1. WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH John 4:19-24

2. WORSHIP Hebrew SHACHAH “to worship, bow down” Greek PROSKUNEO “to kiss toward” Greek SEBOMAI “to revere” Worship involves outward actions Worship involves inward attitude Worship is to be in spirit and truth Worship requires an object to be worshiped

3. Acts 2:36-47 The Jews received the grace of God by belief, repentance, and baptism v.38,41 Then they respond with worship v.42-47 Worship is our response to the awesome character and awesome actions of God Two areas: 1.Special services 1 Corinthians 14 (special rules) 2.Daily living Romans 12:1-2

4. ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP Must be by faith Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:2-7 Worship must be acceptable in order for the worshipper to be acceptable to God Worship justifies the worshipper The worshipper does not justify the worship Faith for worship comes from the Word of God Romans 10:17 Worship must be scriptural Heb. 8:5

5. ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP Must accurately reflect spiritual reality Hebrews 8:5 ceremonies Romans 12:1-2 daily living The principle illustrated in the Old Testament: Leviticus 10:1-3 Nadab and Abihu’s action denied God’s holiness Denied God’s exclusive authority God did not authorize any other fire Holy fire was to be used 9:23,24

6. ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP Moses and Aaron in Numbers 20:1-13 Good “excuse” for disobedience in v.1 Hateful speech by the Israelites v.3-5 God’s glory appeared to Moses and Aaron v.6 Commanded to take the rod v.8 Commanded to speak to the rock “before their eyes” v.8 Moses obeyed God by taking the rod v.9 Exodus 4:17

7. ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP Moses and Aaron said, “Must WE bring water for you out of this rock?” v.10 Moses struck the rock v.11 Nothing happened (Moses couldn’t do it) Moses struck it again then water came out God showed His glory in His mercy v.13 Consequence for unauthorized activity: Moses not allowed to enter the promised land v.12

8. ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP Moses and Aaron distorted God’s picture of spiritual reality What was commanded the first time is not authorized the second time Exodus 17:5-6 Christ is the Rock 1 Corinthians 10:3 He was to give living water after He died John 7:37-39 He was to die only once Hebrews 9:23-28

9. N.T. Applications Music in worship What was commanded in the old covenant 2 Chronicles 29:25 does not authorize it in the new Even without a specific prohibition There is a general prohibition Matthew 15:13 The authorized music is singing Ephesians 5:19 The instrument to be used is the heart The instrument God made Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 51:10 Psalm 51:17 What instrument could be more beautiful for God, Who is Spirit?

10. N.T. Applications The Lord’s Supper Corinthians abused Paul’s teaching 1 Cor. 11:17-22 Remedy is the right form v.23-26 And the right attitude v.27-30 What does the form teach us? The broken bread is a memorial of His broken body v.24 Unleavened bread is the sinless body of Jesus 1 Corinthians 5:7

11. N.T. Applications The Lord’s Supper Fruit of the vine is a memorial of His blood (a new covenant until He comes 11:25-26) Communion with Christ now 1 Corinthians 10:16 He partakes with us in His kingdom Matthew 26:29 The Lord’s Supper ends when He comes; He delivers the kingdom back to God when He comes 1 Cor. 15:24-25 The first day of the week Acts 20:7 is a memorial of His resurrection

12. Our Service to God When God specifies a form of worship, we have no authority to change it The correct form of worship accurately reflects spiritual reality Another form of worship distorts our view of the spiritual realm This is why will worship (Colossians 2:23) and man’s doctrines (Matthew 15:8-9) are wrong Is your service to God acceptable to Him?

13. Our Service to God To be useful in God’s service, we must first cleanse ourselves 2 Timothy 2:21 We purify our souls by obeying the truth 1 Peter 1:22 The truth must pierce our hearts Acts 2:36-37 We must obey the truth by repenting and being baptized Acts 2:38, 41 As a Christian, you can repent and pray Acts 8:22