The Call To Worship God In Spirit And Truth

“Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24 ESV)

Definition: The word ‘WORSHIP’ is used as both a noun and a verb in the New Testament. The Worship of God is not defined anywhere in Scripture. It has been said the praise is thanking God for what He has done and worship is thanking Him for who He is.

1. As a Verb, it means "to make sincere respect, homage, worship, adoration, reverence, awe, devotion, humbly serve, honor, submission."

2. As a Noun, it denotes "an object of devotion worship" "to will-worship" (Vine's)

3. In the Old Testament when the word is used towards God it means "to worship, prostrate oneself, bow down."

I. Jesus is the Proper Object of Our Worship.

A. When Jesus accepted worship He was admitting and declaring Himself to be the Creator of all things; He is totally worthy of all worship. (Matt 2:11,14:33, 28:9-10,16-17; Luke 24:51; John 9:37-38; Heb 1:6; Rev 22:3)

B. Even the angels are instructed to worship Jesus (see Heb 1:6). In Heaven the Elders and the living creatures worship Jesus (see Rev 4:9 11).

C. The Bible declares that everyone shall worship Him (see Rev 15:4 and Phil 2:10 22).

II. Expressions of Worship

Most of our expressions of worship are either directed to Jesus or in His name.

A. Worship is the "key" to God's presence and the "secret" to true joy and happiness. (Luke 4:8; John 4:23)

B. Worship is the single most important thing a Christian can learn to do. (Psalm 100:4-5)

C. Worship is expressing our love to God for who He is, what He’s said, and what He’s doing. (Rom 12:1-2)

D. Worship is our response to the revelation of God’s love for us. (John 4:24)

E. We can only worship the Lord to the degree that we love and are surrendered to Him. (Heb 12:28)

F. True worship comes out from walking daily in humility. (Matt 6:34; 1 Peter 5:7; Phil 2:4, 4:6)

G. The goal of worship is the enjoyment of God. (Gen 9:13)

III. Divine Invitation

A call to worship is an invitation, a summons, for the church to turn their attention toward God.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3:20)

“Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!” (Psalm 3:8)

A. We Can Draw Near in Confident Boldness Before the Throne of God

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4:14–16)

The blood of Jesus bought the right to “come boldly to the throne of grace” so that Christians “may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The word “come” means to approach and draw near in an attitude of worship. The word “boldly” means to be out-spoken, frank, and blunt, with confidence and assurance. Christians are now welcome to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” and enter into the intimacy of His inner chamber “through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Heb 10:19-22 NKJV).

B. We Must Come Before God in Humility

“But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” (Psalm 5:7–8)

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6)

C. We Must Come with a Heart full of Thanksgiving

“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High” (Psalm 9:1–2)

“For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 1:11)