If we are to worship God “in spirit and in truth” then we must have some understanding as to what this means and how to apply it. When Jesus calls true worshippers to worship “in spirit” His intent is to call people worship in a way different than that which is from the flesh. Worship according to the flesh seeks that which appeals to the flesh. For example, when a person is more concerned with melodies rather than the content of the lyrics of a song sung to God; or is more concerned about the length of a sermon as opposed to the message being preached; or when a person’s participation with God’s people is governed more by his own desires rather than following the expressly revealed command of god – then worship becomes a work of the flesh and is not “in spirit.” Remember that our flesh will always recoil form the things of the Spirit. Scripture tells us that the flesh and the Spirit are constantly at war (Romans 8:6-8). Therefore we must seek to worship “in spirit” which I take to mean by the Spirit of God. For again, “the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God” (Romans 8:7). Be careful what you set your mind upon as you worship God, be it privately or corporately.
To worship God “in truth” means, “according to truth.” Our worship must find its meaning and basis in the Word of God. And while seemingly obvious, we must not be tempted to allow ourselves to be come focused on just a small handful of topics that appeal to us. The apostle Paul declared in Acts 20:27 that he had “not shunned to declare…the whole counsel of God.” Our worship, be it in song, in prayer, in proclamation or testimony, must strive to declare all of God’s Word. Perhaps the greatest example of today’s worship being less than how God defines it is found in the area of music. So much of the music being written for the church today is centered on man’s feelings and man’s work toward God. I could give examples but space does not permit. I would simply ask you to carefully listen to today’s “Christian” music and ask yourself; “Is this telling me more about the God of the Bible, or more about man and his feelings?” Isn’t it amazing that great hymns of the past would find only ridicule and no air time in today’s Christian culture – titles that include “In Thy Wrath and Hot Displeasure”, “Judge Me, God of My Salvation”, and “Fools in Their Hearts.”
In the final analysis, it was Abraham who gave us the best definition of worship. In Genesis 22:5 he said to those traveling with him and his son,
“Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.”
Abraham went to worship God on the mountain, yet what did this worship include? It included the sacrificing of his son Isaac to the LORD. So we see that worship includes sacrifice. Why is worship a sacrifice? It is a sacrifice because we must war with our flesh which does not want to acknowledge God even as our spirits long to. We must labor to know God through the diligent and systematic study of His Word. None of this is easy and it takes time, effort and great devotion. Yet, this is what God desires – worshippers who worship “in spirit and in truth.” Is this your desire? Know that it will take work. As Hebrews 13:15-16 reminds us;
“Through [Jesus] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
May we be a people who are ready to sacrifice ourselves, our time, our resources, our very lives, in order to worship God aright – “in spirit and in truth.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
To worship God “in truth” means, “according to truth.” Our worship must find its meaning and basis in the Word of God. And while seemingly obvious, we must not be tempted to allow ourselves to be come focused on just a small handful of topics that appeal to us. The apostle Paul declared in Acts 20:27 that he had “not shunned to declare…the whole counsel of God.” Our worship, be it in song, in prayer, in proclamation or testimony, must strive to declare all of God’s Word. Perhaps the greatest example of today’s worship being less than how God defines it is found in the area of music. So much of the music being written for the church today is centered on man’s feelings and man’s work toward God. I could give examples but space does not permit. I would simply ask you to carefully listen to today’s “Christian” music and ask yourself; “Is this telling me more about the God of the Bible, or more about man and his feelings?” Isn’t it amazing that great hymns of the past would find only ridicule and no air time in today’s Christian culture – titles that include “In Thy Wrath and Hot Displeasure”, “Judge Me, God of My Salvation”, and “Fools in Their Hearts.”
In the final analysis, it was Abraham who gave us the best definition of worship. In Genesis 22:5 he said to those traveling with him and his son,
“Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you.”
Abraham went to worship God on the mountain, yet what did this worship include? It included the sacrificing of his son Isaac to the LORD. So we see that worship includes sacrifice. Why is worship a sacrifice? It is a sacrifice because we must war with our flesh which does not want to acknowledge God even as our spirits long to. We must labor to know God through the diligent and systematic study of His Word. None of this is easy and it takes time, effort and great devotion. Yet, this is what God desires – worshippers who worship “in spirit and in truth.” Is this your desire? Know that it will take work. As Hebrews 13:15-16 reminds us;
“Through [Jesus] then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."
May we be a people who are ready to sacrifice ourselves, our time, our resources, our very lives, in order to worship God aright – “in spirit and in truth.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
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