I Religiously Serve (λατρεύω)

The Christian Life Podcast · Jul 19, 2026 · 10m

“Latreuō” is translated as “serve” or “worship.” It conveys serving, but it refers to a specific religious service rather than worship or serving as a slave. Worship is giving credit for who a person is and for what they have done. One who is a slave is bound to obey his master. Religious service denotes actions that relate to services performed in service to God.

When Satan tempted Jesus, his final offering was the kingdoms of the world system he had built. To obtain these, all Christ needed to do was worship him (Matthew 4:8–9). In response, Jesus rebuked Satan, sent him away, and stated…