True Worshipers are those who seek God first above all. In our journey to understand the true essence of worship, we continue part two of this series and look at Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan Woman at the well, which offers profound insights. The passage in John 4:19-24 (NKJV) captures a moment of revelation:
“The Woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Worship in Spirit
Worshipping in spirit means being alive through the new birth—being born again. It’s not just an emotional experience but a profound transformation enabled by the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual rebirth empowers us to connect with God genuinely and dynamically. Our worship should be led by the Spirit, characterised by spiritual discernment rather than mechanical ritual. It’s about a relational freedom that allows us to experience God intimately and authentically.
Worship in Truth
True worship is marked by sincerity—being honest and genuine before God without pretence. It involves rightly dividing the Word of God and applying it accurately. Scripture never contradicts itself; instead, it complements and completes the picture of God’s truth. Worship in truth maintains the integrity of God’s Word, ensuring that our worship aligns with Biblical principles. The Word of God is trustworthy and reliable, and we can depend on its unchanging truths to guide our worship.
Real Worship
As believers, we must discover how the Lord desires to be worshipped. This involves cultivating a sincere relationship with Him, rooted in the Word and guided by the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for worship, “proskuneō,” conveys a profound reverence, adoration, and submission. It parallels a dog’s affectionate and humble gesture of licking its master’s hand, symbolising complete devotion and trust.
Summarising True Worship
Isaiah 61:3 beautifully encapsulates the essence of worship:
“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.“
And in Philippians 3:3, we find a clear directive:
“For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.“
Worship in spirit involves engaging with God through the Holy Spirit. Rejoicing in Christ celebrates the salvation and life we have in Jesus, as well as our future hope of eternity with Him. Having no confidence in the flesh emphasises our reliance solely on the Spirit of God, not on our human abilities. True worshippers who seek God seek God in all they do with one purpose: to Glorify Him in all areas of their lives.
“Worship in Spirit and Truth means completely relying on God as well as completely yielding to His Spirit, glorifying Him in all you do!” – Shaun Smit.
Abraham’s Faith Confirmed: Through Worship in Spirit and Truth
The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, as recorded in Genesis 22:1-18, exemplifies the depth of true worship. Abraham’s unwavering faith and obedience to God’s command highlight his complete trust in God’s plan. Isaac, too, symbolises the willing sacrifice, foreshadowing Jesus Christ carrying the cross. The wood for the burnt offering represents the cross, and the fire signifies God’s presence and purification. The knife denotes the seriousness of the covenant and the ultimate sacrifice, while their journey together underscores unity in purpose and obedience to God’s will. Mount Moriah, the location of this profound act, symbolises God’s provision and the fulfilment of His promises. With the culmination of the elements and the revelation, it will be easier for any believer to completely worship the Father in Spirit and Truth. However, when these elements are realised with a deep sense of revelation and what the Spirit of God would be saying to the Church today, it will be easy to worship in Spirit and Truth because one will have the realisation that everything you have comes from God anyway – it makes it easy to let go of what He tells you, like the Tithe, like forgiveness.
Our Part in True Worship
Hearing God’s voice and obeying His instructions is paramount. Worship involves willingness and obedience, reflecting a heart fully surrendered to God. Pursuing God’s presence leads to purification and transformation. Have you built an altar for God, free of idols and dedicated solely to Him?
Wise Men Seek Jesus
Consider the wise men who sought Jesus, as described in Matthew 2:1-2. They journeyed not just to see Him but to worship Him. Wisdom seeks Jesus, and true worship is measured through our obedience to Him. As Matthew 6:33 (AMPC) reminds us, “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” The big question is, will you be known as a worshiper who seeks after God, His ways of doing and His ways of being right?
Conclusion
“Worship is transformational. It changes the focus of our hearts and lives towards God, bringing us into deeper intimacy with Him and aligning us with His purposes. This worship is in both song and physical acts of yielding and obedience. As we seek Him wholeheartedly, we experience His presence, guidance, and blessings.”
Ezekiel 34:26-27 speaks of the blessings that come from God’s presence:
“I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing, and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land, and they shall know that I am the LORD when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them.“
“There is transformational power in the presence of God; things shift and re-arrange in His presence.” – Shaun Smit.
Through true worship, we cultivate a heart for God, seek His presence, and experience His transformative power. Let us commit to worshipping in spirit and truth, continually seeking Him and yielding to His Spirit. Choose spirit and Truth over flesh and feelings!
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 23rd of June, 2024. You can watch the full message below.