TRUE WORSHIP God is spirit and those who
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TRUE WORSHIP “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4: 24).
God Reveals His Desires n Worship is ancient – From Gen. 4 or earlier. n Many times in ignorance, in vain. n Wrong object, wrong motive. n Here Jesus reveals much about worship. n Not to a holy man in Jerusalem. n Beside a well, not in a temple.
True Worship – What God Desires n He says so – John 4: 23 – “For the Father seeks such to worship Him. ” n God needs nothing from us – Psa. 50: 10. n He wants something from us: an expression of gratitude for His blessings and longsuffering – Psa. 45: 11; Prov. 15: 8; Luke 22: 15 n We are privileged to worship the one, true God.
True Worship – What God Deserves n I believe so. n John 4: 21 -24 – note “Father” 3 times. n Does a “father” deserve anything? – Ex. 20: 12. n Some fathers are mere biological donors. Others take up space. Some really try! n What a great Father is our God! n Malachi 1: 6; I Chron 16: 29.
True Worship – What God Demands n John 4: 24 – “MUST”. n Eccl. 12: 13 n We may refuse to worship now. But if we choose to, God only accepts true worship. n Not “vain” (Matt. 15: 9), not ignorant (Acts 17: 23). n One day we will bow – compare Phil. 2: 6 -11 with Rom. 14: 11
True Worship – What God Defines n “In spirit and in truth” n A definition marks the boundaries. To define a word or position excludes and includes. n Define “apple”. Is an orange an apple? n God defines the “acts” of worship. n God defines the “attitude” of worship. n “Worship” is to “bow before”, but it is also “to serve”. n It continues tomorrow and the day after till life ends. Then continues for the faithful.
Go Tell Jeroboam – I Kings 14 n Jeroboam changed the aim of worship. n Jeroboam changed the address of worship. n Jeroboam changed the attendants of worship. n Jeroboam changed the anniversary of worship. n If God ordains it, we must honor it.
