Introduction
“The Father seeketh such to worship Him” (John 4:23). Yes, God seeks worshipers. He desires worship even over service. Unfortunately, Christendom has, by and large, managed to make worship about us. We go to church (to use the common expression) to get; giving is secondary. We go to experience a spiritual high. We go to be fed so that we might thank and praise God in return. Worship, however, is not about us nor is it in any way directed to us. We are here on this earth to bring glory to God. Although this should be true of all aspects of our lives, worship is the first means whereby we honor God.
Worship is expressed to the Father; its grand subject is the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the proper response of every believer’s heart, under the power of the Holy Spirit, when he or she is occupied with the glories of the Father and the Son. When we think of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, those distinctive attributes that are displayed in infinite perfection in each, our hearts will overflow with worship, praise, and thanksgiving.
When the Apostle Paul penned the final words of the 11th chapter of Romans—“God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy upon all” (Rom. 11:32)—his heart burst forth. I can picture him looking down at the words just written and recognizing that all blessing toward man rests upon the sovereign grace of God. Everything, absolutely everything, is centered in God: His love, His mercy, His grace—it’s all about Him. “For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:36). Paul could not contain himself and he closes the portion with a doxology praising and worshiping God.
In Spirit and in Truth
“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. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). Several characteristics of Christian worship are brought out in this simple verse, but before we consider them, it is helpful to familiarize ourselves with the story behind the verse.
A poor, despised woman of Samaria encountered Jesus on a hot, dry day by a well. He made a simple request of her, “Give Me to drink” (John 4:7). For a Jew to ask such a thing of a Samaritan was out of character, and the woman was quite taken aback. The Samaritans were not a part of Israel. They were a mixed race of people sent to settle Samaria (Northern Israel) after it was conquered by the Assyrians in 721 BC. This was a common practice in that day. Large groups of refugees, from disparate peoples, were sent to settle a country by the victorious ruler. With their societal fabric destroyed, these settlers were more occupied with survival than rebellion. Naturally, they brought with them their religions and false gods, which they then mingled with local beliefs and customs. In light of this, it makes perfect sense when we read: “They feared Jehovah, and served their own gods after the manner of the nations, whence they had been carried away” (2 Kings 17:33 JnD). This was the religion of the Samaritans.
One can understand why there was such animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans. The Samaritan system of worship paralleled that of the Jews, but as Satan frequently does, it was a false system mingled with just enough truth to deceive those that practiced it. The Samaritans had their own copy of the Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy), and they had their own center for worship—not Jerusalem, but on Mount Gerizim. It should come as no surprise to find that the Samaritan Pentateuch supported this false teaching. Again, throughout history we see false texts being constructed from Biblical texts to support a false religion.
As soon as the Lord’s talk with the Samaritan woman got a little close to the heart—for we discover that her lifestyle was anything but moral—she became religious. Talk to someone about God, and we’ll quickly hear how many Bibles they own! This woman was not ignorant; she seemed well acquainted with the differences between the beliefs of the Jews and Samaritans. “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and Ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship” (John 4:20). There’s nothing like a little controversy to move the subject away from those things that hit too close to home!
Her diversion, however, was quite transparent to the Lord. Rather than immediately correcting her, however, Jesus replies: “Woman, believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father” (John 4:21). What a remarkable thing to say. Who could imagine this woman worshiping anywhere, let alone in the intimacy of the knowledge of God as Father? Of course, a great change had to come over her for this to be true. But the Lord didn’t despise this poor, empty woman—a good, practical lesson for us. On the other hand, the Lord didn’t ignore what the Samaritan woman said either. Did it matter where the Jews and Samaritans worshiped? It most certainly did. He speaks quite plainly: “Ye worship ye know not what” (John 4:22). Their religious system was based on lies. The Jews, on the other hand, had a true revelation from God. Having been redeemed out of Egypt they were brought into a relationship with God as Jehovah. Their worship was according to the order established by Jehovah Himself. It was very much suited to the relationship into which they had been brought.
