True Worship of God

MEMORY VERSE: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” —John 4:24

EXODUS 20:4-6; JOHN 4:7-10,19-24

BOWING down to images in acts of worship is forbidden by God. Essentially all forms of heathen worship employ these visible appurtenances. The people or Israel, surrounded by heathen nations, were inclined to follow their example in the matter of worship, and early in the Christian era these heathen forms of worship were introduced into churchianity. Catholics claim that they do not worship images, but merely venerate them as aids in concentrating their thoughts on God.

We trust that many are able to look beyond their images, and by faith see the true God of their worship; but how much better it would be to discard these forbidden “crutches,” and through Jesus go directly to God in prayer and worship. (Matt. 6:9) Paul wrote of seeing (by faith) the invisible things of God, but it would seem that many throughout all the ages have leaned heavily on the things they could see (literally) as an aid to their worship.—II Cor. 4:18

In this same category, but a little less pointed, is the urge for magnificent church buildings, temples, and cathedrals; and with some denominations, their candles and incense. Such things do help to create a superficial sense of awe, but happy are those who are able by faith to reverence and worship God without these physical trappings! In his sermon on Mars’ Hill Paul presented the correct thought when he said, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; neither is worshiped with men’s hands as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.”—Acts 17:24,25

The Samaritan woman raised a question which has concerned many from time to time; that is, where one’s central point of worship should be, geographically. Many travel to Mecca, others to Rome, and in the Jewish Age, there were, by the Lord’s arrangement, the yearly pilgrimages to Jerusalem. But Jesus explained to the woman of Samaria that this was not the ideal arrangement, not even for the Jews. He indicated that the time would come when all such geographical aspects of worship would be discontinued, and that people everywhere would worship God in spirit and in truth.

After the conversion of Cornelius, the first Gentile to join the ranks of the Early Church, Peter said, “I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Acts 10:34,35) Peter could just as truthfully also have said that God is no respecter of places, whether they be mountains, or temples, or the homes of his people; that in every place where men and women lift up their hearts to God, in reverence and through Christ, they are pleasing to him.

It has been said that “prayer is the soul’s sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed.” Doubtless the Lord does appreciate the sincere desires of all those who endeavor to approach him through prayer, but sincerity of desire is not all that the Lord is seeking from those who would serve him. Jesus said that God is seeking those who are able to worship him in spirit and in truth, as expressed in our memory verse.

From this we gather that the spirit of worship, which includes sincerity, is only a part of what is involved in true worship and prayer. In addition to sincerity there must be a measure of understanding, so that one may be able to worship God “in truth.” Our prayers should be in harmony with the truth as set forth in the Word of God if they are to be given consideration by God. The Lord doubtless appreciates the spirit of sincere prayers that are out of harmony with his will; but if, as consecrated Christians, we want our prayers to be favorably answered we should make sure that they are in harmony with his plans for us.

Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” We know that this is a prayer which is in harmony with God’s will. And when we pray for the Lord’s kingdom we are asking God to bless his work in the hearts of those who will share with Jesus in the future work of establishing the divine will throughout the earth. Our petitions should never reflect the spirit of self-interest, but should always be for the outworking of God’s will in our lives. Thus is reflected the spirit of true worship and devotion.

QUESTIONS

Are visible aids to worship essential?

Explain what it means to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth.

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