Scripture

Acts 2:46-47

Worship in the Early Church

After Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit came upon the disciples, they were empowered in a way that forever changed history. The small group of Jesus’ followers became thousands, and their lives were transformed. These early Christians began meeting together regularly, sharing their possessions, praying, and worshiping. They lived out their faith with such devotion and intensity that it shook the foundations of society. The practices we see today—meeting in homes, breaking bread, gathering for worship—were revolutionary for their time.

Acts 2:46-47 tells us:
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Their worship wasn’t confined to the temple; it flowed into their homes, into every part of their lives. It was marked by glad and sincere hearts, by a contagious joy that drew others in. Worship for them was a lifestyle, not just a Sunday activity.

What Is Worship?

Worship is more than singing songs. It is a lifestyle fully surrendered to God. Jesus said in John 4:23:
“True worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

Worship is about recognizing who God is and responding with our entire lives. Paul reinforces this in Romans 12:1:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

True worship is not limited to church services. It’s about offering every part of our lives—our work, relationships, and actions—as an act of worship to God. Corporate worship is important, but it should flow from a life of worship.

Worship shifts our focus ourselves to God

Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God. It helps us remember that life is not about us, but about His glory. In C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, the demon Screwtape advises:
“Turn their gaze away from [God] towards themselves.”

The enemy knows that when we focus on God in worship, he is defeated. Worship breaks the cycle of self-centeredness and reorients our hearts toward God. It also lifts our eyes above our circumstances, reminding us of God’s power and presence, even in difficult times.

Take Paul and Silas in Acts 16, who worshiped in prison despite their suffering. Worship was their anchor. It wasn’t dependent on their circumstances; it was rooted in their relationship with God.

Worship Brings Us Closer to God

Worship is a means of drawing near to God. Psalm 73:28 says:
“But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.”

Worship also cultivates gratitude. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul urges:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Through worship, we remember God’s faithfulness and goodness in every season. It draws us closer to Him and helps us see His hand at work in our lives.

Worship in Community

Worship was never meant to be a solo endeavor. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

When we worship together, something powerful happens. We experience God in new ways through the stories and lives of others. Worship strengthens us and keeps us spiritually grounded, like geese flying together, supporting each other on the journey.

The early church didn’t just worship in the temple—they brought it into their homes and their daily lives. Their joy was contagious, and their homes became places of worship and ministry. The same can be true for us.

Conclusion

I want to challenge us to show up differently. When we gather for worship on Sundays or in Life Groups, let’s come ready—ready to pour out our hearts to God, ready to bring joy into the room. Corporate worship sets the spiritual tone for the week. It’s not just a routine; it’s a radical act of refocusing our hearts on God in the midst of a busy world.

Let’s commit to making worship a lifestyle, not just an event. Worship that overflows from a heart fully surrendered to God will transform our lives and our community. Together, we can experience the power of God’s presence in deeper and more meaningful ways.

The above post is a summarized version of the full sermon. Please click the link below to watch the full message: