Hello,
.
.
T
oday, we’re talking about worship.
" For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth," NLT, John 4:24.
We need spirit and truth for acceptable worship.
We might think the keywords in this verse are "spirit" and "truth," and they are indeed significant. However, consider the word "must," which means we have to. We have to worship as God says to, or it's not acceptable. It's not up to man to decide how to worship. All we need to do to honor God correctly is follow the New Testament pattern for worship.—Slide Material for Worship.
So, what do spirit and truth mean?
Well, God is spirit, not physical. Therefore, He is beyond our vision and imagination (however we imagine God, He is beyond that). "Spirit" also means "from man's heart," our soul.
"Truth" means scripture. Jesus said, God's word is truth, John 17:17. Paul said that God gave the Bible by inspiration, or "God-breathed." Since that's the case, whatever worship is, it
must
be done according to His word.
Worship, then, is heart-felt and Bible-based.
We give our hearts in worship, our soul. That means we feel emotion along with rational thoughts of the word. Consider the following:Sing - the command is to sing, Ephesians 5:19; from the heart to God.Pray - pray all the time, Ephesians 6:18; from the heart to God.Give - cheerfully, 2 Corinthians 9:7; from the heart to God.Lord's Supper - a "worthy" way, 1 Corinthians 11:27; must be reverent from the heart to God.Preach - speak God's words, Romans 10:14; proclaim God's word, from the heart and Bible.Tip: Make sure to have the correct heart and truth!Father, You are our God, and every day we consider You, think of You, and praise You. We know our lives depend on You. So we give You thanks and worship You. Our prayers, we offer You. Our hearts belong to You, and we seek to worship according to what You want. Father, may there be peace on earth, Your will be done here and in heaven. May the world see Jesus in our lives - and may the world come to worship You! Blessings to You Father, blessings to You. In Your Son's Name, amen!
This message is from Garland Van Dyke at Bible Points!Matthews St. church of ChristPO Box 1522, Bay City, TX. 774141915 Matthews Street, Bay City, TX. 77414(979) 245-8782Contact me at [email protected]www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com facebook.com/matthewsstreetchurchofchristWant your own copy of our devotional in your inbox? biblepoints.org/bible-points(It's twice weekly, and we don't bombard you with stuff!)
