Most people think worship means singing songs—but the Bible reveals it’s far deeper. True worship is a lifestyle of beholding, intimacy, and sacrifice. In short, it must become the posture of your heart, the focus of your life, and the daily offering of yourself to God.
In this Christ-centered Bible teaching, Nathan Johnson explores what biblical worship really means, uncovering its rich depth in Scripture through the ideas of beholding, kissing, and sacrifice. Discover how worship is a lifestyle that transforms every area of your life, helping you glorify Jesus Christ in everything you do.
Whether you’re a new believer or a mature Christian longing to go deeper, this message will help you understand that worship goes beyond music and will inspire you to live fully for the preeminence, majesty, and glory of Jesus.
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Worship is more than singing
While most of us think of “singing” when we hear the word “worship”—ultimately worship is much, much more.
1. Worship requires beholding
Like the escape of a “wow” when you see a beautiful sunset, if we desire to truly worship, we need to behold and focus on God. If we try to “worship” without beholding, it quickly becomes legalism, duty, and obligation—rather than a life of worship that flows out of love, passion, and seeing our King high and lifted up.
2. Worship and “kissing”
The Greek word for “worship” comes from the idea of a dog licking their master’s hand. An exuberant and passionate love for the master. What if we had that for our Savior? What if our worship flowed out of a passion and intimacy for Christ?
3. Worship demands sacrifice
The first time the word “worship” is used in Scripture, it is in the context of Abraham sacrificing Isaac. Abraham looked at the servants with him and said, “And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there; and we will worship, and we will return to you” (Genesis 22:5).
Later, Paul, in talking about worship, talked about its cost when he wrote, “Therefore I exhort you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice—living, holy, and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1).
Worship will always cost us something.
A Life of Worship
Ultimately, worship is not singing songs on Sunday (though that is included), worship is a lifestyle that should affect every area of our hearts, minds, and lives.
As Paul reminds us,
- Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Everything in our lives should be focused upon God Almighty and done for the glory and grandeur of Christ Jesus.
Dive Deeper
Check out the message Do You Love God with ALL?
FOOTNOTES
Photo Credit: Hanny Naibaho
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Question: How can you practical use your life for worship—marked by beholding, intimacy, and sacrifice?
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About NRJohnson
NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is the host of the Deeper Christian Podcast and has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.
About the Deeper Christian Podcast
Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. The Deeper Christian Podcast helps equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.
Whether you want to learn how to study God’s Word, grow in your faith, cultivate a powerful and effective prayer life, share the Gospel boldly, deepen your intimacy with Jesus, live victoriously, or transform the world through the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit, the Deeper Christian Podcast with NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) will encourage and equip you to grow spiritually and live a Christ-centered life.
