Worthy Worship: Embracing God's Mission of Restoration
Summary
The refrain of heaven—“Worthy are you, Lord”—is not just a song for angels and saints, but a call for us to recognize the totality of what Jesus is worthy of: our devotion, trust, gratitude, obedience, and even our deepest hurts and shame. To worship is to ascribe worth, not just with our lips, but with our whole lives. God’s plan, revealed through the mystery Paul describes, is not a secret to be hidden but a surprise to be unveiled: the uniting of all peoples, Jew and Gentile, under His mercy and into worship. This is the story that stretches from the depths of human brokenness and exile—where God allows us to pursue our own desires and the powers of darkness claim territory—to the faithfulness of Jesus, whose loyalty and sacrifice liberate us and bring new life through the Spirit.
Creation itself groans for this liberation, longing for the sons and daughters of God to be revealed. The mission of God is not just about saving individuals, but reclaiming the world, uniting divided peoples, and filling creation with worship. The story of Israel, with its cycles of exile and return, is a microcosm of humanity’s story. God’s faithfulness to Israel is not about ethnic favoritism, but about keeping His promise to bless all nations through Abraham’s descendants. The hardening of Israel, like Pharaoh’s heart in Exodus, is temporary and serves to make space for the nations to be grafted in, reversing the curse of Babel and calling all people out of darkness into light.
Salvation is not about geography or ethnicity, but about being restored to God through Christ. The true people of God are those who are under the blood of the Lamb, called out from every nation to be a living sacrifice, a pure offering to the Lord. Our mission is to join God’s rescue plan, not as a cul-de-sac of blessing, but as a through street—blessed to be a blessing. Worship and mission are inseparable: to honor Him is to join His work of reconciliation and restoration.
This calling is humbling. We are not better than others; we are all here by mercy. The enemy tempts and shames, but Jesus offers forgiveness, freedom, and the invitation to come home from exile. Our unity and dependence on God are to be a witness to the world, not just for ourselves but for our city and beyond. If we find ourselves living days where we do not need Jesus, we are living an anemic life. God’s wisdom and ways are unsearchable, and our reasonable response is to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, trusting Him to pour His life through us as we pour ourselves out in worship and mission.
Key Takeaways
- Worship Is Total Surrender, Not Just Song
True worship is not confined to singing or religious rituals, but is the act of ascribing worth to Jesus with every aspect of our lives—our time, trust, obedience, and even our pain. When we recognize His worthiness, we are compelled to offer our whole selves, not holding anything back, because He is worthy of it all. This is the only reasonable response to the mercy and faithfulness God has shown us. [00:56]
- God’s Mission Is the Restoration of All Peoples
God’s plan has always been to unite divided peoples—Jew and Gentile, every nation—into one family under His mercy. The mystery revealed in Christ is that the blessing promised to Abraham was always meant to flow outward, reclaiming the world from darkness and filling creation with worship. Our calling is to join this rescue plan, not as passive recipients, but as active participants who are blessed to be a blessing. [12:25]
- Exile and Return: The Pattern of Redemption
The story of exile—being far from God’s presence because of sin—is not just Israel’s story, but humanity’s. Jesus, as the true Passover Lamb, ends our exile by taking away our sins and bringing us back into God’s presence. Salvation is not about ethnicity or geography, but about being restored to God through Christ, who forms a new people from every nation, united by mercy. [16:45]
- Mercy Is the Great Equalizer and Unifier
None of us stand before God by our own merit; all have sinned and are dependent on His mercy. Pride has no place in the people of God—our unity and humility are a witness to the world. When we live in mutual dependence and extend mercy to others, we embody the heart of God’s mission and break down the barriers that divide. [25:26]
- A Life of Mission Requires Daily Dependence on Jesus
If we find ourselves living days where we do not need Jesus, we are living beneath our calling. The life of faith is one of stretching, risk, and reliance on God’s strength to accomplish what only He can do. Our lives are to be living sacrifices, poured out in worship and mission, trusting that God’s unsearchable wisdom and steadfast love will sustain and guide us. [40:01]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:56] - What Is Jesus Worthy Of?
