One of the most familiar scriptural passages regarding worship is found in John 4.  In verses 23-24, Christ told the woman with whom He was speaking, “…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.”  Let me tell you why I believe this verse calls me to challenge those under my leadership to grow in worship.

First, Jesus uses the term “true worshipers”.  I believe the modern church is, unfortunately, filled with false worshipers (filled is not to say that all church goers are false worshipers; rather that within the church body are many who know little of surrendering our lives truly to God).  We come together on Sundays, halfheartedly mouth the songs simply because its what we’ve done for years, and when we leave our minds immediately turn from our Savior to the surplus of cares that capture our attention, however unwarranted, for another week.  If this is true of me, I have to ask myself if I am a true worshiper with whom God is well pleased.

Secondly, Jesus says there is a specific way in which we’re to worship the Father, and if true worship is to occur, it must be done this way…“in spirit and truth”.  Notice, the term spirit is not capitalized and, therefore, does not refer to the Holy Spirit.  It refers, on the other hand, to the human spirit.  This means we are to worship God not simply through an outward demonstration, else we are false worshipers, but through an expression that is a manifestation of the heart’s condition.  Worship must originate from within, namely from a person’s spirit, and flow outward.

Next, we are to worship in truth.  I believe Jesus intended to communicate that we are to worship in accordance with all of God’s Truth.  In order to do this, we must first know God’s Word.  How can we spend little or no time growing in intimacy with God through bible study and expect to have a genuine worship experience…we can’t!  For us to bring a sacrifice that truly honors God in our corporate worship, we must be continually growing both individually and collectively in our knowledge of God, of what He requires for holy living, and of the privilege of personally worshiping God.

In ending, let me say this.  There are many churches that stress one aspect over the other.  For instance, some emphasize spirit, or emotion, in worship, but at the expense of structure and adherence to God’s specific ordinances for approaching Him.  Others have swung to the completely opposite side of the pendulum, emphasizing truth so heavily that the emotional component of worship is forgotten, even forbidden.  For me, here’s what it comes down to, and I’ll say with, as any good pastor should, alliterated points.  Worship must be done with the heart and with the head.  We must have both sound theology and eager doxology, and in the appropriate balance.  I pray we, as the church, would pursue together this type of worship, expecting the Lord would empower us with the understanding and the passion to glorify Him.

This week, in preparation for our time of corporate worship, reflect on the lyrics of these songs:
Made to Worship
Sacrifice of Praise
10,000 Reasons
Your Name
Uncreated One
Here I am to Worship

Click Here for an iTunes playlist of the songs.