"Worship” is an often used, frequently misunderstood and constantly debated word among evangelicals today. Discussions and arguments arise among believers regarding the meaning, timing and even the expression of worship. Since it is clearly evident throughout the Word of God that believers are expected to be involved in worship, let us go directly to Scripture and see what questions may be answered regarding this important word.
Romans 12:1–2 states, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Why do believers worship?
According to this passage, the answer to that question is based on the mercies of God. In the first 11 chapters of the book of Romans, the apostle Paul presents the truth of our need for salvation because of the gravity of our sin. Believers are reminded how much God loves us and has done for us. His mercies are deep and overflowing. He meets our desperate need to be right with Him.
Not only does He set us free from the bondage of sin and shame, but He also gives us eternal life with Him through His Son. Do not idly glance over these mercies as if you have heard them all before. Consider the truth that you were once in darkness but now walk in the light. You were lost but now are found. You were a slave but now are free. When we focus on the mercies of God poured out upon us we become overwhelmed, leading to worship.
What is worship?
When asked this question, many believers today refer to the act of attending a worship service or singing worship songs. While these actions may certainly be involved in worship, they do not fully express the meaning of worship described in this passage. Look at the phrase “your spiritual service of worship” and think about its meaning. First it tells us that worship is personal, indicated by the word “your.” It is your responsibility, not someone else’s. God poured out His mercies upon you personally; therefore your worship should be as personal as your relationship with your heavenly Father.
Additionally worship is spiritual not just physical. Worship is so much more than the designation of an hour on the calendar but involves your heart, mind, soul and strength. Worship is truly a communion with your Holy God in such a way that involves every aspect of your being. Finally worship is service, which leads to the next question.
How do believers worship?
This passage says it is by presenting your body as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God. Often believers make the words “holy” and “acceptable” the sole focus of this particular phrase. It is true that the Old Testament outlined specific instructions regarding sacrifices; they were to be spotless and without defect. Moreover, God commanded His people to be holy and that command is still applicable to believers today. Therefore we understand that holiness is required.
Yet all too often we see ourselves as unacceptable sacrifices that have been abused, neglected and worn down by the burdens of this life, both physically and spiritually. The resulting discouragement can make holiness seem an impossible standard. Undeniably holiness is God’s standard and we must examine ourselves in the light of that standard. Sin is not acceptable to our Holy God, nor will it ever be. However, discouragement results from focusing on our own attempts at holiness, not from the mercies of God poured out upon us. Remember, Scripture tells us God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). It is already ours. Therefore we are instructed to present ourselves as living sacrifices not just holy ones.
Living requires life. As believers we are dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:11). Jesus is life; in Him is life and it is abundant (John 14:6; 1:4; 10:10).
As a result our worship leads us to total surrender in body, mind, attitudes and actions as an act of worship to our holy, life-giving God. That presenting of yourself is your spiritual service of worship.
What is the result of worship?
There will be a transformation, a change that occurs, by the renewing of your mind. Do not miss the overwhelming significance of this passage — your very way of thinking is transformed during your worship. There is no denying that your mind and thoughts affect every aspect of your life. How much more will this be true when your mind is renewed by God Himself?
As a believer you have not only the life of Christ but also the mind of Christ. That is yet another of the mercies poured out upon you. By the mercies of God a life that is surrendered in holiness is an acceptable sacrifice to God and is your act of worship. Consequently, your life can be a place of continual worship. Of course this does not mean trials will never be experienced. Neither does it mean that suffering will never happen, but it does mean in the midst of those trials you will prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God to yourself and those around you.
In conclusion this leads to the final question: Are you a worshipper? This can only happen “if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, [then] you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9). It is at this point of salvation that true worship begins.
Michael Mynatt, pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Enterprise, earned degrees from William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri; Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri; and Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He and his wife, Leslie, have two daughters.
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