Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

My understanding is that the Greek word used in the cited verse in connection with what the worshippers at Antioch were doing (which, in English letters is rendered as "leitourgountōn", and from which the English word "liturgy" is derived), refers to the same activity to which "liturgy" still applies -- that is, an organized act of group worship in accordance with a set procedure. 

As noted in the exposition of the cited verse contained on the biblehub.com website, other translations of this same verse express the word "ministered" as "were worshiping" or "were serving".

Based on that, Christians today perform that same activity by engaging in corporate worship.

September 09 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

How do we minister unto the Lord?

To minister unto the Lord means to serve and give worship directly to God, not for personal benefit but out of reverence and devotion. It involves praising God, offering sincere worship and thanks, studying and confessing His Word, living a life of holiness, and even weeping with intercession for His people and purposes. Ultimately, ministering to the Lord means to give Him the first place in all things. 

A life of obedience and holiness is a form of spiritual service and worship to God.

Romans 12:1 instructs believers to "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God," which is their true and proper worship.

A heart devoted to God seeks to follow his instructions, recognizing that "obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22).

Ministering to the Lord requires humility, giving him all honor and glory instead of seeking it for oneself.

23 Let us hold fast the confession of the hope without wavering,—For faithful is he that hath promised;
24 And let us attentively consider one another to provoke unto love and noble works,25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together according to the custom of some, but exhorting, and by so much the more as this By as much as ye behold the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10: 23-25)

These Bible verses help us to appreciate and understand how we minister God and Jesus Christ:

Regarding the account in Hebrews, Paul calls attention to a vital aspect of true worship: “Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised.” (Hebrews 10:23) The expression “public declaration” literally means “confession,” and Paul also speaks of “a sacrifice of praise.” (Hebrews 13:15) This reminds us of the type of sacrifice that men like Abel, Noah, and Abraham offered.

We do appreciate that Christians do not offer literal sacrifices​—animal or vegetable—but ​they do have the responsibility to bear witness to the Kingdom good news and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)

Instead of only seeking blessings for yourself, we all should focus on ministering to God's needs and giving Him what He benefits from. 

We also need to obediently carry out his will and serve others in his name, as Jesus taught (Matthew 25:40).

However, ministering to God and Jesus Christ is a skill that requires cultivation, consciousness, and commitment, as it is the foundation of true spiritual authority. 

Read Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, through the compassions of God, To present your bodies a living holy sacrifice, unto God acceptable,—Your rational divine service;

This verse tells us what we need to do: we have to make known by speech and actions one's life as a living sacrifice, offering one's being, actions, and time to God in response to His sacrifice.

And in these ways we minister to God and Jesus Christ.

3 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report