TRUE WORSHIP : WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

WORSHIPPING GOD IN SPIRIT
MEANS TO OFFER "SPIRITUAL" WORSHIP...
  • 1. In contrast to that which is mostly physical
  • 2. This explanation is in keeping with the context - cf. Jn 4:24
  • Jesus began by saying "God is Spirit..."
  • The worship of God is to be "in spirit" (i.e., spiritual)
  • 3. Note these comments:
  • men must offer a worship corresponding with the nature and attributes of God. - J. W. McGarvey
  • Since he is Spirit, he must receive spiritual worship... - B.W. Johnson
  • A pure, a holy, a spiritual worship, therefore, is such as he seeks the offering of the soul rather than the formal offering of the body - the homage of the heart rather than that of the lips. - Albert Barnes A worship was coming that was more in keeping with God's nature!
    • AS OPPOSED TO "CARNAL" ORDINANCES...
  • 1. OT worship consisted of carnal (fleshly) ordinances - cf. He 9:1-10
  • A physical structure (tabernacle)
  • Special priesthood, clothing for priests
  • Lamp stands, burning incense
  • Instruments of music
  • Feast days
  • Animal and meal sacrifices
    • - All which appealed to the carnal or physical senses of man
  • 2. NT worship is geared more toward the spiritual side of man:
  • God's temple is now spiritual, made up of Christians - 1 Co 3:16; Ep 2:19-22
  • All Christians are priests, offering up spiritual sacrifices - 1 Pe 2:5,9
  • Our prayers are as sweet incense - Re 5:8
  • Our music is making melody with the heart, not the harp – Ep 5:19
  • The Lord's Supper - Ac 20:7; 1 Co 10:16-17; 11:17-34
  • Spiritual sacrifices of praise and service - He 13:15; Ro 12:1- The emphasis is on the spirit of man, not his physical senses!
WORSHIPPING GOD IN TRUTH
MEANS TO OFFER "SPIRITUAL" WORSHIP...
  • A. Our life is worship
  • a. Romans 12: 1 - A life holy and pleasing to God.
  • B. The offering that God wants is the life following His Word. This is Truth.
  • C. John 6: 63 The Word of God is of spirit and they are life. Through living obedient to the Word can we truly live a life of worship to God, worship that is in Spirit and in Truth.
  • D. 1 Samuel 15: 22-23 To obey the Word of God is greater than any offering that we can give.
I wish that we can know we are in this era that Jesus spoke of, where God is seeking worshippers who worships Him in Spirit and in Truth. I wish that we can be those true worshippers, and through this workshop, allow the fruit of the Spirit and Truth to be bore through us.