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Begin by memorizing Romans 12:1
This is our 17th day of our 40 day challenge of being a living sacrifice. We have meticulously broken down Romans 12:1 in an attempt to understand what it is Paul is teaching us about worship. So, let’s recap.
The words “in light of God’s mercy,” tell us that we should worship God not because we feel like it but because of what He has done for us.
The word “offer” is a keyword that tells us that our attitude in worship should be to give freely rather than feel like it’s an obligation or requirement.
“Your bodies” explains that God wants all of us – not merely our money, our time, or our talent. He wants us to be personally, wholly invested in serving Him.
“Living” is a word that tells us that as long as we are alive, every moment of our life should be dedicated to worshipping the Lord.
“Sacrifice” means that it will cost us. The life of a Believer is a gift that is offered to the Lord – a gift of obedience.
“Holy” means set apart. The discipline of being a living sacrifice, means we set apart the activity and predetermine it to be an act of worship. It means putting God first and foremost in our lives instead of giving Him the leftovers.
“Pleasing to God” compels us that the activity that we are to give to the Lord must please Him, and if we are to offer every activity as worship, then every activity must be something that agrees with His standard of quality and with His taste.
When we put those thoughts together, we come up with this interpretation of Romans 12:1, which may serve as a definition of worship.
“Worship is a voluntary activity in response to God’s goodness, predetermined to glorify God – a personal expression of gratitude at any time, at any day that is pleasing to the Lord.”
Ask yourself – is this my understanding of worship? Is this something that’s incorporated in my life? If we begin to live out a Romans 12:1 understanding of worship, you can bet our lives will be more and more transformed as a living sacrifice to the Lord.
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