INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. To Correct the Social Problems of Samaria
2. To Correct the Spousal Problems of Samaria
3. To Correct the Spiritual Problems of Samaria
Introductory Remarks.
1. In today's lesson, we will explore the profound theme: 'I Must Need Go through Samaria.' This is a historical event and a pivotal moment in our faith. It deals with three ills plaguing Samaria as they plague our cities today. Jesus felt a compelling need to journey through Samaria on his return to Galilee. This was not the only route into Galilee; he could have gone by the sea or the mountain range bordering Samaria. It was not because of geography that he had to go this way to Galilee. But some things in Samaria deserved our Lord’s immediate and uncompromising attention. He had a rendezvous with destiny!
2. First and foremost, Jesus, in his infinite compassion, had to address the social problems that currently exist between the people of Samaria and Jerusalem. The Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, a division Jesus sought to bridge. He would break down this barrier to open all the opportunities to the Kingdom of God. As you know, up until this time, he and the disciples were laboring under a 'limited commission.' Jesus, recognizing the urgency, would use this visit to this city to expand his message and healing beyond the nation of Israel. Indeed, if every soul is to be subject to the kingdom of God, its terms of obedience and promises of eternal life, then his presence and his work in Samaria and the other cities must be felt. Jesus had to go through Samaria to make them aware of the good news and show compassion.
3. Secondly, Jesus had to address the spousal problems in Samaria. The woman at the well would hear news regarding her marriages and how she could, with all her problems, be allowed to drink the “living water.” Jesus is that: “Water which springs up into eternal life.” Indeed, the grace of God can cover and forgive all sins -even the sin of being married five times and divorced and even having lived with a man unmarried. He came to preach a gospel of deliverance from all sins! Some ministers would have to stop teaching when they learned of this woman’s marital condition -but not Jesus; He kept teaching the woman!
4. Finally, Jesus had to correct the spiritual problems that plagued Samaria. They were ill-informed on how and where to worship God. Jesus would tell the woman at the well where the Samaritans would worship the true God and how they are to worship Him, which was “in spirit and truth.” Worship involves the “truth” and the human “spirit.” Here, we mean not just the acts of worship but a spirit of reverence and joy in our adoration and praise of God. David said: “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go up into the house of the Lord,” Psalms 122:1. There must be joy and appeal in our worship and devotion unto God. “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice,” Philippians 4:4. With this introduction, let’s consider point one, “to correct the social problems of Samaria.”
BODY OF LESSON
I TO CORRECT THE SOCIAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA
A. The first reason why Jesus had to journey through Samaria was to correct some social problems there. We need him to come through our city today, don't we? This city is like many; they struggle to get along with their neighbors. Notice,
1. First, this was abundantly clear when the woman said: "How is it that thou, being a Jew, asketh drink of me, which is a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans,” John 4:9.
2. Further, their idol worship and pagan wives have separated them from their Jewish roots. They were despised, as were the “publicans and sinners” by the Jews.
3. Finally, Jesus needed to change the Jewish perceptions of their neighbors if they were “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God," Ephesians 2:19. He would do this through his actions and later through his teaching.
a. Luke wrote: "The former treatises have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach," Acts 1:1; Luke 1:1-4.
b. The Lord’s teaching was always a result of His practices. He was a leader who was leading through His examples.
c. Illustrate: Don’t tell the church to love, show them how; don’t tell them to give more, show them how; don’t tell them to be faithful, show them how!
d. Paul penned: “Teach faithful men, to teach faithful men, to be sound in the faith,” 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:1.
B. The Limited Commission. Jesus and his disciples were preaching under the “Limited Commission” during their visit to Samaria. What did this mean?
1. Jesus’ Commission to the twelve: "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons. Freely have you received, freely give,” Matthew 10:5-7.
2. Jesus expanded this Commission. While preaching in the Tyre and Sidon region, Jesus honored a Syrophoenician woman’s faith. Notice,
a. First, the woman’s daughter was vexed with an unclean spirit. She followed him and asked that he cast out the demon. Jesus said unto her: “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” Matthew 15:24.
b. Further, “Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord Help me. But he answered and said: it is impossible to take the children's bread and cast it unto dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table,” Matthew 15:25-27.
c. Finally, He said unto her: “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour,” Matthew 15:28; Mark 7:24-30. Her persistence and faith compelled the Lord to heal her child.
d. Some writers believe she was a Gentile woman. In Matthew 15:22, she is called a “Canaanite woman.” This healing caused Jesus' work to move beyond the “Limited Commission” to instruct the twelve on their upcoming work “into all the world.”
