1. Worship and the church (2)
Worship in Spirit and In Truth

2. Previously
We defined worship – different words indicating actions that demonstrate reverence toward the one addressed; to show obeisance.
Also noted it is a work of the church – 1) Directed toward God 2) Worship to be done together 3) We have a pattern 4) Edification is a result of true worship

3. Worship in spirit and truth
John 4:23-24
Jesus noted 3 elements to proper worship: 1) A proper object 2) Spirit – proper attitude 3) Truth – proper action
See also Joshua 24:14, “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served… Serve the Lord!

4. Worship in spirit Attitude is very important.
Worship must come from the heart, Matthew 5:8, the pure in heart will see God Psalm 24:3-4, clean hands and a pure heart Hebrews 10:22, a true heart
Cf. Mark 7:5-7, their heart is far from Me… vain worship

5. Worship in spirit
Attitude is very important.
We need holiness Psalm 29:2, Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness
Genuine worship will come from genuine Christians

6. Worship in spirit
God condemns improper attitudes:
Genesis 4:6-7, to Cain, he challenged his demeanor and actions Malachi 1:6-14, worship that had become corrupt, mere ritual and weariness Amos 5:21-24, the LORD despised their worship! Ungodly attitudes, etc.

7. Worship in spirit
God condemns improper attitudes:
Matthew 6:1-18, do what you do before God, not to be seen of men! (Giving, praying and fasting) Psalm 51:15-17, the sacrifice God accepts, a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart.

8. Worship in spirit Every act of worship involves the heart:
Giving – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, cheerfully, purposefully
Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:27- 30, if in an unworthy manner
Singing – Colossians 3:16 – with grace in your hearts to the Lord; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:15

9. Worship in spirit
Every act of worship involves the heart:
Learning God’s word – Psalm 119:105, Acts 10:33, here ready to hear; Acts 17:11, the noble minded Bereans
Prayer – 1 Corinthians 15:14, see Luke 18:10-14, whose prayer did God hear and accept?

10. Worship in spirit As the church
Are we acting and preparing with sincerity?
Ensure what we do is not mere ritual! God wants pure motives behind our actions
Facilitate proper worship. Make our coming together as comfortable and without distractions as much as possible

11. Worship in spirit
As the church
Avoid a casual attitude! Casualness robs us of sincerity and reverence
Ensure reverence – Hebrews 12:28
Let all be decent and orderly – 1 Corinthians 14:40

12. Worship in truth
God has always demanded we worship properly.
He has given us pattern, from the very beginning!
Corrupt and vain worship
Vain worship– Matthew 15:7-9

13. Worship in truth God has always demanded we worship properly.
NOT the Lord’s supper – 1 Corinthians 11:18-22
Lack of orderliness, competitive attitudes and actions (not humble) 1 Corinthians 14
Colossians 2:23, self-imposed religion, “will worship” (KJV)

14. Worship in truth Includes following the proper pattern
Not the Old Testament – Ephesians 2:14-15, Colossians 2:14 John 4:22-24
We must respect His boundaries 1 Corinthians 4:6, Colossians 3:17 all in the name of the Lord

15. Worship in truth As the church we facilitate true worship:
Provide the place and elements (expedients) to worship properly – building (location), containers, song books, Bibles available, etc. Assignments so that we worship orderly
Demand that we follow God’s pattern
Do not fellowship those practicing or teaching error – Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16:17-18

16. We must take our worship seriously
Is God pleased with how we are worshipping Him?