However, the Lord not only points out the differences between the worship of the Samaritan and the Jews, He also contrasts the latter with that which would supersede it—Christianity. For the hour was coming when true worshipers would no longer worship at Jerusalem in a ceremonial way, but rather: “true 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 4:23-24).
Contrasted With Judaism
There are four distinct differences between worship in the Old Testament under the Jewish economy and Christian worship:
Under the Mosaic Law, worship was centered at Jerusalem. Christ is the center of Christian worship, not a physical location (Heb. 13:10-15).
Israel worshiped Jehovah; we worship God as Father.
Worship under the law was ceremonial. Christian worship is according to the true nature of God—God is a Spirit—and in the power of communion which the Holy Spirit alone can give.
We are to worship in truth, in other words, according to the revelation God has given us of Himself through the Son. The revelation that we have in Christ is perfect and far exceeds the incomplete revelation of previous dispensations.
Jewish worship was very much suited to a nation based on natural birth with earthly aspirations. In contrast, Christian worship is suited to a people born of God, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and united to Christ in heaven. Christian worship does not involve sacrifice or ceremony; it does not have musical instruments and dancing, and there is neither temple nor priestly order to administer sacraments. The Old Testament saints did not have the assurance of sins forgiven; as Christians, we do. For an Israelite, there was a great distance between man and Jehovah, bridged only, in part, by the priests.
Everything in Christianity is based on the perfect and complete work of Christ at Calvary and is ordered according to the new relationship into which we have been brought. As Christians we are brought into the conscious relationship with God as sons through the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16). It is the cry of the Holy Spirit, and the proper language of the Christian, to say Abba, Father (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6).
Sacrifice formed an important part of worship under the law; it was the only ground whereby one had any approach unto God. On the other hand, we can approach God with boldness, though not presumption, by the blood of Jesus. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb. 10:19-22). Christ has offered Himself once and is now forever set down at the right hand of God (Heb. 10:10-12).
Unfortunately, Christendom has borrowed from Judaism and, worse yet, even paganism: priests, temples, altars, ceremonies, psalms, feasts, and so forth. Like the Samaritan system, these things have been incorporated into so-called Christian worship. Not one of these things has enhanced our worship nor have they brought us closer to God. Contrariwise, they have detracted from the true character of worship and have set us at a distance from God. If our worship is to be in spirit and truth as the Father requires, it cannot be according to a system of our own imagination. When man devises, it is always to the loss of what God has provided.
Characteristics
While contrasts are helpful, without them, our eye could not discern detail or depths as well as it does—we need to focus on that which is positive: those things which should characterize true Christian worship as found in the Word of God.
Led by the Spirit of God
One of those blessings unique to Christianity is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When Paul wrote to the Philippians he said: “We are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and boast in Christ Jesus, and do not trust in flesh” (Phil. 3:3 JND). Christian worship is to be led by the Spirit of God—not a pastor, worship leader, or any other aide. No substitutes will do! To do so would limit the liberty of the Holy Spirit to act. “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). Consequently, to pre-plan the content of a worship meeting—what hymns are to be sung, who will pray, and so forth—is contrary to Spirit-led worship. But then again, pandemonium will not be the result either. Worship is not merely the contribution of various individuals according to their own thoughts and exercises. Worship led by the Holy Spirit will be collective and harmonious. Anything, whether it is the long prayer of a brother or the singing of a sister, which gives them undue place before their brethren in worship, is inconsistent with Spirit-led worship. As a result, there may well be silences as there is a patient waiting on the Holy Spirit to lead. To say that worship is Spirit-led is not a license to worship as we please; this is false spirituality. Having individuals shouting out, interrupting each other, bursting forth with a song, is also contrary to the Word of God. “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets” (1 Cor. 14:32). One would rightly wonder what spirit is at work when there is such disorder in the assembly (1 Cor. 14:40).