C. A prelude to the Great Commission. Jesus is now teaching by example regarding the doctrine of the broadness of the kingdom of God. His church would include both Jews and Gentiles, Samaritans, and Greeks. His kingdom would include all -even the outcasts of the Jewish society, like this Canaanite and Samaritan woman. Jesus opened the door of the kingdom to people other than Jews. Notice,
1. First, Jesus says: "And I say unto you, that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom (Israel), shall be cast out into outer darkness; and there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth," Matthew 8:11-12.
2. Further, Jesus shared the "living water" with the Samaritan Woman. By this, He clarifies that men and women were to be members of the kingdom of God—to drink the “water of life,” John 4:10-14; John 7:38-39; Revelations 22:17.
a. The Samaritans and others would hear, believe, and obey the gospel and be granted membership in the kingdom (church) of Christ, Acts 1:8; Ephesians 5:5; Romans 16:16.
b. Illustrate Philip's preaching in Samaria. Philip was building upon the foundation of the Lord’s work in that city, Acts 8:5; Acts 8:5-12.
c. Illustrate Fields White Already to Harvest. Christ had sown; now Philip is reaping the harvest, John 4:35-43. Praise God!
3. Paul wrote the Galatians: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise," Galatians 3:28-29; Daniel 2:44; and Isaiah 2:2-3.
D. But who were these Samaritans? They were the descendants of those carried into bondage by the Assyrians (General Sargon captured Samaria in 722 BC, carrying 27,290 of its inhabitants into captivity). These people had married strange women and worshipped strange gods while in Assyria. The Jews classed the Samaritans as dogs and the dregs of society. But Jesus' references to them were always with compassion, even to them as people who showed gratitude to Him and compassion to others. Notice,
1. Who is my neighbor? Illustrate The Good Samaritan, Luke 10:30-37. Jesus teaches this lawyer and His disciples about their relationship with these Samaritans.
2. One of the ten lepers healed was a Samaritan, Luke 17:11-19. He was a man of gratitude, the only man healed who returned to thank the Lord for his cleansing.
3. His discussion with the woman began “after his disciples had left ... (to go into the city to buy meat)," John 4:8.
4. Later, they returned: "And upon this came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman; yet no man said, what seeketh thou or, why talketh thou with her?" John 4:27. This was a gross violation of a Rabbi’s contact with a woman in public, especially with a Samaritan woman.
E. How does this apply to us today? We need Jesus to come to Arizona, Alabama, and other states and cities to help resolve some of its social problems. Numerous indifferences divide the people of God, as well as this nation. They come in several forms of social problems today; to mention a few, they are family, cultural, political, and religious. Notice,
1. First, family members. Jesus had to address the family problem with his disciples during His ministry. Remember: “The mother of Zebedee’s sons (James and John) came to Him with her sons...and asked them to sit on his right hand and left in his glory. He replied...it is not for me to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by my Father,” Matthew 20:20-28.
a. This request caused a significant problem among the other disciples. Notice: “And when the ten heard this, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers,” Matthew 20:26. Mother, be careful what ye ask of God for your sons.
b. Paul had a problem with Barnabas, a family member, over John Mark. There was great contention between Paul and Barnabas because of John. Because he departed from the work in Pamphylia, Acts 15:36-40.
c. Family members cannot influence us in the Lord’s work. Showing partiality to family members can cause strife and confusion in the Body of Christ.
d. Remember Paul: “Let love be without dissimulation (hypocrisy),” Romans 12:9.
2. Further, cultural indifferences. Peter and other Jews were indifferent to the Gentile saints in Antioch because of the “men from James,” Galatians 2:11-13. This is an example of “dissimulation or (hypocrisy).” Dissimulation (pretense), in this case, was a form of exclusion, segregation, and separation between these Gentiles and Jewish saints in the church during their “love feast.” Notice,
a. Peter and other Jews withdrew from the Gentiles and refused to eat with them while James and the others “of the circumcision” were in Antioch. The world was influencing the apostle Peter rather than his actions influencing the world. The “men from James” did not consider these Gentile saints without “keeping the Law of Moses and circumcision,” Acts 15:1-5; Acts 15:24.
b. Paul withstood Peter to his face. We cannot allow social indifference, prejudices, and unchristian behavior to affect how we deal with each other in the church.
c. We must all walk upright according to the gospel of Christ.
d. When good people do not stand up against wrong and injustice, they become commonplace in the church, the workplace, and other parts of our society.
e. Illustrate God’s no Respecter of Person, James 2:1-10. To show “partiality or respect of persons you sin being exposed by the law as transgressors.”
