Worship and the church (2) Worship in Spirit and In Truth

Previously We defined worship – different words indicating actions that demonstrate reverence toward the one addressed; to show obeisance. Also noted it is a work of the church – 1) Directed toward God 2) Worship to be done together 3) We have a pattern 4) Edification is a result of true worship

Worship in spirit and truth John 4:23-24 Jesus noted 3 elements to proper worship: 1) A proper object 2) Spirit – proper attitude 3) Truth – proper action See also Joshua 24:14, “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served… Serve the Lord!

Worship in spirit Attitude is very important. Worship must come from the heart, Matthew 5:8, the pure in heart will see God Psalm 24:3-4, clean hands and a pure heart Hebrews 10:22, a true heart Cf. Mark 7:5-7, their heart is far from Me… vain worship

Worship in spirit Attitude is very important. We need holiness Psalm 29:2, Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness Genuine worship will come from genuine Christians

Worship in spirit God condemns improper attitudes: Genesis 4:6-7, to Cain, he challenged his demeanor and actions Malachi 1:6-14, worship that had become corrupt, mere ritual and weariness Amos 5:21-24, the LORD despised their worship! Ungodly attitudes, etc.

Worship in spirit God condemns improper attitudes: Matthew 6:1-18, do what you do before God, not to be seen of men! (Giving, praying and fasting) Psalm 51:15-17, the sacrifice God accepts, a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.

Worship in spirit Every act of worship involves the heart: Giving – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, cheerfully, purposefully Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:27- 30, if in an unworthy manner Singing – Colossians 3:16 – with grace in your hearts to the Lord; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:15

Worship in spirit Every act of worship involves the heart: Learning God’s word – Psalm 119:105, Acts 10:33, here ready to hear; Acts 17:11, the noble minded Bereans Prayer – 1 Corinthians 15:14, see Luke 18:10-14, whose prayer did God hear and accept?

Worship in spirit As the church Are we acting and preparing with sincerity? Ensure what we do is not mere ritual! God wants pure motives behind our actions Facilitate proper worship. Make our coming together as comfortable and without distractions as much as possible

Worship in spirit As the church Avoid a casual attitude! Casualness robs us of sincerity and reverence Ensure reverence – Hebrews 12:28 Let all be decent and orderly – 1 Corinthians 14:40

Worship in truth God has always demanded we worship properly. He has given us pattern, from the very beginning! Corrupt and vain worship Vain worship– Matthew 15:7-9

Worship in truth God has always demanded we worship properly. NOT the Lord’s supper – 1 Corinthians 11:18-22 Lack of orderliness, competitive attitudes and actions (not humble) 1 Corinthians 14 Colossians 2:23, self-imposed religion, “will worship” (KJV)

Worship in truth Includes following the proper pattern Not the Old Testament – Ephesians 2:14-15, Colossians 2:14 John 4:22-24 We must respect His boundaries 1 Corinthians 4:6, Colossians 3:17 all in the name of the Lord

Worship in truth As the church we facilitate true worship: Provide the place and elements (expedients) to worship properly – building (location), containers, song books, Bibles available, etc. Assignments so that we worship orderly Demand that we follow God’s pattern Do not fellowship those practicing or teaching error – Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16:17-18

We must take our worship seriously Is God pleased with how we are worshipping Him?