INTRODUCTION:

       A.   When our worship becomes what it should be... it will produce effects that
             are positive in nature.

       B.   Generally, our concept of "true worship" is very formalized and ritualistic,
             confined almost entirely by time and place.  (Ex. John 4)

       C.   Hebrews 12:28 - LATREUO - service.

       D.   Word Study:  LATREUO

            1.   Describes, not the functions and rituals of the priest ( LEITOURGIA
                  does this ), but describes the functions of worship by those other than
                  the priest, i.e., the common people.

                  a.   Example:  Hebrews 10:2 - "If it could, would they not have
                        stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been
                        cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for
                        their sins."

            2.   Uses:  As Jesus broadened its use in John 4.

                 a.   Acts 24:14 - "service" - reflects to Felix a way of life. 
                       "However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a
                       follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything
                       that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets..."

                 b.   Romans 1:9 - "serve" - preaching the gospel -"God, whom I
                       serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son,
                       is my witness how constantly I remember you..."

                 c.   Romans 12:1-2 - "service" - "(1)Therefore, I urge you,
                       brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living
                       sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of
                       worship. (2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this
                       world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
                       you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his
                       good, pleasing and perfect will. 

                 d.   Hebrews 12:28 - our text: EVERYDAY SERVICE

       E.   Seeing the meaning of this word in these verses, let's develop the context
              following the use of this word in Hebrews 12:28 and see the effects that are
              produced by such true worship.

   I.   CONTINUOUSLY LOVE THE BRETHREN - Hebrews 13:1.

       A.   Our worship involves such love of my brother.

            1.   Love - PHILADELPHIA - Friendship with concern.

            2.   Be your brother's friend.

            3.   Look out for his highest good.

       B.  Philippians 2:3 - (count him better) - "Do nothing out of selfish
             ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than
             yourselves."

       C.   I Peter 1:22 - unfeigned - without hypocrisy, pretense - "Now that you
              have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere
              love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."

  II.   CONSTANTLY REMEMBER TO BE HOSPITABLE - Hebrews 13:2.

       A.  Hospitality - PHILOXENIA - love of strangers.  (PHILO - love or
             friendship;  XENIZO - to receive as guest).

       B.  Example:  Abraham - Genesis 18;  Lot - Genesis 19

       C   Romans 12:13 - "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice
             hospitality."

 III.  REMEMBER THOSE IN PRISON AND THE ILL-TREATED -
      Hebrews 13:3.

       A.  Many brethren were in prison for their beliefs and teachings.

       B.  Our remembrance and mindfulness of the distresses of others is a
             part of our worship to God.

  IV.  PURITY IN MARRIAGE - Hebrews 13:4.

       A.  Proper home-life is part of our worship.

            1.  Ephesians 5:22-6:1.

            2.  Colossians 3:17-4:1.

            3.  I Corinthians 7:1-7.

   V.  BEING CONTENT - Hebrews 13:5.

       A.  We are not to crave the carnal.

       B.  Note the reflection of complete trust in God.

       C.  Without complete trust in God and His ability to give aid, our worship
             is vain.

       D.  Philippians 4:10-13 - "(10) I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you
             have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been
             concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. (11) I am not saying
             this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever
             the circumstances. (12) I know what it is to be in need, and I know
             what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in
             any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in
             plenty or in want. (13) I can do everything through him who gives me
             strength."

  IV.  RESPECT YOUR LEADERSHIP - Hebrews 13:7-9.

       A.  Context:  Apostles - "had rule"

       B.  Eldership - Hebrews 13:17.

       C.  To disrespect your leadership is to offer vain worship that is
             unacceptable to God.
 

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  Is your worship put into an everyday life form or only confined to a certain
             time or place?

       B.  Do you believe that your "service" (LATREUO) is what God wants?

       C.  Do you really care?