3. Next, political parties. Some hold their political differences closer to their hearts than the Lord. As Christians in America, we need to love God first, our neighbors, and then ourselves, Matthew 22:37-40. We must cherish God over political party affiliations and right over wrong in the church and everyday life. FAITH BEFORE POLITICS!
a. The Pope's visit several years ago reminded us that, as Americans, we must work together to solve the nation's many problems. We can eliminate hunger, unemployment, medical illnesses, racial divisions, and other problems.
b. Political indifference breeds hatred and prejudices that infect our country's national well-being. These attitudes prevail when good people remain silent!
1) The late George H.W. Bush once remarked regarding hatred: "Hatred corrodes the container that it is carried in." Alan Simpson, a political friend, repeated this quote in his remarks at Mr. Bush’s Memorial Service on December 5, 2018.
2) One cannot hate and not become infected by it. Only the love of Christ can remove hatred and prejudice from the human heart! America is still embroiled in racism, starting at the highest levels of government and religion.
c. We need the Spirit of Christ back in the White House, Congress, and Courts, Romans 8:9; Romans 8:14. POLITICAL PERSECUTION V. RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION!
d. Evangelical influences in the nation's political system. This has become a great evil; this religious body now attempts to influence the nation's political system with its misguided beliefs. It was this type of interference that many religious people fled to America to break free from religious persecution.
e. Illustrate Abortion versus human rights (Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973)). The courts are being stacked with men and women who are being influenced by evangelical views to overturn this landmark legislation. Remember the "separation of church and state?”
1) America is diverse, with all types of religious views.
2) We cannot permit one religious group to impose their views (abortion, homophobia, etc.) on the nation.
3) We must resist political influences from all religious groups. They align themselves with political groups with corrupted intentions and become enablers of evil and deceitful works within these political systems.
f. Religious leaders. From all walks of life, they must never align themselves with any politician (President or congressional leaders) or political party whose goal is to deny the rights and freedom of others.
1) The late Billy Graham learned this truth the hard way; it is reported that after the Watergate Scandal: “Rev. Billy Graham admitted in his later years that he had learned a hard lesson after the Watergate scandal exposed his cozy complicity with President Richard M. Nixon: Pastors should not become too enmeshed with politicians and (with) partisan politics. Looking back, I know I sometimes crossed the line and wouldn’t do that now,” he said during an interview with Christianity Today Magazine in 2011.
2) His son Franklin Graham has not heeded his father's advice: “Among Mr. Trump’s most vocal evangelical supporters, few are as high-profile as Billy Graham’s eldest son and the heir to his ministry, the Rev. Franklin Graham, who is 65.” The same article, above.
3) President Trump and evangelical hypocrisy: “Now, the movements that he helped spawn are divided over the very danger that Mr. Graham — who died...at age 99 — had warned about. Evangelicals have become locked to a tight embrace with President Trump and the Republican Party, and some of them are now asking whether they have compromised the Gospel message.” The same article, above.
4) Ye cannot serve two masters. Jesus said: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” Matthew 6:24.
a) Evangelicals have compromised their faith in Christ to obtain favorable legislation from the President and the Republican Party.
b) President Trump's policies on immigration and border security are racist and discriminatory. And evangelical leaders and voters are in full support of these behaviors. Christians cannot walk on both sides of truth, Matthew 12:30.
c) They have become the servants of men; and no longer, the servants of Christ, Galatians 1:10-12. For the entire article, see the reference and link below.
5) Reference: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/26/us/billy-graham-franklin-graham-trump.html.
4. Finally, religious divisions. “I am of Paul, I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas, I am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:10-15. Paul asked: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” We must be careful not to elevate preachers or (baptizers) over Christ (into whom we were baptized). It is not essential who baptized us, but into whom we were baptized – that is, into Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:3-7. Consider our next thought: “To correct Samaria's Spousal Problems.”
II TO CORRECT THE SPOUSAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA
A. The next problem Jesus had to correct in Samaria was marriage and the husband's relationship with his wife. There existed a spousal problem in Samaria, as well as in Jerusalem. I know that just one lesson on this subject will not fix all the problems we might find regarding it in the church, city, or state. However, we must deal with such problems in the church and people’s lives. Notice,
1. First, again, this is clear from the woman’s comment to Jesus when he instructed her to: "Go call thy husband and come hither." And she replied: "I have no husband."
