Authentic Worship

Romans 12:1–2

Introduction

Authentic Worship is a Lifestyle

1. Authentic Worship Begins with the Mercy of God

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God.”

Paul does not begin by saying, "Offer yourselves to God so that He will love you."

Instead, he says, "Because God has already shown you mercy, offer yourselves to Him." True worship is always a response.

The more we understand God's mercy, the more naturally worship flows from our lives.

If worship feels cold, lifeless, and routine, perhaps the problem is not with the songs we are singing. Perhaps we have forgotten the mercy we have received.

1. Authentic Worship Involves Offering Our Entire Lives to God

"Present your bodies as a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Notice that he says we are to be a living sacrifice. The problem with living sacrifices is that they have a tendency to crawl off the altar. Every day, we must surrender ourselves again to the Lord.

God does not accept part of us. He calls for all of us. He wants our Sundays, but He also wants our Mondays. He wants our songs, but He also wants our speech. He wants our offerings, but He also wants our obedience.

Worship is not an event. Worship is a lifestyle.

III. Authentic Worship Requires a Transformed Mind

"Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Paul uses two important words. The first word is conformed. It refers to being pressed into a mold. The world is constantly trying to shape us into its image.

The second word is transformed. This is the word from which we get the word "metamorphosis." It describes a complete change from the inside out.

“And we all with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

morphoo does not refer to what is outward and transient, but to what is inward and real and that which produces an outward expression which proceeds from and is truly representative of one’s inward character and nature. (Jesus on Mount Transfiguration)

“And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light…” Matthew 17:2

Worship is not confined to a sanctuary. Worship takes place in homes, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. It is possible to sing loudly and still fail to worship.

Jesus said, "This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."

Singing is an expression of worship, but singing is not the entirety of worship. The song may end, but worship continues.

Conclusion

The question is not whether we worship. Every person worships something. The real question is this: Who or what sits upon the throne of our hearts? May we be people who worship God not only with our voices, but also with our thoughts, our words, our actions, and our lives.