2017.11.05 礼拝

2017.11.05 礼拝

2017.11.05 Romans 12:1-8 “Creating good service that pleases God”

God wants to gather us into his herd. Each one is called to serve in his herd, which is pleasing to God.

What is good worship to you? What makes your worship good?

・Powerful and interesting message?

・High quality praise band (music)?

・Impressive dance or amusing skit?

・Favorite hymns?

・Smooth program proceedings?

・Solemn atmosphere?

The above factors would be for your satisfaction.

So, would good worship be what moves you, impresses you, or what is admirable to you?

No, you are not the one to judge whether worship is good or not, but it is for God to judge.

➀ Realize that worship is not for “yourself” but to please “God”

Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.

A retailer would arrange its shop and serve customers to satisfy them so that the customers would return and spend money, which is pleasing to the shop owner. So, it is with Church (the body of Christ) which should be arranged and serviced so that attendees would continue to come and call their friends to be saved, which is pleasing to God.

➁ Know that worship is not “passive” but should be “active” (offer)

Romans 12:1 I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God

In the past, it may have been customary to sacrifice animals as offerings for worship. However, it is not so at present. But you can offer your whole self – body and time – to thank and praise God. In other words, good worship depends on you.

➂ Understand that worship is not a “ceremony” but “life” itself.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Joshua 24:15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Worshiping God is not forced on you but you are to decide whether you accept God’s call.