Worship: A Life of Gratitude and Sacrifice
Summary
Today, I explored the profound nature of worship through the story of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus' feet, as recorded in Luke chapter 7. This narrative not only illustrates the depth of devotion and the cost of true worship but also serves as a powerful example of how our worship should be a reflection of our gratitude and love for what Christ has done for us.
The sermon began by defining worship in the context of giving honor and importance to God, emphasizing that while salvation is a free gift, worship involves a personal cost. This cost is not monetary but is about what we are willing to lay down at Jesus' feet—our pride, comfort, and even possessions, much like Mary did.
I delved into the scene where Jesus is at Simon the Pharisee's house, where Mary, despite her past, brought an expensive jar of perfume to anoint Jesus' feet. This act of worship was not only costly but also demonstrated her immense gratitude and love for Jesus, who had forgiven her sins. Her actions contrasted sharply with Simon's lack of basic hospitality towards Jesus, highlighting the difference between superficial and genuine devotion.
The discussion then shifted to the personal implications of worship for us as believers. True worship requires transparency and the willingness to submit wholly to God's will, even if it means sacrificing our desires or comfort. It challenges us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else and to continually lay down our burdens and distractions at His feet.
Furthermore, I emphasized the transformative power of worship. Just as Mary's life was changed by her encounter with Jesus, our lives too can be transformed when we choose to worship in spirit and truth. Worship is not just a ritual or a momentary act; it is a lifestyle of yielding and obedience to God, which aligns our hearts with His purposes and allows us to experience His presence more fully.
In conclusion, the sermon called on each person to reflect on what worship truly means in their own lives. It's about more than just singing songs or attending church services; it's about living a life that continually honors and glorifies God through our actions, decisions, and the way we handle the challenges and blessings of life.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Worship as a Reflection of Gratitude:
Worship is not merely a religious activity but a heartfelt response to God's immense love and mercy. Just as Mary poured out perfume on Jesus' feet out of gratitude, our worship should be a natural response to the forgiveness and new life we have received in Christ. This understanding transforms worship from a duty to a joyous celebration of God's grace in our lives. [34:09]
2. The Cost of Worship:
True worship involves sacrifice. It requires us to give something valuable—our time, our will, our resources—in acknowledgment of God's worthiness. Just as Mary's offering was costly, our worship must also cost us something significant. This sacrifice is a testament to the value we place on our relationship with God. [41:43]
3. Worship in Spirit and Truth:
Genuine worship goes beyond external expressions—it must emanate from a heart that is fully aligned with God. This means living in transparency before Him and others, continually allowing our hearts and motives to be transformed by His Word and Spirit. [44:50]
4. The Transformative Power of Worship:
Worship has the power to change us. As we draw near to God in worship, we open ourselves to His refining fire, which purifies our desires and aligns our purposes with His. This transformation is not only for our benefit but also equips us to impact the world around us positively. [01:01:15]
5. Worship as a Lifestyle:
Worship should not be confined to specific times or places—it should be the constant posture of our hearts. Whether at home, work, or in social settings, our lives should reflect a continuous offering to God, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to honor Him in all aspects of our lives. [01:10:54]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [27:13] - Introduction to Worship
- [34:09] - Mary's Act of Worship
- [41:43] - The Cost of True Worship
- [44:50] - Living a Life of Worship
- [01:01:15] - Transformative Power of Worship
- [01:10:54] - Conclusion and Call to Worship as a Lifestyle
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 7:36-50: The story of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus' feet.
### Observation Questions
1. What was the setting of the story where Mary anointed Jesus' feet? Who was present? ([32:38])
2. How did Mary Magdalene demonstrate her worship towards Jesus in this passage? ([34:09])
3. What was Simon the Pharisee's reaction to Mary's act of worship, and how did Jesus respond to him? ([37:07])
4. According to the sermon, what does Jesus' reaction to Mary and Simon teach us about the nature of true worship? ([38:44])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Mary chose to use such an expensive perfume to anoint Jesus' feet? What does this tell us about her understanding of worship? ([34:09])
2. How does Jesus' response to Simon's criticism highlight the difference between superficial and genuine devotion? ([37:07])
3. In what ways does the story of Mary Magdalene challenge our own understanding of the cost of worship? ([41:43])
4. How does the concept of worship as a lifestyle, as discussed in the sermon, align with the actions of Mary in this passage? ([44:50])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt truly grateful for what Christ has done for you. How did you express that gratitude? How can you incorporate that sense of gratitude into your daily worship? ([34:09])
2. What are some personal "costs" you might need to lay down at Jesus' feet to worship Him more fully? Consider aspects like pride, comfort, or possessions. ([41:43])
3. How can you ensure that your worship is genuine and not just a superficial act? What steps can you take to align your heart with God's will? ([37:07])
4. Think about a specific area in your life where you need to submit wholly to God's will. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? ([44:50])
5. How can you make worship a lifestyle rather than just a Sunday activity? Identify one specific way you can honor God in your daily routine this week. ([44:50])
6. In what ways has worship transformed your life in the past? How can you seek further transformation through worship in your current circumstances? ([01:01:15])
7. Consider the distractions and burdens in your life that might be hindering your worship. What can you do to lay these down at Jesus' feet and focus more on Him? ([54:18])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as a Heartfelt Response
Worship is not merely a religious activity but a heartfelt response to God's immense love and mercy. Just as Mary poured out perfume on Jesus' feet out of gratitude, our worship should be a natural response to the forgiveness and new life we have received in Christ. This understanding transforms worship from a duty to a joyous celebration of God's grace in our lives. Worship, therefore, should not be confined to songs or church attendance but should permeate every aspect of our lives, reflecting our deep gratitude and love for God. [34:09]
"Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." (John 12:3 ESV)
Reflection: How can you express your gratitude to God in a tangible way this week?
