The Worship God Seeks


George Erwin


Jesus gave the Samaritan woman (and all living in the Christian Age) instructions concerning the worship God seeks. “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in truth; for the father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:21-24.


There are no holy places of worship now. John 4:21. We must not worship objects made of gold, silver, or stone. Acts 17:29. It is wrong to worship any created thing. Romans 1:25. We must not worship man. Peter told Cornelius, “Stand up; I myself also am a man.” Acts 10:26. Angels are not objects of worship. Colossians 2:18.


We are to worship God, who created us. John 4:24; Acts 17:24-26. Jesus made it clear we are to worship and serve only the Lord God. Matthew 4:10. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters.” 6:24.


Jesus not only told us to worship God, but He also told us how we are to worship Him. We must worship “in spirit.” John 4:24. God is not worshipped with man’s hands. Acts 17:25. Every act of worship must be sincere or from the heart. Matthew 15:8. Our worship of God must be because of our love for Him. 22:37; 1 Corinthians 13:2, 3. We must worship God with reverence. Hebrews 12:28.


We must worship God “in truth.” “Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31, 32. We must worship as we are instructed in Christ’s word. John 12:48.


We engage in acts of worship which praise God and edify the church. We pray fervently, expressing the feelings of the heart. We pray with the Spirit and the understanding. 1 Corinthians 14:15. We sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with the spirit and the understanding. Colossians 3:16, 17. The church is edified by the teaching of Christ’s word. Ephesians 4:11, 12, 15; 2 Timothy 4:1, 2. Upon the first day of the week we remember the Lord’s sacrifice by observing the Lord’s Supper. Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. Upon the first day of the week Christians give as God has prospered them, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver. 1 Corinthians 16:1,2; 2 Corinthians 9:7.


God has always given His people instructions about how to worship. God told Cain and Abel how to worship. As Cain did not do God’s will, his sacrifice was not accepted by God. Genesis 4:3-7. “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain.” Hebrews 11:4. Nadab and Abihu “offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not.” Leviticus 10:1, 2. During the Christian Age we must worship “in the name of the Lord Jesus” or as Jesus gave us instruction. Colossians 3:17. 


We will do what Jesus commanded and only what Jesus commanded in His truth. -111 Heather Court, Scott Depot, WV 25560.


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