NEXT WEEK

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chapter 20.1



How does this apply to me?

“WORSHIP LIVED” Psalm 96 May 1, 2016

NEXT WEEK

“POSTURE” Mark 10:35-45; Luke 17:7-19

Passage Overview: Although we often think of worship in terms of adoration and singing, one of the most profound expressions of worship is service. Even Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. (Mark 10:45) He glorified His Father by completing the work He had been given by the Father. (John 17:4) Corporate and private worship through music should be the exultant response of a life lived in service. We are servants. Servants honor their Master by doing all He gives them to do. He owes us nothing. A master doesn’t thank his servants for doing what they are expected to do. He doesn’t stop to laud them. Yet we often expect God to reward us for what we do. We act as if He owes us something because of our service. While we acknowledge that we cannot earn our salvation, we still expect to earn the applause of God for how we serve. If even Jesus came to serve, how much more must we serve. Jesus glorified the Father, not Himself, through His obedience. Our perspective needs to change. We are owed nothing from God; not our salvation, nor His thanks. This is not to say that God doesn’t recognize what we do as we serve Him. He does. He sees it all and is pleased with our obedience. But our attitude as we serve must not be one which expects or demands rewards. God owes us nothing. We serve because He is worthy. That is worship. We are the ones who overflow with thanksgiving for all that He has done for us. As unworthy servants, we are blessed. He loves, provides, protects, heals, forgives, and adopts us as His children. We respond with thanksgiving and praise, offering Him lives of obedient service. As you read this week, ask yourself how you fit into Jesus’ parable. Do you serve simply because God is worthy? Or do you serve, expecting something in return. In other words, is your service worship or self-serving? Reading for Next Week: Mark 10:35-45; Luke 17:7-19