Wednesday, June 25, 2014

WHAT EXACTLY IS SPIRIT AND TRUTH WORSHIP? David Ritter

The Bible is replete with Scriptures about worship. I have been searching the Word for years now, trying to discover what God expects from us as worshippers. In my research, I have found the three key verses that cover all aspects of worship along with their Greek meaning:

1) What does the Lord require of you? Micah 6:8 says, “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.” In other words, do what is right, be merciful to others (even when they don’t deserve it), and live in humility with God and towards others.

2) Jesus said that, Those who worship God, must worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). What is spirit?  Spirit in Greek means “pneuma” meaning “breath” or “the evidence of life.” Our spirit communing with God’s Spirit, and prompted by the Spirit of the Lord. Our spirits are made alive by God’s Spirit when we are born again, allowing us to interact with God at all times.  This would eliminate non-believers from worshipping God unless they have a relationship with God and are born again by God’s Spirit.

3) What is truth? The Greek work for truth is “alétheia,” which means divine truth revealed to man. To worship in truth would mean we must approach God without blemish, deceit, or improper attitude.

4)  Finally, Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to “Love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to, “love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37). In other words, worship God with ALL that you have been given!

The Bible tells us that no one is without sin (Prov. 20:9). Even when we confess our sins and repent, it’s not too long before evil thoughts and actions come back into our lives.  We all need continual cleansing, moment by moment; and God is willing to forgive us. We must make confession and repentance a daily part of our life with God…especially before we enter into worship.  Being right with the Lord and walking in repentance before you worship is what we call worshipping God in Spirit and in truth! 


Before entering into worship, let’s consider what the Lord requires of us. Jesus said that if we have not made things right with others and with God, then our sacrifices are unacceptable. The Lord is calling us to search our hearts and see if there are any wicked ways in us, and once we’ve repented, He will wash us, cleanse us, and make us whiter than snow. In Psalm 50:23, the Lord says, “He who offers acceptable thank offerings, honors me, and prepares the way so that I may show them the salvation of God!”  When you worship God in Spirit and Truth, He promises that He will reveal His salvation to you, and guide you in HIS path!

AMEN!


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