2. Further, Jesus reminds her that she was married five times, divorced by each husband, and now just living with a man. Notice: "Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband; for thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband; in that saidst thou truly," John 4:16-19.
3. Next, under Jewish law, it was customary that the man held the right to divorce, but not the woman. The wife was bound to the husband as long as he was alive. Only after death is she released from the law of her husband or the “marriage contract,” Romans 7:1-3. But he could divorce his wife for almost any cause under the Law of Moses.
NOTE: Illustrate Writing of Divorcement, Matthew 19:7.
4. Finally, during the time of Jesus, there were two schools of thought on the issue of divorce: one was from the school of Shammai - which permitted divorce for only “adultery,” and the other was from the school of Hillel -which permitted divorce “for any reason.” Consider,
a. It was from Hillel’s teaching the “Pharisees came tempting Jesus saying unto him, is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” Matthew 19:3.
b. We have discussed this teaching in great depth in our sermon: “Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage,” on SermonCentral.com. I encourage you to visit that site and download the lesson to study this topic further.
c. But for now, let’s remain on our topic today: Jesus’ visit to Samaria.
B. Our Lord was teaching His disciples and the citizens of Samaria, as the "church is the wife of Christ," He loves her and desires all to be a part of it. There is room in the church for everyone who has committed unthinkable sins, even this Samaritan woman. The “grace of God” can remit all sins. I’m convinced that this was the reason Jesus visited this woman of Samaria: to invite her into the kingdom of God once established on Pentecost. Notice,
1. First, many in our assemblies would reject this woman as “unfit for the kingdom of God.” She had five husbands. She had five divorces. Some would say: “Only the Lord could straighten this out when He returns!” But I ask: “What is her sin right now?” Hear me, beloved brothers and sisters. Jesus,
a. Did not reject her for the five failed marriages and divorces.
b. Established she was not married to the man she was living with.
c. Knew that His blood could forgive all of her sins, even “fornication.”
2. Further, love, understanding, and forgiveness need to exist in the church today. The Lord speaks to us today, as with this woman at the well. Let me remind you: He did not call her an adulteress (that would surely be the case if she were not legally divorced in any of these marriages), and she is now living with a man.
a. Her sin is fornication. I ask: “Can the grace of God forgive this sin?” Hear Paul: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?”
b. Corinth sins. “Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with humanity. Nor thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, or extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
c. Their forgiveness. “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
3. Finally, what should a person do today if living in a similar situation?
a. Hear, believe, and obey the gospel of Christ, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18. Why?
b. To be “washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 22:16.
c. To become a “new creature,” 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10.
d. Luke wrote: “And they that gladly received his words were baptized…and the Lord added to the church daily, those that were being saved,” Acts 2:40-47.
C. Some would declare this woman unfit for the kingdom of God merely because she had been married five times and was living with a man. Divorce among the Jews and Samaritans was commonplace, and “for any cause,” Deuteronomy 24:1ff. However, the law of God is evident today, as it was then, that God hates "the putting away" or divorce, Malachi 2:16. Divorce is against the will of God, but He does grant us an exception. Notice,
1. First, there is an “exception” for divorce or the "putting away." And that is for “unfaithfulness,” Matthew 5:32; Matthew 19:9. Without this exception, there exists no authority to "put away" one's spouse legally in the eyes of God.
a. Guilty party. Some suggest that they should not be able to remarry and live an everyday life after divorce for fornication. They consider this person still bound to the marriage contract.
b. Nonguilty party. The nonguilty party, however, can remarry and live an everyday life after divorce or separating from their spouse.
c. How can you have one legally divorced and the other still married based on this thinking? If one is divorced, then so is the other party.
NOTE: For a more exhaustive discussion of these positions, review our lesson on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage on SermonCentral.com.
2. Further, Paul discusses “desertion” in his letter to the Corinthians. He wrote: “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord.” This is the Lord’s commandment!
a. “Let not the wife depart from her husband: But if she departs (leaves), let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband.” There is no commandment for the wife to leave her husband, but if she does so, she must remain unmarried.
b. “And let not the husband put away or (divorce) his wife.” The Lord commands a man (a believer) to stay with his wife and not divorce her.
c. “But if the unbelieving departs (leaves), let him depart.” Whether wife or husband.
d. “A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace,” 1 Corinthians 7:10-16. Let’s be clear: the believer is not given the right to remarry or obtain a divorce. However, in such cases, the unbelieving departing may signal “infidelity” has already occurred or is most likely contemplated by the departing spouse.