[02:15] - The Mystery Revealed: God’s Plan for All Peoples
[03:47] - Exile, Idolatry, and the Kingdom of Darkness
[06:50] - The Faithfulness of Jesus and Creation’s Longing
[10:49] - God’s Rescue Plan: Israel and the Nations
[12:25] - Blessed to Be a Blessing
[13:23] - Worship, Alignment, and Humility
[14:54] - The Reversal of Babel and the Exodus Pattern
[16:45] - Jesus as the Passover Lamb and the End of Exile
[18:15] - The Lost Tribes and the Restoration of Israel
[22:01] - The New People of God: Grafted In
[25:26] - Mercy for All: The Unifying Work of God
[28:53] - Living Sacrifice: Worship as Mission
[33:20] - Freedom from Shame and the Enemy’s Lies
[36:31] - Humility, Exposure, and Unity
[39:22] - Needing Jesus in Everyday Life
[40:58] - God’s Story Continues: Our Response
[41:43] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide
---
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 11:25-36
Paul explains the mystery of God’s plan to unite Jew and Gentile, the role of Israel, and the unsearchable wisdom and mercy of God.
2. Romans 12:1
“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.”
3. 1 Corinthians 5:7
“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Romans 11:25-26, what does Paul mean by a “partial hardening” coming upon Israel, and what is supposed to happen as a result?
*(see [14:54])*
2. According to Romans 12:1, what does Paul urge believers to do in response to God’s mercy?
3. In the sermon, what are some specific things the pastor and congregation said Jesus is “worthy of”?
*(see [00:56])*
4. What Old Testament story does Paul’s language about “hardening” and “exile” remind us of, and how does the sermon connect this to Jesus?
*(see [14:54])*
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that salvation is not about ethnicity or geography, but about being restored to God through Christ? How does this challenge common assumptions about who belongs to God’s people?
*(see [22:01])*
2. The sermon says, “Worship is total surrender, not just song.” What does it mean to ascribe worth to Jesus with every aspect of our lives, not just our words?
*(see [00:56])*
3. How does the pattern of exile and return in Israel’s story reflect the broader human experience of sin and redemption?
*(see [16:45])*
4. The pastor says, “Mercy is the great equalizer and unifier.” Why is humility and mutual dependence so important for the unity of God’s people?
*(see [25:26])*
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to offer not just our songs, but our whole lives as worship. Is there an area of your life (time, trust, obedience, pain, or shame) that you have been holding back from Jesus? What would it look like to surrender that to Him this week?
*(see [00:56])*
2. The pastor asks, “Are you joining God’s rescue plan, or are you just enjoying being blessed?” In what ways could you move from being a “cul-de-sac of blessing” to a “through street”—actively blessing others in your neighborhood, workplace, or city?
*(see [12:25])*
3. The sermon describes how the enemy uses shame to keep us in exile, but Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom. Is there a specific area of shame or failure where you need to receive Jesus’ invitation to “come home”? What step could you take to accept His forgiveness?
*(see [33:20])*
4. The pastor says, “If we find ourselves living days where we do not need Jesus, we are living beneath our calling.” Can you think of a recent day or week where you didn’t really depend on Jesus? What is one way you could intentionally rely on Him in the coming days?
*(see [40:01])*
5. The sermon highlights that God’s mission is to unite divided peoples and fill creation with worship. Is there someone in your life who is “not like you” that God might be calling you to reach out to or include? What would it look like to take a step toward them this week?
*(see [13:23])*
6. The pastor talks about humility and letting God “expose the lies” in our lives and church. Is there an area where you need to confess pride or ask God to reveal what needs to change? How could you invite accountability or prayer from others in the group?
*(see [36:31])*
7. The sermon says, “Worship and mission are inseparable.” How can you practically combine worship and mission in your daily life—at home, at work, or in your community?
*(see [28:53])*
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help you live as a living sacrifice, united in mercy, and active in His mission.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Is Worthy of All Our Worship and Lives
Jesus is worthy of every part of our lives—our devotion, our time, our trust, our gratitude, our love, and even our hurts and shame. True worship is not just about singing or speaking words of praise, but about ascribing worth to Jesus with every aspect of who we are and what we do. He invites us to lay down everything—our successes, our failures, our resources, and our very selves—because He alone is worthy. When we recognize His worthiness, we are moved to offer our lives as a living sacrifice, aligning our hearts and actions with His glory. [00:56]
Revelation 4:11 (ESV)
"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
Reflection: What is one area of your life you have been holding back from Jesus, and how can you offer it to Him as an act of worship today?
