For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son… (Romans 1:9).
What a remarkable statement Paul made in the verse above. It’s amazing to serve God, not with the flesh, but with your spirit. This is true divine worship, where all you do—your whole life—is a life of worship. That’s why God’s people everywhere must be taught and trained to respond to Him with their spirits because faith is the response of the human spirit to the Word of God.
In the New Testament, there’re several words translated into English as “worship.” One of them is ‘latreuo,’ which means to serve God as seen in Romans 1:9. Another word that’s more familiar to many is ‘proskuneo,’ which is often translated as worship and refers to an act of worship.
For example, in Matthew 4 during the temptation of Jesus, when the devil offered Him the kingdoms of the world, Jesus responded, “…Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship (proskuneo) the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10). Here, worship is an act—a physical expression like lifting hands, singing, bowing, or prostrating oneself.
Then there’s another one, which is a state of mind, described by the word ‘sebomai.’ This denotes a religious disposition or mindset, where one might engage in certain religious practices out of tradition or reverence without necessarily knowing or loving God deeply.
This was the case with the woman named Lydia in Thyatira, described in the Bible as one who worshipped God—a term indicating religious reverence rather than an actual relationship. Jesus addressed such practices, saying, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). But she gave heed to Paul’s message and was converted (Acts 16:14).
When hearts are distant from God, worship becomes vain, as it substitutes doctrines of men for true spiritual connection. But true worship, however, involves serving God with your spirit—an intimate, heartfelt communion with Him—aligning your spirit with His in genuine devotion. Hallelujah!
Prayer / Confession
Dear Father, thank you for revealing to me the essence of true worship. I serve you with my spirit, to live in intimate communion with you every day. My life, resources, thoughts, words and actions are a continual offering of worship, reflecting your glory and purpose. I’m empowered by your Spirit to align my heart with your Word for my worship to be acceptable and pleasing to you as a sweet-smelling fragrance, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further study
John 4:22-24 NKJV; Philippians 3:3; Mark 7:6-8
1-year bible reading plan
Ephesians 1:15-23; Ephesians 2:1-10; Isaiah 13-14
2-year bible reading plan
1 Timothy 6:17-21; Jeremiah 42
