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“True Worship”
True Worship
Wade Webster
The greatest conversation ever recorded on the subject of worship took place in Samaria and not in Jerusalem. It took place on the side of a well, and not in the temple or a synagogue. It took place with a worldly woman and not with a holy man. Through the conversation that Jesus had with the Samaritan woman, we learn the meaning of true worship.
True Worship Is That Which God Desires
“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:23). While God doesn’t need anything (Psa. 50:10), He does want something. He wants man to worship Him (Psa. 45:11; Prov. 15:8; Lk. 22:15). What a great privilege it is for us to be able to give God what He desires.
True Worship Is That Which God Deserves
“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father…But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:21, 23). Please note the repeated use of the designation “Father.” As you know, fathers are deserving of honor (Ex. 20:12). As the “one God and Father of all” (Eph. 4:6), there is surely honor due Him (1 Chron. 16:29). It is from this standpoint that God condemned the worship of some in Malachi’s day. We read, “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you” (Mal. 1:6).
True Worship Is That Which God Demands
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Please notice the little word “must.” As you know, the word “must” is used to refer to that which is required. Worship is a requirement. It is a part of man’s duty to fear God and to keep His commandments. In the long ago, Solomon wrote, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).
True Worship Is That Which God Defines
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). To define something is to outline it clearly. Jesus made clear that worship must consist of the right attitude (in spirit) and the right action (in truth) in order to be acceptable. One without the other is insufficient, no matter which one is present.
All that the Samaritan woman ever needed to know about worship, she learned on the side of a well. Thanks to the inspired record of John, we can say the same.
