A Heart of Worship (2024)

By Kim Rempel

(Handout Download – Bottom of Page)

Definition of Worship: (English Dictionaries)

1. The feeling or expression of reverence for a deity-“the worship of God”
2. Reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power
3. A form of religious practice with its creed and ritual
4. Extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem

In his book Real Worship, Warren Wiersbe submits this definition of worship: “Worship is the believer’s response of all that he is—mind, emotions, will, and body—to all that God is and says and does… It is a loving response that is balanced by the fear of the Lord, and it is a deepening response as the believer comes to know God better” (Wiersbe, W., Real Worship, Oliver Nelson, 1986, p. 27).

Worship is the real purpose that humans were created. God said, “I have made them for my glory” (Isaiah 43:7, NLT; see also Psalm 29:1–2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 1:3–6; Philippians 2:9–11). Worship is the believer’s way of life (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). Everything we say and do should be an act of worship before God.

Worship is not focused on a certain time or place because true biblical worship is centered on God and His greatness. It’s not attending a church service, singing, playing an instrument, lifting hands in praise, and bowing down. These acts are all elements (parts) of worship (Psalm 95:2–3; Acts 13:2; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Corinthians 11–14; Ephesians 5:19–20; 1 Timothy 4:13) but not the all of it. They show worship, but real worship reaches beyond outward demonstrations, or corporate (group) performances but is the center of the human heart replying to God’s revelation of Himself (His Word), His purposes, and His will. Worship begins with an inward posture of the heart that is always bowed down in humble, awe-filled recognition of God’s worthiness, honoring and revering Him at all times as the supreme authority over one’s life (Psalm 51:17; 95:6; Revelation 4:11).

The first mention of Worship is in Genesis 22:3-10. This was when God asked Abraham to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.

4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.

5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.

7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

9 And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.

10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.

Ways to Worship:
1. Offer God your whole self – Romans 12:1
What holds a woman back from offering her whole self to Him?

2. Offer God your praise Hebrews 13:15
What causes us to not be thankful to Him?
What can cause us to be thankful to Him?

3. Offer God your material resources Hebrews 13:16
How can we change our attitude about giving and make it a privilege?

4. Offer God your service to others Hebrews 13:16
What difference would it make if we realized we are serving Christ and not people?

Our main focus this morning in the concept of Worship

There must be SACRIFICE made!
Just as in the Old Testament, the main focus was sacrifice, we must make sacrifces in order to worship Him.

Biblical Example: Mary of Bethany John 12: 1-8
1 Then Jesus six days before the passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, which had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2 There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

4 Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, which should betray him,

5 Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?

6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.

7 Then said Jesus, Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this.

8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

*Matthew 26 – Mark 14

What do we learn from Mary’s Example of Worship?

1. She made Him her priority. (Luke 10) She sits at His feet
2. She had learned to answer His call. John 11 Whole chapter *28,29
3. She gave Him her most precious possession John 12:3
4. She left a legacy as a result of her worship. (Judas complained about her sacrifice – No one ever names their child, Judas. Mary’s story of worship continues.

Evaluation:

1. How is your worship towards Him?
2. What sacrifices do you need to make in order to worship?
3. Are you leaving a legacy of Worship?

Remember: We were created to worship. God loves to see us worship but He does not need it….he has the angels. Worship is something that blesses and helps us!