TRUE WORSHIP
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 4:23-24
Supporting Texts: Psalm 95:6, Romans 12:1, Isaiah 29:13, Hebrews 13:15, Revelation 4:10-11
INTRODUCTION:
True worship is not a mere act of singing, lifting hands, or attending church—it is a spiritual response to the greatness, holiness, and majesty of God. In John 4:23–24, Jesus revealed a powerful truth to the Samaritan woman: that true worship transcends location, rituals, or traditions. It is a heart-to-heart connection with God in spirit and truth.
Many people worship without understanding the nature and demands of true worship. God seeks worshippers who go beyond formality and offer Him their hearts, obedience, and lives. True worship affects not just what we say or do in church, but how we live daily.
This message will expose us to the nature of true worship, how to engage in it, and how it transforms our lives and others around us.
1. TRUE WORSHIP IS SPIRITUAL
True worship is born from the spirit and flows through the Holy Spirit.
a) Worship Is Not a Ritual (John 4:24): God is Spirit; He is not confined to man-made forms.
Worship must rise from our innermost being, not just outward actions.
b) Worship Requires Spiritual Birth (John 3:5-6): Only the regenerated can truly worship.
Until your spirit is reborn, you cannot connect with God on a spiritual level.
c) Worship Is Led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14): The Spirit teaches and leads us in worship.
Our songs, prayers, and sacrifices must be Spirit-inspired to be acceptable.
d) Worship Engages the Heart, Not Just Lips (Isaiah 29:13): God rejects empty expressions.
He desires sincerity and passion, not performances or pretence.
Biblical Example – David, a man after God’s heart, worshipped deeply in spirit and truth (Psalm 51:17, 2 Samuel 6:14-16).
2. TRUE WORSHIP IS ROOTED IN TRUTH
Worship must be grounded in the truth of who God is and what He has revealed.
a) Worship Must Align With Scripture (John 17:17): God’s Word is the standard for worship.
Any act of worship outside biblical truth is strange fire before God.
b) Worship Is Not Based on Emotions (Colossians 3:16): It is based on revealed truth.
Feelings come and go, but truth remains constant—it anchors true worship.
c) Worship Requires Knowledge of God (Hosea 6:6): We must know Him to worship Him.
The more we know Him through the Word, the deeper our worship becomes.
d) Worship Reflects the Nature of God (Psalm 29:2): Give unto the Lord the glory due His name.
True worship honours God's holiness, sovereignty, and righteousness.
Biblical Example – The Berean Christians worshipped based on truth and always verified teachings (Acts 17:11).
3. TRUE WORSHIP IS SACRIFICIAL
Worship demands our whole life, not just our voices or attendance.
a) Worship Involves Surrender (Romans 12:1): Present your body as a living sacrifice.
Our lifestyle should be an ongoing worship, pleasing to God.
b) Worship Demands Cost (2 Samuel 24:24): You can’t worship God with what costs you nothing.
True worship is often inconvenient but always rewarding.
c) Worship is Obedience (1 Samuel 15:22): To obey is better than sacrifice.
You cannot worship God truly and disobey Him habitually.
d) Worship Includes Giving (Proverbs 3:9): Honour God with your substance.
Our offerings reflect our honour and value for God.
Biblical Example – Abraham offered Isaac in obedience, an act of ultimate worship (Genesis 22:5-12).
4. TRUE WORSHIP TRANSFORMS THE WORSHIPPER
Genuine worship leaves a permanent mark on our lives.
a) Worship Changes Your Perspective (Isaiah 6:1-5): Isaiah saw God and saw himself clearly.
In worship, we see God’s majesty and our need for His mercy.
b) Worship Purifies the Heart (Psalm 24:3-4): Only the pure can ascend to God’s hill.
Worship refines us, confronting and cleansing hidden sin.
c) Worship Births Intimacy (James 4:8): Draw near to God and He draws near to you.
Worship creates deep fellowship and oneness with the Father.
d) Worship Empowers You for Service (Luke 4:8): Only worshippers can serve acceptably.
Worship fuels passion and strength for divine assignment.
Biblical Example – Moses, after worshipping on the mountain, descended with divine glory (Exodus 34:29).
5. TRUE WORSHIP ATTRACTS GOD’S PRESENCE AND POWER
When worship is genuine, God manifests Himself.
a) God Seeks True Worshippers (John 4:23): He looks for sincere hearts, not skilled performances.
God is drawn to humility, sincerity, and purity.
b) Worship Brings Down God’s Glory (2 Chronicles 5:13-14): The house was filled with glory during worship.
Where there is true worship, the supernatural breaks forth.
c) Worship Brings Divine Intervention (Acts 16:25-26): Paul and Silas worshipped and the prison shook.
Chains break and doors open when worship is authentic.
d) Worship Establishes God’s Rule (Psalm 22:3): God inhabits the praises of His people.
When we worship, we enthrone God in our midst.
Biblical Example – Jehoshaphat worshipped, and God sent ambushes against the enemy (2 Chronicles 20:21-22).
CONCLUSION:
True worship is spiritual, scriptural, sacrificial, transforming, and powerful. It is not about performance, routine, or religious activity. It is about encountering God and giving Him the honour He deserves from a heart of love, reverence, and surrender. God is still seeking true worshippers. Will He find one in you?
Let your life become a daily expression of worship, not just your Sunday service. Worship is not just something we do—it’s who we are.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to worship You in spirit and in truth.
2. Father, purify my heart and let my worship be acceptable to You.
3. I surrender my life as a living sacrifice to You.
4. Let my worship attract Your presence continually.
5. Deliver me from empty rituals and formality.
6. Stir a hunger for deeper intimacy in worship.
7. Father, release Your glory whenever I worship.
8. Help me reflect Your nature through worship.
9. Use my worship to impact others around me.
10. Let my lifestyle glorify You daily.
