24 God is spirit, and his WORSHIPpers must WORSHIP in the Spirit and in truth.’ John 4
We began to look yesterday at three Types of ‘SHIP’ mentioned in the scriptures, WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP AND SHIPWRECK.
We said that the word WORSHIP is mentioned 254 times in the Scriptures and that people always WORSHIP something. It’s amazing how many times the Israelites were drawn into the worship of false gods/idols from the surrounding nations. Their hearts were drawn to what was false, away from the Living God. (An idol, anything that takes the place of God in our lives)
In Jesus conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar, He speaks much about the Worship of God and the huge change that’s coming.
19 ‘Sir,’ the woman said, ‘I can see that you are a prophet (Jesus had accurately told this woman all about her personal life). 20 Our ancestors WORSHIPPED on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must WORSHIP is in Jerusalem.’ John 4
He begins to speak to her about the WORSHIP of God; the Word WORSHIP occurs six times in the next five verses, WORSHIPPERS three times and WORSHIPPED once, all in John 4:20-24. Jesus spoke all this to one Non Jewish Woman alone at a well, while He was tired and thirsty. Jesus told this lone woman of a new dispensation coming on the whole Earth. Truly God’s ways are not our ways.
21 ‘Woman,’ Jesus replied, ‘believe me, a time is coming when you will WORSHIP the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans WORSHIP what you do not know; we WORSHIP what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true WORSHIPPERS WILL WORSHIP the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of WORSHIPPERS the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his WORSHIPPERS MUST WORSHIP in the Spirit and in truth.’ John 4
In speaking about the use of Gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 14, Paul commended the use of the Gifts, especially Prophecy, but also said that their Worship should be done in an intelligible and orderly way.
14 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
24 But if an unbeliever or an enquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, 25 as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and WORSHIP God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’ 1 Corinthians 14
Worship in the Spirit, when done under the anointing, will convict those present to bow before the Lord, just as Jesus said to the woman at the well. WORSHIP and exercising the Gifts will keep us from the SHIPWRECK that Paul warned Timothy about.
19 holding on to FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE, which some have rejected and so have suffered SHIPWRECK with regard to the faith. 1 Timothy 1
The Worshipping heart holds fast its love for the Lord!
God bless and keep you today.