NOTE: Illustrate Death, Divorce (for the exception), and Desertion (of the unbeliever); cancel the marriage contract. [Give an example of each of these to the audience].
3. Finally, the wife should be a "help meet" and "comfort to her husband," Genesis 2:18. Moses wrote of Isaac’s wife. "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent; and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death," Genesis 24:67.
D. Husbands should love their wives. Paul's instruction to the church in Ephesians 5:23-32. Notice,
1. First, husbands should love their wives. Illustrate Husband and Wife, Christ and the Church.
2. Further, wives should submit themselves to their husbands. Hear Paul: "Wives, submit yourselves unto your husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord; Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them," Colossians 3:18-19.
3. Next, “Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation (behavior) of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being subject to their husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are,” 1 Peter 3:1-6.
NOTE: Illustrate that I have a name for Him. And it’s not “my lord!”
4. Finally, it should not be hard for a Christian woman to submit herself to her husband if he loves her as Christ loves the church. If a husband cannot submit to Christ in loving his wife, how can he compel his wife to submit herself to him? We are talking about respect! See Titus 2:3-5.
NOTE: Illustrate Aretha Franklin’s Respect!
E. Heirs together in the grace of life. Notice: "Likewise, ye husbands, dwells with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered," 1 Peter 3:7. I believe you will agree that there are married problems that need to be addressed in the church today? And we will do that with God’s help and the patience of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider our last point: “To correct the spiritual problems of Samaria.” We mean true worship, in “spirit and truth.”
III TO CORRECT THE SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS OF SAMARIA
A. Lastly, spiritual problems existed in worshipping those sojourners in Samaria. The woman replied: "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain," John 4:20-24. The Samaritans had an incomplete knowledge of the true worship of God. To this end, Jesus had to instruct them in the way of God more perfectly. Many today worship improperly rather than in "spirit and in truth." And to this end is our task today, as it was to Jesus then, to reveal the actual and living God to all who would seek to know and worship him in “spirit and in truth.”
B. True worship is not found in temples, mountains, or men’s hands. As the Apostle Paul advised the worshipers of “the unknown God” on “Mars Hill,” Acts 17:23-28. Notice the Psalms,
1. Worship the Lord: “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness,” Psalms 29:2. Also: “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth,” Psalms 96:9.
2. Exalt the Lord: “Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy,” Psalms 99:5. Also: “Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy,” Psalms 99:9.
3. Praise the Lord: “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever,” Psalms 106:1. Also: “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation,” Psalms 111:1. Next, “Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints,” Psalms 149:1. Finally, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren, amid the church will I sing praise unto thee,” Hebrews 2:12; Psalms 22:22.
4. Rejoice in the Lord: “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say, Rejoice,” Philippians 4:4. Finally, “Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness,” Psalms 97:12.
5. It is on the Lord’s Day: “We worship the Lord; exalt the Lord; Praise the Lord; and rejoice in the Lord.” For such God “seeketh to worship Him,” Revelations 1:10.
C. Spirit and Truth. He said: "Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father, ye worship ye know not what, we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him...God is a Spirit," John 4:21-24.
D. Worship in spirit. A man is a triune being; the God of heaven desires worship involving his whole being, "body, soul, and spirit" 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The word "spirit" Greek "pneumatic" denotes man’s emotions, feelings, and inner being. True Worship involves more than acts or ceremonies; it involves our emotions, inner man, and the hidden man of the heart! Worship should be uplifting, inspirational, encouraging, and enlightening to the worshippers and acceptable unto God. Notice,
1. Paul says: "For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son," Romans 1:9. There are too many members in worship who neither sing, pray, or even feel a little emotion when worshipping God. Their worship is void of emotions. They concentrate merely on the acts but feel little or no emotions in the human "spirit" in the worship service. Illustrate: What's Wrong with Them?
2. He also states: “I will pray with the spirit and pray with an understanding, sing with the spirit, sing with an understanding,” 1 Corinthians 14:15.
3. “Bless with the spirit...say, Amen,” 1 Corinthians 14:16-17.
4. “Five words with an understanding,” 1 Corinthians 14:18-19.
