Strengthens and Frees Others
[32:03] - Worship and Humility: Thankfulness in All Seasons
[37:16] - Putting Worship into Practice
[38:18] - Invitation to Respond

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Worthy of It All – The Heart of Worship”

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### Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV)
> And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 141:2 (ESV)
> Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!

Hebrews 13:15 (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.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Ephesians 5:18-20, what are the two contrasting ways Paul says we can be “filled,” and what does he say should fill us instead of wine?
2. According to Psalm 141:2, what two things does the psalmist offer to God as a sacrifice?
3. In Hebrews 13:15, what does the writer say is the “sacrifice of praise” that we are to offer to God?
4. The sermon says, “Whatever is first in your life is the thing you worship.” What are some examples the pastor gave of things people might put first? [11:13]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul compares being filled with the Spirit to being drunk with wine? What does this teach us about the influence of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [16:07]
2. The sermon talks about worship being both “vertical” (to God) and “horizontal” (to others). What does it mean for worship to spread horizontally, and why is this important? [27:42]
3. The pastor said, “Worship is not what we get from God. Worship is what we give to God.” How does this perspective challenge the way people sometimes approach worship? [37:16]
4. According to the sermon, how can worship help us “zoom out” and see God’s goodness even in the middle of our problems? [32:03]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “Whatever is first in your life is the thing you worship.” If you’re honest, what tends to take first place in your life most days? How can you intentionally put God first this week? [11:13]
2. The sermon described worship as both “heart and hands”—internal devotion and outward action. What is one practical way you can express your devotion to God this week, either in private or in public? [06:00]
3. Paul says to “be filled with the Spirit” as an ongoing process, like refueling a car. What are some ways you can “refuel” spiritually during your week, especially when you feel empty or dry? [19:06]
4. The pastor shared that sometimes we worship to remind our own souls who we belong to, especially when we don’t feel like it. Have you ever experienced a time when singing or worshiping changed your perspective or feelings? What happened? [24:03]
5. Worship spreads horizontally and can encourage others, even when we don’t realize it. Can you think of a time when someone else’s worship or faith encouraged you? How might your worship encourage someone else this week? [27:42]
6. The sermon said, “True worship is rooted in humility and thankfulness, especially in difficult seasons.” What is one thing you can thank God for right now, even if life is hard? [32:03]
7. The pastor encouraged everyone to take a “next step” in worship, whether that’s singing, lifting hands, or even just showing up. What is one next step you feel challenged to take in your worship life? [38:18]

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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person worship Him with both heart and hands, and to fill your group with His Spirit as you encourage one another.

Devotional

Day 1: Worship Is Vertical—Giving God Our Hearts and Hands
Worship is not just about singing songs; it is a moment where our soul comes face to face with God, surrendering everything to Him. In the Old Testament, only the highest priests could enter God's presence, but because of Jesus' sacrifice, all believers can now come before God as His holy priests. Lifting our hands in worship is a sign of surrender, offering our lives as a sacrifice to God. This act reminds us who we belong to and helps us live in continual surrender, focusing our hearts and hands on the One who is worthy of it all. [21:01]

Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What is one area of your life you need to surrender to God today, and how can you physically express that surrender—perhaps by lifting your hands in worship or another tangible act of offering?


Day 2: Worship Spreads Horizontally—Impacting Those Around Us
Worship begins with God, but it doesn't end there; it spreads to those around us, creating a powerful shared experience that connects and strengthens the community. When we worship together, our praise can encourage and even bring freedom to others who are struggling, just as Paul and Silas' singing in prison brought liberation to all the prisoners. Sometimes, your act of worship may be the very thing that helps someone else experience God's presence and strength in their darkest moment. [27:42]

Acts 16:25 (ESV)
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."

Reflection: Who in your life might need encouragement or freedom today, and how can your worship—whether in song, prayer, or action—help bring God’s presence to them?


Day 3: Worship Is Rooted in Humility and Thankfulness
True worship flows from a humble and thankful heart, not from pride or self-focus. It is easy to praise God when life is good, but real faith is shown when we choose to give thanks and worship even in suffering. Humility is a choice we make, and thankfulness in every season shifts our focus from our problems to God's unchanging goodness. Sometimes, the most powerful worship is simply pausing to say, "Thank you, Jesus," even when we don't feel like it. [32:03]

James 5:13 (ESV)
"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise."

Reflection: In what difficult circumstance can you choose to thank God today, and how might that act of gratitude change your perspective?


Day 4: All of Life Is Worship—What We Focus On, We Worship
Every person gives their focus, time, energy, and resources to something, and whatever is first in our lives is what we truly worship. We were created to worship God, but often replace Him with lesser things that never satisfy. Only Jesus can fill that place in our hearts, and when we intentionally put Him first, our lives become an act of worship that brings fulfillment and purpose. [11:13]

Matthew 6:21 (ESV)
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What is currently taking first place in your life, and what practical step can you take today to put Jesus back at the center?


