Worship
Rusty Wirt   -   February 15, 2026

Worship 

Ephesians 5:15-20

 

If you love something, you will protect it.

Your decisions about Concord Church today, impact the Concord Church of tomorrow.

KEY POINT: For a Church member, weekly worship helps you live wisely in a world of distractions. Worship is also a source of encouragement to all those who participate.

Let’s Talk About Worship

  • Worship is Spiritual and Yet Grounded in Truth: Unlike the Old Testament’s temple-centric sacrifices, the New Testament emphasizes worship as inward and spiritual. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth (John 4:23–24).
  • Worship is Done in Community: Worship is directed to God through Jesus Christ, who has rescued lost souls. The community of believers are described in the NT as a “royal priesthood” and a “holy nation” offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:9).
  • Worship is Expressed Beyond These Walls: Worship is not confined to rituals but expressed in daily obedience, thanksgiving, and service. Romans 12:1 describes presenting one’s body as a living sacrifice as “spiritual worship

The Apostle Paul Leads the Church In Worship (Ephesians 5)

Christ-Honoring Worship Looks Like This:

  1. We walk wisely (vv. 5:15–16).
    1. Be careful how you live → intentionality in daily choices.
    2. Not as unwise but as wise → wisdom rooted in God’s Word, not culture
    3. Make the most of every opportunity → redeeming the time, living purposefully.
    4. Application: In a digital age, wisdom means discerning how we use time, attention, and influence.
  2. We understand God’s Will (v. 5:17)
    1. Foolishness = living as if God is not present or doesn’t care.
    2. God’s will revealed in Scripture, centered on Christ.
    3. Application: Develop a sensitivity to God’s voice rather than chasing social trends or personal impulses.
  3. We are Filled with the Spirit (v. 5:18)
    1. Contrast: drunkenness (loss of control) vs. Spirit-filled life (God’s control).
    2. Spirit-filled living produces clarity, joy, and holiness.
    3. Application: What fills us shapes us—media, substances, or the Spirit? Choose the Spirit’s influence.
    4. What did you fill up on this week?
    5. (((Please Remove before printing*** See Notes on Ephesians Commentary ECOTNT)))

 

  1. We know worship and fellowship go together (vv. 19–20)
    1. Speaking to one another → worship is communal, encouraging others.
    2. Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs → variety of worship expressions.
    3. Sing and make music from your heart → authentic worship, not performance.
    4. Always giving thanks → gratitude as a lifestyle, even in trials.
    5. Application: Spirit-filled worship transforms relationships and cultivates joy.

Application

Weekly worship should be the culmination of life following Jesus the other 167 hours of the previous week.

Practical Steps

  • Pray before you arrive
  • Don’t come by yourself, bring a friend
  • Sit up close
  • Participate (even if the song is not your favorite)
  • Volunteer