WORSHIPPING GOD IN SPIRIT- SOME CHALLENGES? ( JOHN 4:23-24 )
Daniel A Oliva / 2024-01-17
"... the true worshippers 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 Him in spirit and truth," John 4:23-24 ( NKJV)
INTRODUCTION
A. John 4:23-24 are the most quoted verses on the subject " Worshipping God."
1. But do we truly understand how to worship God in " spirit?" Are we really adoring Him in true and real spirit?
2. Let us know the TRUTH as Jesus stated in John 8:32.
B. The approach in this lesson shall be as follows:
1. Worshipping God in Spirit-Its Real Meaning.
2. Elements of Worshipping God in Spirit
3.Some Problems- Worshipping God in Spirit
4. Challenges To Conquer in Worshipping God in Spirit
DISCUSSION
A. Worshipping God in Spirit- Its Real Meaning
1. The word " worship " ( Greek " proskuneo " ) refers to devotion and reverence to God in worship.
2. It can literally mean " to bow, to kneel, to draw near or even kiss the hand and foot of the one highly loved and respected."
3. " In spirit " ( Hebrew ' ruach ' ) and ( Greek ' pneuma ' )
a. the Greek noun " pneuma " comes from the verb ' pneo ' meaning " to breathe or blow."
b. ' pneuma ' or breath is associated with invisible things that exerted a force or power.
4. To worship God in spirit means
a. " to depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and assistance"
b. worshipping God with sincerity of heart and affection
5. This begins by setting our hearts and minds on things above-
a. seeking to bring heavenly direction to our earthly duties by fixing our eyes on the eternal
b. Colossians 3:1-2 " where Christ is seated at the right hand of God
6. To worship God in spirit is " not to have a physical representation of God."
a." You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea.
- you must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God," Exodus 20:4-5
b. Doing so is " idolatry " and idolaters will go to hell, Revelation 22:15
c. Galatians 5:19-21 " idolatry- a work of the flesh will prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God."
d. God is Spirit while an idol is a deaf and dumb thing.
B. Elements of Worshipping God in Spirit
1. Presence of God Himself in the Assembly
a. Jesus said, " Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of you," Matthew 18:20
b. When we feel the presence of God in our midst, our worship will become more spiritual
c. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the world, " Matthew 28:20
d. The Holy Spirit dwells in all of the saints, I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19
2. Understanding God's message through His speakers
a. " In these last days, God is speaking through His Son..." Hebrews 1:1-2
b. Jesus told His disciples, Matthew 28:20 " teach them to observe all things I have commanded you."
c. Praying and Singing with the spirit and with the understanding, I Corinthians 14:15
3. Having Spiritual Rather Than Evil Thoughts
a.Paul wrote " we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:5
b. " Whatsoever things are true...if there be any virtue, think on these things," Philippians 4:8
c. " Put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires," Ephesians 4:22
d." Worship God with joy, pleasure and satisfaction only found in Him.God's greatest delight is our delight in Him."
C. Some Problems- Worshipping God in Spirit
1. Distractions in the Place of Assembly
a. Noise- created by unruly children; late comers; mobile phones and surroundings
b. Members talking with each other; sleeping and misbehavior
c. Loss of electricity and sound system resulting to discomfort
2. Unrepentant member due to unconfessed sin
a. Walking in the Light needs confession of sin and forgiveness, I John 1:7-10
b. Known sinners not disciplined, I Corinthians 5:1-5
3. Not listening to the teacher or speaker
a. shown in their non- verbal communication/action
b. boring speaker; lengthy sermons; unprepared teacher
D. Challenges To Conquer in Worshipping God in Spirit
1.Caught Between Technology and God
a. Digital Technology has made " on line " worship service and bible study possible
b. In stead of coming to the church assembly, Hebrews 10:25, many are content to stay at home
c. This was exacerbated during the " pandemic " limited travel and group gathering
d. Matthew 6:24 " You cannot serve two masters: God and Technology
2. Fear of Missing Out Activities
a. Our world has become fast-paced and is full of varied choices
b. Many would " miss " church worship assemblies due to work, travel, business opportunity and important gatherings ( reunions )
c. The challenge to face is " Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness," Matthew 6:33
3. The Allurements of This World
a." Love not the world..for the things of this world are the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life," I John 2:15-17
b. Many are deceived by worldly pleasures and they forget the God who made them
c." Do not be conformed with the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2
CONCLUSION
A. The Israelites had a problem worshipping the true God in the wilderness despite His presence and miracles.
1. May we be not like Israel who preferred to worship " idols" despite God's marvelous works among them.
2. The challenge is to really " worship" an invisible yet omnipotent God in this chaotic world!
B. To truly God in the true spirit that He desires from all men of all generations for eternity, you have..
1. Believe in Jesus and be baptized to be saved, Mark 16:16
2. Repent of your sins and be baptized to be forgiven and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38
3. Now is the acceptable time.Today is the Day of Salvation, 2 Corinthians 6:2
4. Christ invites you to come to Him for spiritual rest, Matthew 11:28-30