True Worship.
John 4:23NKJV
There are different types of thirst. It could be a physical thirst, or a thirst could be spiritual. It can be both, as in the case of the unnamed woman who meets Jesus by Jacob’s well, given to us in John 4. Yes, She is an unnamed woman. She represents each and every one of us. We come to Jesus thirsty! But through our thirst it has taught us to depend on the Holy Spirit. -Never discount what God left us with, John 14:16!
In Jesus’ time, in first-century Judea, the word “Samaritan” did not denote anyone good or well-regarded. In fact, just as in the 21st-century people were prejudice against each others race.
Therefore God’s word says Jesus had a need to go to Samaria. Jesus goes out of His way to teach a low-class-woman how to worship and on whom to trust.
John 4:23 But 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.
Hear me well, the hour has come, the hour is now, when true worshipers will worship the Father...
Again, What do true worshipers do? They worship!
Worshippers know something. They have some (Insight) because worshippers have experienced the tangible presence of the Lord. P.H
I believe with all my heart as you worship, your worship makes you a candidate for the angels help.
Hebrews 12:1NLT Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, (Hebrews 11), let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 1:14NIV Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
What am I saying? I’m saying your worship attracts angels, and worship also provokes the Holy Spirit to action for your behalf. P.H
The apostles Paul writes in, Colossians 1:16NIV For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Two verses before todays text, verse 21. John 4:21NKJV Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father.
We are those true worshippers! We worship Father in Spirit and in truth.
True worshippers worship Father in Spirit, (Our new nature) and in truth, (We possess the truth), the truth is God’s perfect Holy Word!
1. We worship in Spirit. 2 Corinthians 5:17NKJV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2. We worship in truth. John 14:6AMP Jesus said to him, “I am the [only] Way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
As Pastor of CECC, I’m calling you to worship. Come, Let us worship.
When dealing with satan Jesus said in, Matthew 4:10b...‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
So why should we study about worship? We all have our preferences to worship, but one thing is needed, a desire, a thirst, and a passion, for the Lord’s presence.
Remember this, Worship and God’s Word run parallel.
I want to give you some important facts about worship:
1. Did you know that worship is the most critical issue for our time.
The world is divided, according to their object of worship and their methods of worship.
In some religions, people worship their ancestors, but in other religions, people worship various gods, such as Buddha, Vishnu, Shiva, or Indra. The Muslims worship Allah.
Hundreds and even thousands of people are fighting and dying because of their allegiance to the gods that they worship.
Even within Christianity, the differences in worship have created conflict.
2. Worship is a crucial topic for the church today.
Recent book suggests that the church is currently experiencing a time of worship wars. It's really not unusual, it's been going on for centuries. The Roman Catholics versus the protestants. The protestants versus the Pentecostals. And on and on it will go...
This is the way I see it, Worship is bigger than a style, Worship is bigger than our worship songs. -Worship is bigger!
Psalm 150:1-6NKJV Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary;Praise Him in His mighty firmament! 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! 3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! 5 Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals!
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
“If you’re going to have victory, you’re required to be a worshipper. P.H
So what gets your praise meter moving? “Can I tell you that your deepest praise and worship will come by wilderness.” P.H
3. Worship is a critical topic for contemporary life.
Life has become more complicated than ever before, people are preoccupied with many activities, and with the accumulation of possessions. -Dr. Lee Roy Martin
Jesus states in, Matthew 6:24 We cannot worship both God and money.
The apostle Paul warns us that covetousness is a form of idolatry, Colossians 3:5.
Paul warned Timothy, not to be a lover of pleasure, but a lover of God, 2 Timothy 3:1.
4. Worship is a critical topic in the Christian life.
Worship is a critical issue, because worship is the most important activity in the Christian life.
When Jesus Christ was tempted in the wilderness, the devil offered to Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would only bow down and worship him, Matthew 4:9.
But Jesus responded, away with you Satan! For it is written, you shall worship the Lord, your God, and him only you shall serve, Matthew 4:10.
Worship is a matter of life and death. P.H
5. Worship is a critical topic in relation to spirituality.
Is worshiped only to be endured or should it be enjoyed? Is worship only a form and a ritual?
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees of his day by saying, Matthew 15:8 these people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
Furthermore, the apostle Paul warns us to turn away from people having a form of godliness, but denying its power, 2 Timothy 3:5.
Are you ready? Genuine worship then, must be a love offering to God. P.H
2 Corinthians 2:15NKJV For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.
I believe that your worship makes you smell. Your worship makes you benefit all! P.H
6. Worship is a crucial topic for Pentecostalism.
From Azusa Street until now, spiritual worship, has characterized the Pentecostal movement.
Pentecostal worship has spread around the world through the lives of 600 million faithful worshiping, Pentecostal believers. Pentecostalism is the fastest growing Christian movement in the world.
I believe Genuine Pentecostal worship, requires spiritual preparation and passion. -You got to want more! Prepare during the week.
Passion for Jesus. Prayer, Devotions, Worship, Reading, and studying Gods word to grow. Singing the scriptures.
To be truly Pentecostal, worship must allow for the creative and innovative influence of the Holy Spirit.
Second Corinthians 3:17 the apostle Paul tells us, that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
I believe that worship produces vision, dreams, insight and wisdom. Worship should expand our horizon! We see our God bigger than our problems. P.H
7. Worship is relevant and practically beneficial.
The church is the body of Jesus Christ, and worship is the breath that fills the body with life and energy.
The King David states in Psalm that among all of the activities of life, the one most important is worship:
Psalm 27:4NKJV One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life,?To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
Worship consumes our time, but it is well worth the investment. Without genuine worship, the church is dead; however, when the church worships, she becomes the living embodiment of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world today. -Dr. Lee Roy Martin
Your worship should be an act of your love for Jesus. Worship Spells, Action of Love.
8. The theological importance of worship.
Worship is the heart of the biblical faith.
Genuine worship is pleasing to God.
Worship is an expression of our love for God. Worship transforms us into the image of God.
Worship is about worth!
9. The NT stresses the importance of worship.
Jesus spoke of two men asking for mercy. One a Pharisee, the other just called a sinner. One wanted merit by his self claims, the other, just beat his breast, and cried out his unworthiness to God.
Who did Jesus hear? The one in whom there was no merit! Undeserved. Unmerited favor.
Paul and Silas. The young church Etc. -Worship is a way of life.
10. Worship is our ultimate destiny.
Humanity was created to have a loving relationship with God. Those who believe and respond to the call of John 3:16 are destined to live forever with Him, where they will worship and praise God while enjoying the glory of His presence.
Revelation 4:8NKJV The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,?Who was and is and is to come!”
Likewise the 24 elders fall down before God, and worship him as they exclaim:
Revelation 4:11NKJV “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”
Benediction. God’s word teaches that worship will go into our eternity. -And that’s exciting news! P.H
