Hebrews 13:15-19

Proper Worship's Relationship to God

Through Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Hebrews 13:15-16

The first thing to notice is a type of worship that is pleasing to God. Proper worship is exclusively through Jesus Christ. There is no other avenue to be pleasing to God. Any worship devoid of Jesus Christ is meaningless.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

Worship God loves comes from those who are broken and contrite. David recognized that animal sacrifices without a repentant heart do not please God. This is the same as the difference between Abel's acceptable sacrifice, motivated by faith, and Cain's unacceptable offering from a self-focused heart.

“Oh, that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on My altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you,” says the Lord of hosts, “nor will I accept an offering from your hands.”

Malachi 1:10

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1

True worship flows from inward reality—an experience of forgiveness through Christ—that produces outward praise and thanksgiving. Gratitude and thanksgiving distinguish true believers from apostates. True believers give thanks continually, even in trials, because they value Christ's salvation more than changing circumstances. They hate sin, love Jesus, and express gratitude for deliverance from sin's power.

Proper Worship Serves the Body of Christ

Proper worship includes doing good and sharing in fellowship, which pleases God. This sharing is deep fellowship, not superficial interaction. It requires stepping out of comfort zones into intimate relationships with believers.

Believers have an inherent need for close association with one another, but the flesh resists because it is self-centered. Serving others esteems them more highly than ourselves, depriving the sinful nature. Yet this lifestyle pleases God.

Doing good and fellowshipping refreshes us, interrupting life's battles. We gain joy from God and refreshment from brothers and sisters.

Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.

Philemon 1:20

And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Acts 2:46-47

Church gatherings provide respite, refocusing us on God and holiness. The biblical formula for church growth is Christians who enjoy salvation, the gospel, God, and one another—prioritizing quality before quantity. These are sacrifices of love.

Safety in Proper Worship Settings

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Hebrews 13:17

This refers to faithful leaders who labor for the brethren and watch over souls—not mere title-holders. Obey and submit with confidence, as these leaders protect souls, even confronting persistent sin.

Leaders are accountable to God for the congregation. Enable them to serve with joy, not grief caused by disobedience or rebellion. Follow the text's progression: thank God, serve one another, obey leaders confidently.

Prayer in Proper Worship

Pray for us, for we are confident that we have a good conscience, in all things desiring to live honorably. But I especially urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner.

Hebrews 13:18-19

Prayer for leaders eases submission by supporting their honorable lives. Leaders must live with a good conscience, accountable to God. The author urges prayer for his restoration to the flock, longing to be with God's people.

One indication of a solid relationship with God is eagerness to be with His people. Consider leaders' conduct and imitate their faith. Do you miss the people of God and their protection when absent?

These principles create quality church life and personal life, to our benefit and God's pleasure. Commit to them for effective church and lives pleasing to God.