5. “Let your women keep silent in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. Illustrate: "Silence."
a. Tongue speaking: "If any man speaks in a tongue...let one interpret. But, if there be no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
b. Prophets speaking, “Let the prophets speak...Let the first hold his peace if anything be revealed to another that sitteth by,” 1 Corinthians 14:29-31.
c. The word “silence” in Gr: is sigáo, see-gah'-o, which means to keep in silent: -keep close (secret, silence), to hold one's peace (in the assembly).
6. Clap your hands: “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph...Sing praises to God,” Psalms 47:1-9.
7. Hear Paul: “And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people,” Romans 15:11.
a. The word “laud” in Gr: is epainéo, ep-ahee-neh'-o, which means to applaud: --commend, or praise.
b. Consider David: “O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people,” Psalms 117:1.
c. Paul quotes Psalms and others regarding the Gentiles’ praising, giving thanks, and lauding (clapping their hands) unto the Lord. I would urge Paul:
1) First, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” 1 Corinthians 14:40.
2) Second, “Quench not the Holy Spirit of God,” 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
3) Finally, “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30.
8. Illustrate: Foot Patting! The verse that condemns the “clapping of hands” in worship; the passage right below it also condemns “foot patting.” Check it out, Jude 4:14. In other words, there are no such passages in the Word of God.
E. Worship in Truth. Notice: "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth," John 17:17. These acts of worship have scriptural authority.
1. When truth exists, the “spirit” of worship is acceptable.
2. Regardless of the emotional tone of worship, if “truth” is absent, then that worship is vain. Notice Jesus: "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their hearts... But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men," Matthew 15:8-9.
3. We must be careful to observe all acts of worship according to the pattern shown in the bible, even as God commissioned Moses to do the same regarding his building of the Tabernacle. Notice: "As Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for see, saith he that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount," Hebrews 8:5.
a. Make all things according to the pattern!
NOTE: Illustrate The Pattern of Worship. Could we have,
b. Honey Graham crackers and Chocolate Milk for Communion? The Bible doesn’t condemn it; doesn’t that mean we can do it? If so, why hasn’t someone suggested it? Simply because the bible outlines what is to be used.
c. Notice: “Unleavened bread and fruit of the vine,” Matthew 26:17-30.
4. The New Testament pattern of worship is outlined in the "apostle’s doctrine and examples," Acts 2:42; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.
NOTE: Illustrate the First Day of the Week. Before I conclude, let’s summarize what we’ve considered in this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. To Correct the Social Problems of Samaria
2. To Correct the Spousal Problems of Samaria
3. To Correct the Spiritual Problems of Samaria
B. Summarize main points.
1. Jesus went through Samaria to correct the social problems of his day. We need to be about healing the social ills of our day and times. We cannot sit idly by and let the world ultimately decay and do nothing. Our voice may be like John: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, to make straight the way of the Lord." But we are wrong to do nothing. Let's heal the wounds of those we may have assaulted. And advise those we love and who may have faith and respect for us and our desire to serve the Lord to do the same.
2. As Jesus addressed the spousal issues of his day, so must we. No honest Christian can be righteous in his actions and not try to heal his marriage. God can still help us work through harrowing (disturbing) trials. How can our message be heard if our faith and living contradict the things we expound? True love will help every saint work through marriage, church, and societal problems. Don't quit trying! Don't stop loving and caring for your mate.
3. Then, as Jesus announced worship, which is spiritual and of the truth, let us strive to make our time in his sanctuary one of truth and full of emotion that comes deeply from the heart. It’s alright to say Amen, to weep, to shout; ensure it’s according to the dictates of the heart and not for the show of men. With this, God is well pleased.
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the Gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the Gospel; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14]. See the attachment below.
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
NOTE: This truth also agrees with Paul's Letter to the Romans and the Colossians. If your preacher doesn’t preach this, ask him why. I suggest that you read Romans 6:1-7 and Colossians 2:11-13. No one should leave this assembly, not knowing when and where: they were saved by God’s grace.
Consultations and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies, Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published, 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Cosby-Street., J. Collord, Printed, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
8. Orr, James, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume IV, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI., 1986.
9. Hastings, James, A Dictionary of the Bible, Volume 3, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA., 1988.
10. Roberts, J.W., Letters to Timothy, Sweet Publishing Company, Austin, TX., 1964.
11. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
12. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
13. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, @ 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
A word of thanks to BLB.org:
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Author’s Information
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org.
Post Office Box 1112
Anniston, AL 36202
Communications and Websites
Email: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is 1-302-202-1110, and the PIN is 214733. These men "know the Shepherd!"
Updated 6/20/2024 by Ron Freeman, Evangelist
