In some of my previous posts, I have emphasized the need to be Word centered in all that we do. As the Word goes forth in power, the direction that the Word takes in the life of the believer begins with our understanding and extends to our affections and will (Rom 6:17b). That is, we obey from our hearts the doctrine or teaching from Scripture that is delivered to us. For the sake of memory, let's think of the order this way: first, doctrine; second, doxology; third, duty.
(1) Doctrine (God’s deeds). Doctrine is a fancy word but it essentially means "teaching." The Bible fundamentally teaches us about what the Triune God has graciously done to achieve our salvation. So the doctrine of Scripture is principally about the key persons of the Drama of Redemption: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and the key turning points of the Drama: Creation, Fall, Redemption.
(2) Doxology (our thankful worship). When we come by the Spirit to a saving understanding of these realities, it animates us to worship. Our worship is our glad response to what God has mercifully accomplished for us.
(3)Duties (our reasonable service). Having savingly experienced the "tender mercies of God" (Rom 12:1), and understanding in this that our standing and favor with God is perfect, righteous, and complete in Christ, we now worshipfully present our "bodies as a living sacrifice" to God(Rom 12:1). Our service is not out of an oppressive, begrudging duty. Rather, it is a delightful, glad, grateful, humble duty that stems from our worship of the merciful, redeemer, God.
This is why we need the Word of God. It is only through the Word, centered on what the Father has done "for us" in Christ by the Spirit that worship and Christian service comes. Any other kind of religious activity is a parody of the Christian life and will not stand in the Day of Judgment.
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