Day 2: God’s Rescue Plan—Blessed to Be a Blessing
God’s plan has always been to bring all peoples—Jew and Gentile—together under His mercy, restoring what was lost and making His people a blessing to the nations. From the call of Abraham to the mission of the church, God’s heart is to reclaim the world, unite divided peoples, and fill creation with worship. We are not meant to be a cul-de-sac of blessing, simply receiving from God, but a through street—blessed in order to be a blessing to others. The invitation is to join God’s rescue plan, participating in His mission to bring freedom, forgiveness, and new life to all nations. [12:25]
Genesis 12:2-3 (ESV)
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
Reflection: Who is one person or group outside your usual circle that you can intentionally bless or serve this week as part of God’s rescue plan?
Day 3: The Mystery of Mercy—All Are Dependent on God’s Grace
God’s mercy is bigger than we can imagine, and His plan is to show mercy to all—Jew and Gentile alike. None of us can claim a place in God’s family by our own merit; we are all here by mercy. The story of Israel and the nations is now intertwined, and God’s faithfulness endures even when individuals reject Him. Our unity as God’s people is not based on ethnicity, geography, or personal achievement, but on being restored to the Lord through Christ, who takes away our sins and ends our exile. [25:26]
Romans 11:30-32 (ESV)
"For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all."
Reflection: In what ways can you extend the same mercy and grace you have received from God to someone who may feel far from Him today?
Day 4: Living Sacrifice—Worship as Mission
Worship is not just a private act but a public mission—offering our whole lives as a living sacrifice to God. God’s desire is not only to save individuals but to reclaim the world, uniting divided peoples and filling creation with worship. As we present ourselves to God, we become part of His mission, crossing boundaries and reaching out to those who are different from us, so that His name may be great among all nations. Our reasonable service is to live in such a way that every part of our life points to His worth and invites others into His presence. [28:53]
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: What is one practical way you can step outside your comfort zone this week to live out your faith as a living sacrifice and witness to God’s worth?
Day 5: Trusting God’s Unsearchable Wisdom and Faithfulness
God’s wisdom, knowledge, and ways are beyond our understanding, and His faithfulness never fails—even when we cannot see the full picture. We may experience pain, disappointment, or confusion about how God is working, but we are called to trust Him, knowing that from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. Our response to His unsearchable wisdom is humble worship and surrender, offering ourselves to Him and relying on His strength for every good work. [27:31]
Romans 11:33-36 (ESV)
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 'For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?' 'Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen."
Reflection: Where do you need to let go of your own understanding and trust God’s wisdom and faithfulness in your life right now?
Quotes
Jesus' cross is God's victory over the powers behind all the exile and oppression that's been holding everybody back. And it's an all call to all the nations. You don't have to worship them anymore. There's freedom. There's forgiveness of sin. There's mercy of God. All in Jesus. [00:17:15] (15 seconds)
Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us. That we should be called the sons, the children of God. And again, we say for you ladies, it's okay to be elevated as a son because you know the way the hierarchy went. We all know the systems, right? And so to say that I'm a daughter of God is in Old Testament language is actually like, well that's good. But if you were treated as a son, so all you daughters get treated as sons. That's what I'm trying to say. So behold a manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called sons, children of God. Amen. For that is what we are. [00:07:36] (32 seconds)
Are you still trying to free yourself or are you trusting that Christ can rescue you? Just a little more self-help, if I just did a little bit more to improve my whatever—investments, my looks, my influence, my platform—if I just could just do a little bit, then we could make the world a better place. I do not have a vision for the world that can make it a better place, tell you that. Do not elect me emperor. But I do know the one who does know and let's go to him, right? Let's go to him. [00:09:48] (32 seconds)
Paul is now just saying we're all dependent on God's mercy. It's all His mercy. The mercy shown to you in the midst of our disobedience. Now the story of Israel and the nations are combining and intertwined. Each group has the journey of opening the door to the other. And saying, okay, let's sit down at the table together and let's be the people of God. The equalizer, the unifier God is calling us out. [00:25:35] (29 seconds)
All have sinned and fall short. And he's got to remove that ungodliness and take away our sins. That's how the Deliverer ends the exile. It's because he takes our sins, takes our punishment, and brings us to God the Father. [00:22:47] (17 seconds)
If that's who He is, then He is worthy, worthy, worthy of it all. In light of God's mercy, it's not just lips, it's all of our lives. The offering that God always wanted was this living sacrifice. [00:29:23] (16 seconds)
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