The Remembrance of the Lord
The remembrance of the Lord is central to Christian worship. To worship without mentioning Christ’s death would be an extraordinary thing; and to be occupied in worship with His death without the Lord’s Supper would be strange indeed. “The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is My body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in My blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of Me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come” (1 Cor. 11:23-26). In the Breaking of Bread we exalt and honor Christ in His death, and, in so doing, we bring glory to the Father.
When we gather around the Lord Jesus Christ, at His Table and as members of the body of Christ, it is to show forth His death (1 Cor. 10:15-22; 1 Cor. 11:26). This is quite different from remembering Him as if we had forgotten Him. The remembrance of the Lord is not about reminding ourselves of what the Lord has done. It’s in remembrance of Him—it’s a memorial. November the 11th is known in many countries as Remembrance Day. It is a day set aside to honor those soldiers who gave their lives for their country. We honor the lives of these men because we remember them, not because we’ve forgotten.
Note carefully that the Scriptures say, “ye do show” (1 Cor. 11:26). It is collective—ye is plural. There is a modern trend which views worship as individual. While we do have examples of individuals in the Bible who fell down and worshiped, in its fullest sense worship is collective. In heaven we will collectively fall down before the Lamb to offer up our praise and worship (Rev. 5:8-9).
A Spiritual Altar for Spiritual Sacrifices
In Christianity there isn’t a physical altar or temple, and yet we read: “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle” (Heb. 13:10). The distinction made between that which belonged to Israel and Christianity gives us the character of the altar spoken of. Our altar is a spiritual one upon which spiritual sacrifices are offered. “By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:15-16). Peter also writes: “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5).
It is good to remind ourselves that the word church in Scripture never refers to a building but always believers. “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem” (Acts 11:2222Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. (Acts 11:22)). Buildings don’t have ears! The church of God—also called the body of Christ—is composed of all true believers of this present dispensation (Eph. 1:22-23). We also read of local churches. In the apostles’ day these consisted of the believers at a locality—for example: “the church which was in Jerusalem”; “the churches of Galatia”; “the church of God which is at Corinth” (Acts 11:22; Gal. 1:2; 1 Cor. 1:2). Unfortunately, one must say in the apostles’ day because churches today are not expressive of the Body of Christ. Congregations are formed around leaders, teachers, charters, objectives, and every other principle except the one laid out in the Word of God. Scripture does not call such gatherings churches; they are identified as sectarian divisions (1 Cor. 1:12-13; 11:18-19).
We must also recognize from Scripture that the local church is not simply a gathering of believers. The two or three in Matthew 18:16 are distinguished from the church; the two or three “gathered together in My name” (Matt. 18:16-17,20). To be gathered together in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is an act of the Spirit of God. The Lord has given us the promise of His presence when we are so gathered: “there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20). It is not because Christ comes to us, but because we are gathered to Him. “Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach” (Heb. 13:10, 13). It is not a position of glory but one of reproach.
Sadly, the promise of the Lord’s presence has been reduced to a meaningless expression. It has become man’s endorsement of that which he creates. The Lord is given little honor and no authority in the assembly. If we truly recognized that the Lord Jesus is present when we are gathered together unto His Name, then what carefulness, what reverence, and what worship it would produce! Christ is the center of our worship, both as our gathering point and also as our object.
It’s Not About Us
God seeks worship over ministry. This is not something new to this dispensation. The book of Leviticus, with its detailed description of worship under the law, comes before the book of Numbers which takes up the subject of service. In worship man speaks to God, whereas in ministry God uses His servant to address the needs of man. When the disciples rebuked Mary for wasting the ointment on Jesus—an act of worship—the Lord’s reply was: “Let her alone: against the day of My burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you; but Me ye have not always” (John 12:7-8). Did the Lord not care about the poor? Most certainly He did. One cannot read the gospels and come to any other conclusion. Paul wrote to the Galatians: “They would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do” (Gal. 2:10). And yet, worship must take precedence, even over our service to the poor. In fact, we cannot possibly be rightly motivated to serve the poor unless Christ first of all fills our heart. To divorce service from Christ is to make it an entirely human endeavor.
When we worship we should be careful not to be occupied with ourselves. Under the law, the sacrifices brought year after year were constant reminders of sin. “In those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year” (Heb. 10:3). Christian worship, on the other hand, rests upon the full knowledge of sins forgiven. To focus on our old, fallen nature and what we have been saved out of, or our present failures, or, for that matter, anything that brings us into the picture, detracts from worship.
Sometimes we may feel that if we understood our utter depravity a little better, then we would understand the greatness of God’s love a little better. It is important to see that “in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing” (Rom. 7:18), else pride and flesh will display itself in worship. But we also need to recognize that we can never understand the love of God by looking within or at this world around us. We must look to God Himself, “for God is love” (1 John 4:8). And the greatest expression of that love was when He sent His Son to die: “Hereby we have known love, because He has laid down His life for us” (1 John 3:16 JND). It is this alone that will produce a response in our hearts: “We love because He has first loved us” (1 John 4:19 JND).
To repeat: self-contemplation will not produce worship; we must be occupied with the Father and the Son. We worship because of our blessings, not to celebrate them. Our worship should be focused on the Deliverer and less so our deliverance. Remember, the work that the Lord Jesus accomplished on our behalf pales in comparison to His work of propitiation. In the latter, Christ fully vindicated the holy and righteous character of God and brought untold glory to His name.
When a man loves a girl, she completely fills his thoughts—it’s less about what she does for him (and certainly not what he does for her), rather it’s all about her! Her beauty, the lilt of her voice, the expression of her face, her eyes! Reverently speaking, have we ever looked upon God in this way, or is He some distant, dark, brooding figure? If so, then we don’t know the love of God, and we are not in a good place to worship. Worship rises up to God Himself, and the heart loses itself in the contemplation of His excellencies.
If we don’t spend time in the presence of God during the week, in the quietness of meditation, resting in the beauty of His love, we’re not going to have much to offer up in worship come Lord’s Day. When we begin to see the true character of worship, it completely changes the way we view it. There is a reverence due His holy and awe-inspiring presence.
Does It Matter?
Earlier we considered this verse: “They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). It’s not a question of should but must. We cannot label that which we offer up to the Lord as worship if it’s not in spirit and in truth. I recently came across a definition that described “anything that brings pleasure to God” as worship. This is not true. Worship is a distinct act. Abraham and Isaac went to Mount Moriah to worship. His step of obedience and faith was certainly pleasing to God (as James 2 proves), but in itself it was not worship. Abraham went to worship. In the time of Malachi the prophet, the priests were offering sacrifices that were blind, lame, and sick. They had become indifferent to the honor due to God—and yet they called it worship. I fear that we live in a similar day.
In Christendom there has been a movement away from formal worship. Just recently I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Nature is my Church.” There is the attitude that we can worship God anywhere, anyhow. If sitting on a mountain top enjoying the grandeur of God’s creation produces awe, this, we are told, is worship. I would, however, suggest that this is little more than doing that which brings pleasure to self under the guise of so-called worship. Is this what God has asked of us? What does Scripture say? “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. . . . Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is” (Heb. 10:22,25). And, while there is nothing wrong with acknowledging God as Creator in our worship, if this is the sole extent of our enjoyment of God, then we do not understand the relationship into which we have been brought. Furthermore, it ignores the effect of sin, leaves the Lord Jesus and the cross out of the picture, and, in effect, takes us back to the Garden of Eden.
Things to Consider
Worship is expressed to the Father according to the relationship into which we have been brought; its grand subject is the Lord Jesus Christ.
The remembrance of the Lord Jesus in His death is central to Christian worship.
We worship in spirit without the trappings of an earthly religion.
The Spirit of God should be given place to lead; worship is not the collective expression of individual sentiments.
If we have truly been gathered together unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have the promise of His presence in the midst.
In worship we should be more occupied with the excellencies of the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ than with our deliverance and blessings.
Ministry is not worship.