Day 2: The Personal Cost of Worship
True worship involves sacrifice. It requires us to give something valuable—our time, our will, our resources—in acknowledgment of God's worthiness. Just as Mary's offering was costly, our worship must also cost us something significant. This sacrifice is a testament to the value we place on our relationship with God. It challenges us to examine what we are holding back from God and encourages us to offer our best in worship and service. [41:43]
"And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'" (Matthew 26:39 ESV)
Reflection: What is one thing you feel God is asking you to surrender to Him, and how can you begin to let it go?
Day 3: Worship in Spirit and Truth
Genuine worship goes beyond external expressions—it must emanate from a heart that is fully aligned with God. This means living in transparency before Him and others, continually allowing our hearts and motives to be transformed by His Word and Spirit. Worship in spirit and truth engages our deepest parts, transforming us and aligning our desires with God's will. This kind of worship is not only about moments of praise but about living a life that consistently honors God. [44:50]
"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a more honest and transparent relationship with God in your daily life?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Worship
Worship has the power to change us. As we draw near to God in worship, we open ourselves to His refining fire, which purifies our desires and aligns our purposes with His. This transformation is not only for our benefit but also equips us to impact the world around us positively. By embracing worship as a transformative experience, we allow God to work in and through us, making us instruments of His grace and love. [01:01:15]
"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV)
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need God's transformation, and how can you be more open to His work in you?
Day 5: Worship as a Lifestyle
Worship should not be confined to specific times or places—it should be the constant posture of our hearts. Whether at home, work, or in social settings, our lives should reflect a continuous offering to God, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to honor Him in all aspects of our lives. This lifestyle of worship means making choices that glorify God and reflect His love and truth in every situation. [01:10:54]
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Reflection: How can you integrate worship into your daily activities and interactions with others?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Is that good? Be honest with everybody, but don't be fully transparent with everybody, but have somebody in your life that you can be fully transparent with, and they know the ins and the outs, and I'm even saying this for those of you who are married. Be transparent to your spouse, but you need somebody other than your spouse that you can really be transparent about some things that you can work out with somebody that may have to do with your spouse." [41:43]
2. "It's not about you portraying a life that never has any problems. It's about you portraying a life that has the same issues the world does, but you have the answer to them. That's what's a good witness to somebody. That's what the witness to the world is. I have struggles. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet he was without sin. I'm tempted in every way, yet I'm tempted in every way. I'm tempted in every way, yet I'm tempted in every way. I'm tempted in every way." [44:50]
3. "We're going to sing that song Waymaker and I want you to sing this song not because it's words on a screen. If you have to look at the screen, that's fine, but I've said this before worship when you're singing a song off the screen is like buying a Hallmark card for your wife or your husband and going honey. I love you. You are my dearest friend. You mean so much to me. Love you. You know, what matters more is what you write in that card is how you express your love to them." [01:11:39]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So what I'm saying this morning is let us shy away from. Being intimidated by the cost of worship. Let us pour out our hearts before the Lord. Let us offer him offer him everything that we have and in return. God says that he would give us grace. He would give us joy. He would give us a deeper intimacy with the one who gave us everything." [01:09:10]
2. "That's the power of our witness to people is telling people what God has done for us. You can tell them all about Scripture and you should about what God did for Mary, but you also should follow that up with but let me tell you what God has done for me. And if he hasn't done anything for you number one he has because you're going that's a gift. You're still here. You woke up on the top side of planet Earth today. That's a gift." [01:01:59]
3. "The first time that we see the word worship in Scripture is in Genesis chapter 22 when Abraham is going with Isaac up to the mountain to sacrifice. His promised son that God had given him and I want you don't have to turn there. We won't have it on the screen, but you know what Abraham said when they get to the mountain. God told him to take Isaac again, his promised son that he that he said this is your promised son. And by this you're going to have thousands and thousands of generations of children and as many as the stars in the sky." [55:02]
4. "It's the story of worship it's the story of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus feet so I want you to imagine this scene with me that Jesus is reclining at a table he's surrounded by his disciples and when Mary who by the way was known for a tumultuous past she steps forward and in her hand she carries this this alabaster jar that's filled with costly perfume priceless without hesitation she breaks the jar and she's jar and she pours the contents of the jar on Jesus' feet and then she tenderly wipes his feet with her hair." [34:09]
5. "God could care less about your comfort. He does care about you being comforted. So it's not like he's trying to, he's not like when I was, when our kids were little, let me back up. When I was little, I was a wild child. I mean, I was crazy. You probably can't believe that because I'm so perfect now, but why don't y'all laugh? But when my kids were little, I was like walking around trying to, you know, I didn't want them to fall, even when they're toddlers." [46:27]
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