Day 5: Worship Is a Continual Offering—Not What We Get, But What We Give
Worship is not about what we receive from God, but about what we offer to Him—our praise, our hearts, our lives. When we worship, we zoom out from our problems and refocus on God's faithfulness and worthiness, making Him bigger than our circumstances. This continual offering of praise transforms us and keeps our hearts aligned with His, reminding us that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [37:16]

Hebrews 13:15 (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."

Reflection: How can you make worship a daily practice of giving—regardless of your feelings or circumstances—so that your life becomes a continual offering to God?

Quotes

When a person goes from being sober to being drunk, three steps occur. And I know nobody in this room would have any idea what I'm talking about in these moments. But so let me teach you something real quick. Three steps occur, though. A choice, control, and change. First, the person first makes a choice to consume the alcohol.As more and more alcohol gets consumed, that person is now giving control of their life to the influence of that alcohol. And once that happens, the person is now changed in their behavior, in their speech, and even in their thoughts. And Paul is saying that this progression, he calls getting drunk on wine, he says it'll eventually ruin your life. But then Paul does something you wouldn't see coming. He says, instead of that, be filled with the Holy Spirit. Because just like with alcohol, we have a choice, control, and change. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is the same steps. It is the same progression. We first make a choice to follow Jesus. We submit to, and we give control of our lives to his ways, to his leading. And as we do that, we are changed from the inside out to be more like Jesus. [00:17:24] (73 seconds)  #ChoiceControlChangeSpirit Edit Clip Translate Clip

When we worship God vertically, it also reminds our soul who we belong to.That sometimes we're singing this because we're singing it to our soul. In Psalm 42, another psalm.In this, the writer, he perfectly models this. So this is a song he wrote and he says, oh, my soul, why are you cast down? Why are you in turmoil within me? But I'm gonna hope in God. I'm gonna praise Him. He is my salvation. He is my God. And it's this beautiful moment where the writer is literally singing to remind his soul and his feelings who he belongs to. Because our feelings do this a hundred times throughout the day. Before you even came to church, you had ups, you had downs, you had ups, you had downs. Sometimes the last thing we wanna do is we feel like singing to God. And this guy right here, he's modeling his man. Sometimes you gotta sing for your own soul to remind it who you belong to. [00:23:56] (55 seconds)  #WorshipBuildsFamily Edit Clip Translate Clip

When we worship God together on a Sunday, it makes a room full of strangers feel like a family because of this.It's because, yes, our worship goes vertical, but it starts to spread horizontally. It starts to affect the people around you. Paul says, sing among yourselves. One translation, it says to address each other with song. And so often, maybe not you, but so often I fall into this trap of I'm only going to sing, I'm only going to worship God when I feel it, when I feel like it, when I get the goosebumps, when I feel emotional. Then I'll start to sing to God.But when we reframe it and we understand worship, we realize it's so much bigger than our feelings. Because worship, it may involve you, but it is not about you. [00:27:02] (51 seconds)  #WorshipBeyondFeelings Edit Clip Translate Clip

And in worship it's focused on God it goes vertical boom it is right there but when we start to worship when we choose to sing to God whether we feel it or not it starts to move horizontally to the people around us and Paul tells us that not only can you be filled with the Spirit of God but the person next to you can actually be filled with the Spirit of God because of your worship that's that's crazy I never leave the presence of God the same as when I entered in if I'm focused on the right thing. [00:27:53] (33 seconds)  #WorshipHealsChains Edit Clip Translate Clip

Every week, every service, there are people in here going through the most difficult times. Maybe it's you sitting here right now when the person next to you worships and they're focused on God. And yeah, their worship's going vertical. It starts to spread and the spirit and the presence of God can fill you up even when you're going through the most difficult time in your life.That is the power of singing together in song to God. [00:29:58] (23 seconds)  #HumilityEnablesThanks Edit Clip Translate Clip

Worship is a sacrifice. Worship is an offering. Worship is making God big, bigger than our problems.Because you know what happens when we have a problem, it's a big deal to us, right? It's a problem for us. It's a big deal. And what happens when that happens is we zoom in real close on that problem and we get consumed by it because it's probably worth zooming in and being consumed by, right? If it wasn't a problem, we wouldn't worry about it. But it's a problem, so we've got to worry about it. But when we worship God, when we praise God, when we're thankful to him, what it does is it teaches us how to zoom out and see his goodness even in the midst of our problems. We zoom out and see that he is the same always. He is worthy. [00:36:19] (43 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

``Because worship is not what we get from God. Worship is what we give to God.Worship is not what we get from God. Worship is what we give to God. And we give him everything. Everything. Our worship is vertical.It focuses us in on God. Our worship, it spreads horizontal. It can change those around us because of the presence of God. And our worship is thankful. It teaches us to live thankful in every season, to know that Christ is worthy of it all. [00:37:11] (32 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip