"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. John 4:23
Are you the kind of worshippers whom God seeks?
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(Notes below by Pastor Jonathan R Crosby, Greenville Church, South Carolina)
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).
Jesus revealed truth to the woman of Samaria that no one else in the world knew at that time. Glory!
He condemned Samaritan worship as not having any proper basis in revelation from God or even knowledge (4:22). He prophesied that Jewish worship in Jerusalem would soon come to an end as well, though it was from God (4:21-22).
This great change from the Old Testament form of worship to the New Testament form is called the reformation (Heb 9:10). This change was started by John the Baptist, continued by Jesus Christ, and then completed by the apostles, especially Paul (Luke 16:16).
God has always wanted true worshippers, and neither the false worship of the Samaritans or the outdated worship of the Jews was sufficient.
Do you remember what it means to worship in spirit and in truth? We want to fully understand this important description that we use in prayer and speech.
Worship in spirit means New Testament worship is internal by our spirits, hearts, and minds rather than outward worship of things perceived by senses.
The Old Testament worship of the Jews was in a certain place, with an altar, with many animal sacrifices, and lots of other physical rituals and ceremonies. This came to end with New Testament worship done in simplicity with nothing for the senses but preaching, praying, singing, etc. with the understanding.
Worship in truth means that clear and specific revelation from God is necessary for every point of doctrine believed and every ordinance practised.
The worship of the Samaritans on Mt. Gerizim, thirty miles north of Jerusalem, was something they had made up and was totally a vain tradition of theirs.
Paul condemned any worship or gospel, even if he preached it, that was not exactly the inspired gospel and worship of the N.T. (Gal 1:6-9; Heb 12:28-29).
Therefore, our church has very simple worship with nothing for the senses religiously, and we want a tsunami of Bible evidence for any doctrine or practice.
The Samaritan woman knew that Messiah (or Christ) was coming and would reveal the will of God. Jesus told her that He was the Messiah (or Christ). When the apostles interrupted their conversation, she returned to the city and brought most or all of them out to meet Jesus. Very many were converted.
Read the rest of the encounter between Jesus and these Samaritans and follow the lessons that He taught by use of metaphors of meat and harvest.
Do you care about the souls of others as much as Jesus did ... as much as the Samaritan woman did? Who have you tried to convert to truth this week?
Rejoice and give thanks that God sent Jesus to despised Samaritans ... for it fulfilled prophecies He would also come after us (Gen 49:10; John 10:16).
