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SERMON NOTES

Biblical Worship of God

Romans 12:1-2

Professor Craig Hawkins, NP Adult Discipleship Group Leader

Overview: What is biblical worship of God, and how would He have us do it? Have you ever asked yourself: What is true worship of the true God? Where and when should I worship God? How should and how do I worship God? Roman 12:1-2, along with passages such as John 4:20-25, tells us the answers to these questions. We would do well to pay careful attention to them. Romans 12:1-2 is our main text for today.

01. We are called/commanded to be “living sacrifices.” This concept contains the idea of presenting ourselves to God for dedication, service, and His glory. See, for example, Luke 2:22; Romans 6:13; Ephesians 5:27; and Colossians 1:28.

02. The Greek word for “spiritual,” logikosversus pneumatikos:

03. The Greek word for “worship,” latreuo(n. latreia) versus proskuneo. Moreover, we should not overly subscribe to the so-called sacred vs. secular distinction.

04. We are not to be conformed to this world, or the pattern of this world, but we are to be “transformed by the renewing” of our minds. Positively, this is done through the four means of grace: the word of God, prayer, fellowship, and communion.

05. Spiritual worship of God is directly directed by Him to us. Our worship of God should be informed, empowered, and inspired by Him to equip us—individually and collectively—for works of service to and for Him. From this incredible passage, we see that we should worship God in all ways and everywhere, out of motives of love and to Him for who He is and what He has done for us! Worship of God is for our good and His glory. To God alone be the praise and glory!

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION & DISCOVERY

1. What does it mean to be a “living sacrifice’?
2. What is biblical worship of God, and where, then, and how should we worship God? Why should we want to worship God this way? Is singing the only or main way to worship God?
3. What is “spiritual” worship of God? What does it look like, or how would we do it? Why might Paul have used the Greek word logikos rather than the normal Greek word pneumatikos?
4. Why should we find the difference between the Greek word latreuo (n. latreia) versus proskuneo interesting and insightful?
5. What is the sacred/secular distinction, and how does it apply to our worship of God?
6. How can we live to see ourselves not conformed to this world’s beliefs and values, but on the contrary, transformed by the renewing of our minds?
7. What will/should be the results of knowing and doing the aforementioned matters?