Worship In Spirit And In Truth

WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH (Outline)

March 7, 2010 -

Lent 3 -

JOHN 4:15-26

INTRO: Each Sunday believers gather together in churches to draw near to God. In such worship places believers have a certain closeness to God as God draws near to them in his holy word. Visible churches are built of brick, mortar, stone, and wood. Jesus drew near to the well of Jacob in Samaria to save a thirsting soul. We are reminded that believers worship God in spirit and in truth. "As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 PETER 2:4,5). We draw near to God in our house of worship to offer praise “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. Only through Christ is our worship acceptable to God. Today we are reminded to

WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.

I. Worship is more than a place.

II. Worship is our way of living.

I. WORSHIP IS MORE THAN A PLACE

A. Jesus traveled through Samaria. He rested at the well of Jacob at noon. A woman comes for water.

1. Jesus and the woman discuss living water. Jesus offers her the living water – God’s word.

2. Verse 15. The woman wanted this water: no more thirst, no more drawing from a deep well.

B. This woman was stuck with earthly thinking much more than spiritual. God’s ways are higher.

1. Verse 20. This mountain was Gerizim [blessing mount, (Ebal, curses) Deuteronomy 11:29].

2. Samaritans felt that Jews considered Jerusalem as the only place to worship, not Mt. Gerizim.

C. Verse 21. Jesus wanted this woman to expand her thinking. True worship was not limited to a place.

1. Verse 22. Samaritans had the Torah – Law (first 5 books of Bible). Gospel is a promise there.

2. Verse 23. God seeks out his true worshippers. They are found in all kinds of places, settings.

D. Worship today has turned back to what the woman thought. Today, many people are overly concerned about the place of worship. Too many are followers of the person preaching rather than the word that is preached. Flip through the television channels and you will see many popular preachers. Sadly many of them are promoting their books or their plans for successful earthly living. Where is the Bible? Where is God’s plan for eternity? "But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD; they do not understand his plan, he who gathers them like sheaves to the threshing floor"(MICAH 4:12). Though men rant and rave and distort God’s word – God is still in charge. He will bring about the final harvest.

E. The Bible is the living and active word of God. God’s Law reminds us of sin. Not one person does what is good in the eyes of God. Thankfully and joyfully God’s Gospel tells us of salvation. Our sins are forgiven by the grace of our loving and merciful Father. On the cross Jesus declared: “It is finished!” The price of redemption was paid in full by the death of Christ for the sins of the world. Do you know that the leader of the largest mega-church in our nation has removed the cross from his gatherings? “It is too controversial”, states this man. The cross of Christ reminds us of the curse of sin. We are guilty. No one wants to admit to such a “controversy”. Man removes the cross. Maybe people can now feel good about themselves. Without the cross of Christ there is no forgiveness and no eternity. "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men" (MATTHEW 15:8,9). Worship God in spirit and in truth!

F. Where shall we worship if worship is more than a place? God revealed his name to Moses: “I AM” (first lesson, below). Those that gather around the name of the Lord worship the Lord wherever they might be. The name of the Lord can be found in a place such as a house of worship. The name of the Lord is also written in the Scriptures. "But you are to seek the place the LORD your God will choose from among all your tribes to put his Name there for his dwelling. To that place you must go" (DEUTERONOMY 12:5). The name of the Lord is also printed on the heart of every believer. Worship God.

WORSHIP GOD IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.

Worship is more than a place or even one place.

II. WORSHIP IS OUR WAY OF LIVING