Together - Daily DevotionalSample

The Offering of Worship

Reading: Rom.12:1-2

Key Verse: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – which is your spiritual worship” verse 1

The New Testament often refers to the principles and practices of the Old Testament to illustrate spiritual truth. Within the OT we find instructions for making an offering to God. For example, an animal was sacrificed representing the substitute death of the sinner who could then subsequently offer himself to God for a devoted life of fellowship and service (Lev.1,3,8). Paul uses the example of animal sacrifice to illustrate the opportunities and duties of a New Testament believer. 

Jesus emphasised that worship should be of the heart and not merely of the lips otherwise worship would be in vain (Matt.15:7-9). He further explained that we needed to be reconciled to others even before making an offering to God (Matt.5:21-23). Therefore worship is not just about singing but a complete lifestyle.

In the light of God’s own merciful sacrifice of His Son, we are to offer not a substitute animal but our own self as a living sacrifice to a life of devoted fellowship and service. Paul’s injunction shows us that our spiritual worship is about our whole being; the love of our devoted hearts, the passionate emotions of our souls and the energy of our committed bodies.

Prayer: Father I offer my whole self in worship to You