Large group - What is true and proper worship?

1.  Romans 12:1-2. In this context, consider Mark 12:29-34. What is the nature of true and proper worship?

2. Where do we offer our sacrifices in worship? In the Old Testament these sacrifices were offered in the tabernacle (a short reminder is in Hebrews 9:1-5, but read through Leviticus for a more exhaustive list of proper Old Testament sacrifices). However, this is not system of worship that we have under the New Covenant (also recall our discussion of mercy and obedience, not sacrifice, e.g. Isaiah 1:11-17). Rather, we haveHebrews 9:11-15 (note especially Hebrews 9:14, “So that we may serve the living God!”). So where is the temple at which we worship now? See 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, “You together are that temple.” See alsoEphesians 2:19-22. (Note that there is also the true tabernacle in heaven—Hebrews 9:11—but can we go there yet? So where is the temple that is relevant to our worship now?). And rest assured that God is consistent! He wants the same worship of us now as He always did (e.g. Isaiah 1:16-17). What then of the Law (see Hebrews 10:1)? How do we worship God?

3. Some errors in worship: Matthew 15:1-11 (Phariseeism, see the opposite in Matthew 6:1-4), Acts 17:22-31 (ignorant worship, see the opposite in John 4:19-26), Colossians 2:20-23 (self-abnegation, see the opposite of this in Romans 14, which we talked about when we discussed freedom in Christ).

4. What are some ways to remain focused on worship and on God?  See Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

5. Christians are priests and we offer sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5 and Hebrews 13:15-16).  What sacrifices do we offer? What are good sacrifices? How are we enabled to make these sacrifices? What incense do we offer up (see Revelation 5:8)? What praise offerings and songs do we make (see Ephesians 5:18-20)? How will others know we are true followers of God (see John13:34-35)?

6. What about what we typically think of as worship (e.g. singing)? See Psalms 33:3, 42:10, 96:1, 100:1-2,Isaiah 42:10, etc. Is this worship also commendable? Of course! See, e.g., 1 Chronicles 16:23-31, Acts 16:25,Ephesians 5:18-20, Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, etc. But, importantly, with what attitude do we sing, worship, and praise? See Hebrews 12:28-29 and recall Romans 12:1-2. What comes first, songs of praise or acts of love? Can the two coincide?